📅 Saturday 6 September 2025
🕛 12pm–4.30pm
📍 The Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge
🎟 Free admission
Cambridge’s oldest surviving complete building, the Leper Chapel, will once again come alive with the sights and sounds of history as the Stourbridge Medieval Fair returns on Saturday 6 September.
The day begins at noon with the traditional opening proclamation, given by the Proctor of Cambridge University and joined by the Deputy Mayor of Cambridge. Known as the ‘Cry,’ this ancient ritual once set out the rules for the fair — from regulating beer sales to keeping bad behaviour in check.
A living tradition
First held in 1211 with permission from King John, Stourbridge Fair grew into the largest medieval fair in Europe. At its peak it was so vast that it resembled a small town, complete with named streets such as Garlic Row, Oyster Row and Mercer’s Row. Though the fair faded in the 20th century, it was revived in 2004 by Cambridge Past, Present & Future, the local charity that owns and cares for the Leper Chapel.
“The event helps people connect with 900 years of fascinating history while embracing the modern world,” says organiser Jess Norris. “It’s also a celebration of local culture and creativity, offering a chance for people of all ages to have fun and immerse themselves in the traditions of the fair.”
What to expect
Visitors can enjoy a lively mix of history, entertainment, and community spirit throughout the afternoon:
Storytelling for all ages with the Cambridge Storytellers
Puppet shows of The Adventures of Don Quixote
Talks inside the Chapel on medieval medicine, the history of the fair, and the building itself
Traditional dancing performed by The Capriol Society for Early Dance
Music, stalls, and activities bringing the medieval atmosphere to life
It’s also a rare opportunity to step inside the Grade I listed Leper Chapel — normally closed to the public — and experience one of Cambridge’s hidden treasures.
What’s On
12:00: Opening & Proclamation With the University Proctors, Marshals and Constables and the Deputy Mayor of Cambridge
12:30: Storytelling For All Ages Cambridge Storytellers ~ Behind the Chapel
1:00: ‘The Chapel & Stourbridge Fair’ History Talk by Honor Ridout ~ In the Chapel
‘The Adventures of Don Quixote’ Puppet Show by Quentin Robinson ~ Over the hedge
1:30: A Chapel, A Dump & A Community Asset by CPPF Estates Manager Allan Scott- Davies ~ In the Chapel
Traditional Fair Dance The Capriol Society for Early Dance ~ On the lawn
Storytelling For All Ages Cambridge Storytellers ~ Behind the Chapel
2:00: ‘Medieval Plants and Potions For Pain’ A Talk by Gwenda Kyd ~ In the Chapel
‘The Adventures of Don Quixote’ Puppet Show by Quentin Robinson ~ Over the hedge
2:30: ‘The Chapel & Stourbridge Fair’ History Talk by Honor Ridout ~ In the Chapel
Traditional Fair Dance The Capriol Society for Early Dance ~ On the lawn
Storytelling For All Ages Cambridge Storytellers ~ Behind the Chapel
3:00: ‘Preventative Plants in Medieval Medicine’ A Talk by Gwenda Kyd ~ In the Chapel
‘The Adventures of Don Quixote’ Puppet Show by Quentin Robinson ~ Over the hedge
Join us
The Stourbridge Medieval Fair is free to attend and open to everyone. Come for an afternoon of history, music, performance, and community celebration at the edge of Cambridge.
To read more about the Leper Chapel click here: The Leper Chapel
