Mayor to open Eco-Festival, 26 September

With the effects of climate change so much on our minds after a summer of heatwaves and drought, the event to be opened by the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Maria Cleminson, on Saturday 26 September could not be more apt. The Eco-Festival at St John the Evangelist Church in Cambridge will highlight practical ways for us to live more sustainably and take steps to reduce, re-use, repair and recycle.

The free entry, family-friendly event runs from 12 noon until 3pm and will include information stalls from Cambridge Carbon Footprint, Friends of the River Cam and the Cambridgeshire Association of Beekeepers, as well as stalls selling sustainable crafts such as basketry, ceramics and fragrances, all by local makers. Owl Bikes (the Papworth Trust) will be offering basic cycle repairs eg punctures, brakes and gear fixes at budget prices, and there will also be pre-enjoyed children’s books, garden plants, crafting materials and collectables on sale, or sometimes free (give a donation if you wish).

During the early part of the afternoon The Offshoot Flutes, a group of players from the Mawson Road Community Orchestra, will be providing background music. Homemade soup and cakes will also be on sale, and there will be a nature-themed craft activity for children.

The Revd Canon James Shakespeare, Vicar of St John the Evangelist, said:

“The Eco-Festival reminds us of the small things we can do to take better care of our beautiful plant and, as we know, if we all do those small things then the effect can be huge.

“At St John’s we are also facing bigger challenges – in particular, how to move away from fossil fuel to a net zero carbon energy supply. This is an expensive and long term project but one we are determined to tackle.

“In the meantime, enjoy the Eco-Festival! It’s a great way to spend an afternoon - come for lunch, enjoy the music, have your bike fixed, chat with local environmental experts and do some eco-shopping. We hope you will go home with armfuls of goodies and a broader knowledge of how to achieve lower-carbon living.”

The Eco-Festival is at St John the Evangelist Church, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8RN on Saturday 26 September 2026, from 12 noon to 3pm.

Eco-Fest 2026

18/09/2026

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Planning your Visit

New to Church?

If you are planning your first visit to St John’s, welcome! We hope the information below will help you.

Our Sunday morning services begin at 10.00am. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of our welcoming team who will help you find somewhere to sit and will give you a service booklet and a hymn book. Please see our ‘Sunday services’ page for more details of services and times.
We serve tea, coffee and biscuits after the morning service and we hope very much that you will stay for a chat. All refreshments are free.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access through powered double doors, and an accessible toilet. We have a small car park, and there is free parking on a Sunday in the surrounding streets. You may wish to arrive 10-15 minutes early if you need a parking space close to the church.

You can expect:
- A warm welcome, with everything you need to follow the service easily;
- Beautiful music in the English choral tradition at both Sunday services, led by the St John's choir and organist;
- A talk or sermon, usually focused on the readings we have heard;
- On Sunday and Wednesday mornings, tea or coffee afterwards and time to chat with others.

What about children?
We have a regular Children’s Church on Sunday mornings for 4-11 year-olds. The children learn about the same Bible readings we are hearing in church, with games, activities and prayers. We also have an All-Age service, where everybody worships together, on the first Sunday of each month. Find out more about Children's Ministry.