About Storey’s Field Centre
Storey’s Field Centre is a purpose-built community and performance venue at the heart of Eddington, Cambridge’s new North-West development (about 2 km northwest of the city centre) (eumiesawards.com ). Opened in 2018, it was jointly funded by the University of Cambridge and Cambridge City Council and is managed by the Storey’s Field Community Trust (a registered charity set up in 2014) (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ). Designed by the MUMA architectural practice, the single-storey building has won multiple awards (RIBA East Building of the Year 2018 and a RIBA National Award 2018) (www.sarahpricelandscapes.com ) (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ). Its economy covers about 1,900 m², featuring one large hall and two smaller rooms, with landscaping by Sarah Price that incorporates four gardens around the site (www.sarahpricelandscapes.com ) (www.wienerberger.co.uk ). The main hall fits about 180 people seated (theatre style) or up to 270 standing (www.cambridgeartsnetwork.com ) (www.architecturalrecord.com ), with a second hall for roughly 50 people and a small 20-person meeting room. At 15 m high, the oak-lined main hall offers exceptional acoustics – its timber portal frames and textured brick walls diffuse sound, and retractable curtains control reverberation for any event (www.architecturalrecord.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). In short, Storey’s Field Centre is a modern, multi-use arts venue and community hub – its official literature even calls it “the civic heart of the community” (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ). The centre is BREEAM Outstanding rated, with sustainable features (cross-ventilation via an underground “labyrinth”, district heating and rooftop solar panels) (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ) (www.architecturalrecord.com ), reflecting Cambridge’s emphasis on green development.
Events and Programming
Storey’s Field Centre hosts a very wide range of activities, from community classes and meetings to music, dance and theatre. The programme is deliberately diverse: early events included family science workshops (Cambridge Science Festival talks), ceilidh dances and swing weekends, and local jazz and folk concerts (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ). On any given week you might find a Sunday jazz breakfast concert, a folk or indie gig in the evening, art and craft fairs in the foyer, or weekday fitness and cultural classes. For example, the main hall has held singer-songwriter concerts (recent headliners include Boo Hewerdine & Reg Meuross, Nerina Pallot, Roo Panes and Tom Robinson) (www.songkick.com ) (musiclivecambridge.com ); tribute bands (Daft Funk, a Daft Punk tribute) and local cover bands; comedy nights and drama performances; and workshops (dance classes, yoga and Pilates). The venue also participates in Cambridge’s festival scene – it often runs fringe shows for the Cambridge Jazz Festival and Festival of Ideas (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ), and this part of the city even sees acts from the Cambridge Folk Festival series (in 2025, Folk Festival events included Roo Panes and Nerina Pallot at the Centre (musiclivecambridge.com )).
On the community side, Storey’s Field runs many regular groups and classes. Weekly activities include jazzercise fitness, baby-and-toddler groups, art and painting classes, folk-craft club, language courses and the Stagecoach drama school (whose end-of-term performances were moved here) (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ) (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ). There’s also a free community café (“Eddie’s”) held every Monday morning in the foyer (serving coffee, cake and hot drinks) (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ). Outside of permanent events, the hall is available for private hire: it regularly hosts weddings, memorial services, conferences, parties and community meetings. In fact, promotional materials describe it as “a versatile space that can host weddings, memorial services, music concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, parties, meetings, exercise classes and more” (www.wienerberger.co.uk ) (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ). Concert admission prices vary by show – smaller local gigs might be around £10–15, while bigger-name or festival-linked concerts can go up to £20–25. (Exact prices are listed on ticket pages for each event; advance sales open several weeks ahead.) For popular acts, shows can sell out, so it’s wise to buy early.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are usually sold in advance online and at local outlets (see event listings). The Storey’s Field Centre’s own website and box office details are the authoritative source for each show. There is no walk-up box office counter open every day, but staff can be contacted by phone (01223 656696) for enquiries (www.admin.cam.ac.uk ). Many shows use third-party ticketing (the venue may link to these); it’s best to avoid waiting, since the small hall can sell out. For most events tickets go on sale a few weeks ahead. If a concert is popular, you’ll likely see listings on sites like Songkick or Ents24, or on local promoters’ pages (e.g. Cambridge’s Green Mind promotions have booked many gigs here (eddington-cambridge.co.uk )).
Day-of-door sales may be possible for less-crowded events, but don’t rely on that for big concerts. As a rule, plan to purchase online or from an approved outlet before the event. Keep your ticket email or draw confirmation handy (the staff will scan it or check names). Doors for concerts typically open 30–60 minutes before the start time. There are no formal VIP or tiered seating areas – seating is general admission (chairs set up on the floor) unless your ticket says otherwise. Some community classes or talks might have separate booking arrangements. Group bookings can sometimes be arranged through the Centre’s administration (email or call ahead for details). For any questions, the centre’s contact info (including its address on Eddington Avenue and phone 01223 656696) is listed in its official listings (www.admin.cam.ac.uk ).
Seating and Layout
The building has three main rooms: the large Main Hall (approximately 180 seats theatre-style), a medium studio (up to 50 seats), and a smaller meeting room (about 20 seats) (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ). The Main Hall is a wide, flat-floor space with no fixed seats or balcony – all seating is movable (usually arranged in rows for seated shows, or cleared for standing-room concerts). The stage area is at one end of the hall. Thanks to the high, sloping ceiling and wide layout, sightlines are generally good: most seats (or standing spots) will have an unobstructed view of the performers. The hall’s design maximises acoustics, so even seats at the sides still hear well. For musical events, the front rows give an immersive experience, while mid-hall centre seats are a good balance of sound and sightline. (In practice, with only 180 seats, there are very few truly “bad” spots.)
Main Hall: Seats about 180 in theatre configuration (rows of chairs on the flat floor). For acoustic events, people often spread across the floor. Standing gigs can accommodate up to 270 spectators. The hall is 15 m high at its apex, and large north-facing windows at the back of the hall provide natural light and views out to the Cambridgeshire fields (www.architecturalrecord.com ). A slender mezzanine level at the rear houses lighting and sound rigs (accessed by a small spiral stair) (www.architecturalrecord.com ).Studio Hall (Medium Room): Holds roughly 50 people seated in rows or small tables. It’s used for medium-sized group classes, film screenings or lectures.Meeting Room (Small Room): A board-room sized space for ~20 people sitting conference-style. Ideal for club meetings, small workshops, or parent-and-toddler groups.
For any seated event, the best locations are generally in the centre third of the Main Hall: this balances being close enough to the stage for engagement, but far enough back to see and hear the whole show. Sides/front-corner seats are still fine, but may have a more angled view. If you prefer not to stand, arriving early to claim a row-seat is a smart move for busy gigs. Note that the venue has no separate VIP or elevated seating: even front-row seats might be only rope barriers from the stage. Also, a helpful feature is the hall’s hearing loop (for those wearing hearing aids) (www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk ), so visitors can comfortably enjoy the sound system.
Getting There and Parking
Address: Storey’s Field Centre is on Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 1AA (www.cambridgeartsnetwork.com ). It sits adjacent to Eddington’s public green spaces and about 2 km from the city centre (eumiesawards.com ). For navigation, enter “Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington”.
By Bus: The dedicated Universal bus routes U1 and U2 serve Eddington. Both stop right outside the centre, with departures about every 10–15 minutes during the day. (Note: on Monday–Saturday the last U1/U2 bus leaves at 22:24 from outside; on Sunday it’s around 19:50 (www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk ).) You can also use Stagecoach service 4 or Whippet X3 from the Madingley Road Park & Ride to the nearby Science Park (then walk 10 mins), and Stagecoach routes 5 or 6 from Huntingdon Road towards the centre (www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk ). Cambridge bus passes and contactless payment work on these routes.By Car: There is almost no free public parking on site for events. Cambridge University’s Eddington development operates strict parking controls. Visitors are strongly advised to use Madingley Road Park & Ride (about 1 mile from Eddington). The P&R lot is free for up to 18 hours if you register, and a new paved footpath leads you north from the car park into Eddington – about a 5–10 minute walk to the venue (www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk ). If parking closer, note that on-street bays in Eddington require payment (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat-Sun 10am–5pm) and are usually limited to 2–4 hour stays. There are a few short-stay and disabled bays on-site, but most are reserved for residents. Blue Badge holders do have three designated spaces right by the centre (www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk ), but the usual time limits still apply.By Bicycle or On Foot: The venue is very cycle-friendly. Eddington is just a 10-15 minute bike ride from central Cambridge via the Ridgeway cycleway, which runs past the site (www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk ). Ample cycle parking stands are provided at the building. On foot, it’s a manageable 30–45 minute walk from the city’s west side. Pedestrians and cyclists share many routes in Eddington, and signposted paths connect Huntingdon Road and Madingley Road to Storey’s Field Centre.
Inside the Venue
When you enter Storey’s Field Centre, you’ll find a clean, modern foyer leading into the halls. The atmosphere is light and spacious (beige brick and pale oak paneling), as many visitors note (www.tripadvisor.com ) (wanderlog.com ). The staff and volunteers running the venue are generally friendly – one review even praised “excellent staff assistance” (wanderlog.com ). Security checks are minimal (some concerts may search bags quickly), and there is no strict dress code – come in smart-casual or whatever keeps you comfortable. Most people dress casually (jeans, shirt, etc) for music events and informal shows. If it’s a special gala or dance recital you might dress up a little more, but you’ll fit in regardless.
Queue and Entry: Doors usually open 20–30 minutes before events. If tickets are needed at the door (cash or card), purchase here. For big shows, a small queue may form at peak times, but the room is seldom overcrowded. The foyer has a seating area and noticeboards showing upcoming events.Food & Drink: There is no full restaurant on site, but for many evening events a refreshment cart or bar is set up in the foyer. They typically serve tea/coffee, soft drinks and sometimes local Cambridgeshire beers (even gluten-free options as one review mentioned (wanderlog.com )). On Mondays a free “Eddie’s” community café operates with hot drinks and cakes (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ). If you need a proper pre-show meal, the closest cafés and shops are at the Eddington development’s local centre (a short walk away), or on Huntingdon Road by Cambridge Blue pub (about a 15-min cycle or bus ride).Restrooms: Restrooms (including wheelchair-accessible toilets) are on-site. The Main Hall and smaller rooms each have toilets nearby. Changing facilities for performers are available when needed. The venue is completely non-smoking (including e-cigarettes); smoking is only allowed in marked outdoor areas away from the entrances.Accessibility: The entire centre is on one floor (no steps) (www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk ). Doors are wide for wheelchair access, and there are ramps to any small level changes. Inside the Main Hall, there is level access to every seating position. In the main hall, a hearing loop is installed for the hard-of-hearing (www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk ). Assistive-listening devices may be available via the staff. People with mobility needs will find it easy to navigate (elevators are not needed).Coats and Belongings: There is no formal cloakroom or coat check. Most guests keep jackets on their seats or leave them at coat racks in the foyer. Large bags may need checking at concerts (use your own judgment). Small day bags are fine.Intermission and Waiting Areas: There is a pleasant breakout area between the halls. During events with an intermission, use this space to stretch your legs or grab a drink. It overlooks one of the landscaped courtyards, so you can see some of the playful outdoor garden elements while you sit.
Nearby Amenities
The Storey’s Field Centre sits in a new neighbourhood, so amenities are still growing. Immediately adjacent is the Eddington local centre, which now includes a Co-op supermarket and a small café (within about 5 minutes’ walk), plus a pharmacy and convenience stores. This is handy for quick snacks or forgotten items. For more restaurants or pubs, the Science Park area (just west of Eddington) has a few eateries, and Huntingdon Road (south of Eddington) has popular pubs like The Cambridge Blue or bread & roses cafe (about a 10-15 minute cycle ride away). Cambridge city centre is about 2 miles away – you can get there in 10 minutes by taxi, or 20 minutes by bus – where you’ll find hundreds of cafes, pubs and restaurants.
If you need to stay overnight, there are several hotels in Cambridge within a short drive or bus ride: for example the University’s Graduate College accommodation (St Edmund’s), or city-centre options like Holiday Inn Express. The closest one on Eddington’s fringe is the Cambridge Belfry Hotel (just south on Madingley Road). Otherwise most visitors book in Cambridge itself and travel out for the show. Late-night travel options include Hackney cabs or ride-hailing apps – the bus service ends around 10:30pm, so for very late events you’ll likely take a taxi back.
What Makes Storey’s Field Centre Special
Fans and locals love Storey’s Field Centre not just for its events but for its distinctive character. Architecturally, the building draws on both Cambridge tradition and modern design. It has high, chapel-like timber frames and textured cream brick that one reviewer praised as “humane architecture of a high order” (www.architecturalrecord.com ). The facade uses hand-made bricks (Wienerberger Con Mosso) in clever patterns and even porthole-shaped windows for visual interest (www.wienerberger.co.uk ). Inside, the pale oak paneling and large north-facing windows make the hall feel warm and open – you can see across to the fields (one feature photo shows an unobstructed view of the countryside through a tall glass wall) (www.architecturalrecord.com ).
Culturally, its significance is growing. University and city leaders intended it as the “civic heart” of Eddington, and it really serves that purpose – it’s a community centre, nursery and theatre all in one (eddington-cambridge.co.uk ) (www.wienerberger.co.uk ). Unlike older Cambridge venues, this one was built after talking with locals, so it has amenities people asked for (e.g. a baby-friendly quiet room, modern changing spaces, etc). Many have noted the excellent acoustics and friendly vibe – one early visitor said “the acoustics are incredibly good…surrounded by wood to give fantastic sound” (www.tripadvisor.com ). The centre also introduced new traditions: its free Monday café, community craft fairs, and open day events make it more than just a “showplace” – it’s where neighbours meet. Artists appreciate it too: performers often comment on the warm sound and modern lighting rig, and the fact that it’s a high-quality stage with none of the quirks of older halls. The storey’s name itself evokes the idea of a “field” or open space – and indeed the building sits with open lawns on one side, giving it a unique rural feel despite being in the city area. Combined with the state-of-the-art sound and lights (specialist firms like Sound Space Vision and Lumineer were consultants on its AV systems (eumiesawards.com )), this venue is both highly functional and distinctly Cambridge in its design pride.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Centre is single-level throughout (www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk ). Wheelchair users or those pushing prams can reach every area easily. Accessible toilets are available; hearing-impaired visitors can use the in-built induction loop in the main hall (www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk ). If you have any special requirements (e.g. needing assistance), you can contact the Centre in advance – they’re generally happy to help make visits smooth.What to Bring: No formal dress code is enforced – come comfortable. For concerts, you might bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music (the hall’s acoustics are crisp, so shows can be loud). If you plan to buy drinks onsite, bring photo ID (e.g. passport or driver’s license) – alcohol is served at many evening events. A portable phone charger is wise if you plan to text or use rideshares late at night. Note that there’s no large coat-rack, so a small handbag or backpack is enough for personal items. Cameras are generally allowed (no professional flash shooting unless the artist’s policy says otherwise).Age Restrictions: Most events are all-ages, but some evening shows (especially with alcohol) may be 15+ or 18+. Check the event listing. Children are welcome at family-friendly shows; however, for child-safety concerts and late-night gigs it’s often recommended that very young kids be accompanied by an adult.Smoking: Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside. If you need a cigarette, step outside to the designated outdoor areas.Refreshments: On event days there will often be a small bar selling drinks and snacks. If no refreshments are provided, there are drink fountains in the lobby. For any lengthy event (concerts or a show), it’s a good idea to grab a drink beforehand or plan to purchase during interval – seating is general admission and there’s no intermission on some shows, so plan accordingly.Late-night Travel: The last buses leave Eddington around 22:30 on Saturdays, and earlier on Sundays (www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk ). After that, prepare for a taxi/Uber. The nearby Park & Ride stays open all night, but the gates close at midnight, so no overnight parking there. If driving, double-check site exit times (don’t risk a fine if you overstay). As a tip, many local fans cycle or scooter home after late gigs, since the area is flat and well-lit.Local Culture: Storey’s Field Centre has a very relaxed, community feel. Expect to see locals chatting in the foyer or participating in activities. The staff are usually very welcoming. If you’re new, you might even catch free community pop-ups (e.g. the Monday café or craft markets). One visitor noted the “airy building design” and free refreshments as highlights (wanderlog.com ). In short, it’s a friendly spot – no need to feel intimidated.Check for Special Events: Occasionally the Centre hosts one-off workshops or festival fringe events that aren’t on the main schedule – for instance, holiday fairs or University outreach nights. It’s worth looking at local Cambridge community boards or the Centre’s social media a few days before your visit, to see if anything extra is on. Finally, if you’re attending an outdoor summer event at the Centre’s fields (the centre often backs onto public green space), bring appropriate sun/rain gear – though note that the hall itself is fully sheltered (all indoor events happen in the covered halls).Quiet Hours: The building is used by the local community throughout the day, with club meetings or classes from morning through early evening. If an event is in the Main Hall, other rooms might still host yoga or toddler music in parallel. If arriving early, you’ll often find other groups active. Doors open 20–30 minutes before an event start; arriving early lets you settle in without rush.
