Music | Cambridge, 3 – 10 October 2026
Next week, Cambridge marks what would have been the 80th birthday year of Syd Barrett, the pioneering songwriter, artist and co-founder of Pink Floyd. Supported by Barrett’s family, the celebrations bring together music, art, film and talks in the city he called home, and all proceeds go to mental health charities. Cambridge is under an hour by train from London King’s Cross, so it makes a brilliant day trip for any Floyd fan.
Here are five ways to join in.
1. See Syd’s own paintings
Barrett was a gifted painter as well as a musician, and after leaving Pink Floyd he returned to art for much of his life. From Saturday 3 to Saturday 10 October, a landmark exhibition at Openspace Gallery showcases his original paintings, along with a signed Mick Rock photograph of Syd. You’ll also see work by guest artists celebrating his life, including his nephew Ian Barrett and album sleeve artist Mark Wilkinson. It’s a rare chance to discover a lesser-known side of a musical legend. Note that the gallery is closed on Monday 5 October.
2. A charity album with David Gilmour and David Bowie
Clowns and Jugglers: The Songs of Syd Barrett is released on Friday 9 October on double coloured vinyl and double CD. The highlight is David Gilmour’s performance of “Arnold Layne” with David Bowie on vocals. It also features Pink Floyd, Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, Kula Shaker, Martha Wainwright, Soft Machine, Mystery Jets, Robyn Hitchcock and more, performing classics such as “See Emily Play”, “Astronomy Domine”, “Lucifer Sam”, “Bike” and “Octopus”. It’s mastered by Jon Astley, who has worked with the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney, and it’s available to pre-order now.
3. Hear from Syd’s biographer
On Friday 9 October at 2pm, Rob Chapman, author of the acclaimed biography A Very Irregular Head, will talk about Syd’s life and work and the writing of the book at Openspace Gallery. With only 50 tickets available, this is an intimate event, so book quickly if you’d like to go.
4. Unseen film footage and a special screening
Also on 9 October, filmmaker Roddy Bogawa, director of the documentary Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd, will show previously unseen outtakes at Openspace Gallery at 5pm (again, just 50 tickets). Then at 8.30pm, Cambridge Picturehouse screens the full documentary, followed by a Q&A with Bogawa and producers Rupert Truman and Julius Beltrame.
5. A concert where Syd played his last show
The week ends on Saturday 10 October, World Mental Health Day, with a concert at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. It’s the very venue where Syd played his last ever live performance, on 24 February 1972. Kula Shaker headline, with Soft Machine, Pünk Floyd and other bands inspired by Syd, plus surprise guests and a liquid light show by The Mad Alchemist. The concert is already sold out, but the other events are a great way to share in the celebrations.
Events at a glance
3–10 October: Syd Barrett exhibition, Openspace Gallery, 54a Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7AA (closed Monday 5 October)
Friday 9 October: Clowns and Jugglers: The Songs of Syd Barrett released
Friday 9 October, 2pm: Rob Chapman talk, Openspace Gallery (50 tickets)
Friday 9 October, 5pm: Roddy Bogawa talk and unseen outtakes, Openspace Gallery (50 tickets)
Friday 9 October, 8.30pm: Have You Got It Yet? screening and Q&A, Cambridge Picturehouse
Saturday 10 October: Syd Barrett 80th Birthday Concert, Cambridge Corn Exchange (sold out)