Sombre exam hall by day and pumped up concert venue by night, meet the Jekyll and Hyde of Cambridge’s auditorium, the Cambridge Corn Exchange! Situated in the corner of Wheeler Street and Corn Exchange Street, this site was initially the remains of the Priory of Friar’s Hermits until 1875, when the new building’s first brick was laid. A quarter of a million breaks later in the same year and the building was born.

Upon the grand opening of the building, the Coldstream Guards and a local choir group played the National Anthem. Someone, somewhere stuck a bad note and the entire crowd erupted in rage and attacked the mayor’s house in retaliation! This became an international incident and because of this, visitors have made the CornEx a sight to see in the city! The venue’s had quite an exciting past with rabble rousing punk concerts and all kinds of events taking place in its halls.

Though it was actually built in order to fulfil the duty its title suggests, the venue has become synonymous with big events. Even during the 20th century, many events were held here including the first Motor Show, the London Symphony Orchestra, and loads of other activities. Finally, the venue was stopped being used for trading and during the 70’s, the venue was a popular rock concert stage and also held single day exhibitions.

Various world famous music groups have used it for their tours, such as The Who, Pink Floyd, Manic Street Preachers, Oasis, The Smiths, Iron Maiden, David Bowie and Queen! This is where the legendary Syd Barret made his last ever stage appearance. It was closed in 1981 and then refitted and reopened, as good as new, in ’86.

Today the Corn Exchange is home to screenings, musical performances, plays, ballets and shows of all kinds and is, more or less, a peaceful venue. Dances by nights and dioramas by day, it’s worth visiting this old, cosy venue to reminisce and catch a show or three. Also, visit the popular attractions in the city by following Cambridge itinerary 1 day.

• Leaving the stage area, St John's Bar is up the stairs on the first floor.
• The Corn Exchange box office is designed to cater for the needs of all our customers, including those with disabilities.
• Its features include: lowered kerb providing level access; automatic sliding doors; lowered counter; induction loop; leaflet rack accessible to people in wheelchairs.
• Signs are always displayed on the night of a show when strobe lighting is in use.

• Please note that only MasterCard, Maestro and Visa are accepted when buying tickets online.

• By Train: The Corn Exchange is approximately a 20 minute walk from the train station. Upon leaving the station go straight down Station Road and turn right onto Hills Road. Walk down Hills Road which leads on to Regent Street. Turn left into Downing Street, and then turn right after the Crowne Plaza hotel onto Corn Exchange Street. The Corn Exchange is at the bottom of this street.

Jamie’s Italian (Italian)

• Zizzi – Cambridge Bene’t Street (Italian, Mediterranean, Pizza, Pasta)
• Jinling Noodle Bar (Chinese)
• YO!Sushi (Sushi, Japanese)

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