What a busy weekend of international and domestic sport, The BIG weekend on Parkers Piece, Race for Life on Jesus green and the appearance again, after a break, of the yellow flags that indicate Open Studios is back. As I walked around my local streets it was a welcome return to pre covid times to see these tell-tale flags.

They indicate an artist is present and more importantly that they are opening their studio, often their house, for you to have a look. We are all a little nosey so it can be great fun to follow your nose down a small alleyway and see not only what the house and garden looks like but then explore some wonderful creations, be it art, video, ceramics, or jewellery. These independent artists are an important part of the community in Cambridge.

July 4th was National Independents Day and forms part of a national campaign supporting independent businesses that runs this week. We have over 250 Indies in the city, we refer to them as our hidden gems and we have a suite of videos, interviews and features about them on the Love Cambridge websites and across our social channels.

Independent businesses are owner operated, they offer an individual feel, they have curated their business and offer to meet a more local need, they have likely met the product supplier personally, maybe even seen the goods made and are able to give detailed advice.

As you walk around and enjoy your city, follow your nose and take time to visit these independent stores, get to know the owners, utilise their expert knowledge and let them help you in making some choices about what to buy, to wear, to eat and to drink. Open studios in on weekends in July, our great independents are here to stay if you support them.