Bridgemas Explained

When does Christmas start for you? Will you break out the Christmas decorations on the first of December, start planning Christmas puddings in November, or wait until it's almost Christmas before you even open the mince pies? 

In Cambridge we do Christmas twice. The Michaelmas term ends on the 30th November, so we start the festive celebrations early. The popular name for this is 'Bridgemas'. We have our advent carol services this weekend, the Graduate Parlour are decorating their Christmas tree and soon the College tree will be up in Hall ready for Christmas formals. We also have strange but treasured traditions like the 'Pemgineers' annual construction in the library. In previous years they're created fireplaces, igloos, and Christmas trees out of books. 

Bridgemas is almost here, so here's a quick look back at last year's celebrations to get us in a festive mood...

Last year there were several Christmas trees in Pembroke, including the Pemgineers wonderful book-based version.

Last year's candlelit Carol service was a lovely occasion, and the Chapel was packed with people who joined us for an evening of music. This year we're holding two Carol services, one of which will include our newly-formed Girls' Choir. Information about the services is available here. Join us on the 25th November at 6pm for the service with the Girls' Choir and Chapel, or at 8:30pm on the 26th for our service with the Chapel Choir.

Another Pembroke tradition comes from the Catering department, who produce beautiful works of gingerbread art like last year's festive reproduction of Pembroke's Hall.

We hope we've helped bring the spirit of Bridgemas to a grey November day, and look forward to seeing you at one of our Carol services or the Christmas concert in the next few weeks.