Syd Barrett, the pioneering songwriter, artist and founding member of Pink Floyd, is being celebrated for what would have been his 80th birthday at Cambridge Corn Exchange, where he gave his final live performance on 24 February 1972. On 10 October, audiences will experience a special concert featuring Kula Shaker, Soft Machine, Men on the Border, Diana Silveira & The Psychedelic Circus, Radhika and Pünk Floyd, with additional surprise guests still to be announced. The event will also feature an immersive liquid light show by Los Angeles visual artist The Mad Alchemist. Tickets will go on sale this coming Friday, 19th June at 10am here: cornex.co.uk

The anniversary will also be marked by the release of a commemorative double vinyl and double CD album titled Clowns And Jugglers: The Songs Of Syd Barrett on 9 October 2026, featuring new recordings, previously unreleased material and standout live performances celebrating Barrett’s enduring influence. Contributors include Kula Shaker, All About Eve, Mystery Jets, Rosalie Cunningham, David Gilmour and Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1) Arnold Layne – Pink Floyd
2) Astronomy Domine – Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets
3) See Emily Play – All About Eve
4) Love You – Mystery Jets
5) Chapter 24 – Violeta de Outono
6) Two Of A Kind – Dave Harris & Zeus B Held

Side 2

1) No Good Trying/Interstellar Overdrive – Kula Shaker
2) Apples & Oranges – Voyage 35
3) Gigolo Aunt – Robyn Hitchcock ft. John Paul Jones
4) Lucifer Sam – Rosalie Cunningham
5) Golden Hair – Tim Bowness
6) Effervescing Elephant – Jim Sclavunos

Side 3

1) Rhamadan (edit) – Soft Machine
2) Long Gone – Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats
3) Matilda Mother – Radhika ft. Norman Blake & Future Pilot AKA
4) Scream Thy Last Scream – Men On The Border
5) Bike – Pünk Barrett

Side 4

1) Octopus (edit) – Diana Silveira x The Psychedelic Circus
2) Baby Lemonade – Love with Johnny Echols
3) Terrapin – Henge
4) Late Night – Theo Travis / RichKo vocal
5) Arnold Layne – David Gilmour / David Bowie vocal

Alongside the concert and album, a major exhibition exploring Barrett’s life, art and cultural impact will run from 3–9 October at camopen.space. The exhibition will feature original paintings and sketches by Barrett, work from guest artists, and a programme of talks from leading biographers examining the legacy of one of Britain’s most influential creative figures.

All proceeds will be donated to mental health charities.

Neil Jones co-organiser of the events, said: “Eighty years after his birth, Syd Barrett’s influence remains as powerful as ever. His music, creativity and unique vision continue to inspire artists and audiences across generations. It’s especially fitting that this celebration takes place in Cambridge, the city at the heart of his story. Bringing together live music, art and a new album on World Mental Health Day is a fitting tribute to one of the city’s most extraordinary cultural figures”.

Rosemary Breen, Barrett’s sister, said: “The family wholeheartedly support these exciting events in aid of mental health charities. Syd would have been so happy and honoured to know his music was still being enjoyed in Cambridge.”