East of England and East Midlands
The Cambridge Classical Association
The Cambridge branch organises a full programme of events throughout the year for anyone interested in the classics, teachers and students. This includes lectures from Cambridge University academics, Junior, Intermediate and Senior Greek and Latin Reading Competitions, the Ludi Scaenici and an Ancient History Essay Competition.
For more information about any of the events, please contact the secretary Molly Willett at
Classical Association Talk | After Dark in Ancient Greece
Mon 11 May 2026 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Faculty of Classics, University of Cambridge, CB3 9DA
Dr Samuel Gartland, Associate Professor in Ancient Greek History and Culture, University of Leeds.
When the sun went down in ancient Greece, life did not stop. This talk explores nightlife, night work, fear, and freedom, asking who enjoyed the night and who paid the price for it. From family homes to city streets and rural landscapes, the ancient night turns out to be busier, stranger, and more familiar than we might expect.
Join us in person or online!
Tickets can be obtained here
Ludi Scaenici
Wednesday 24 June 2026
St Mary’s School in Cambridge
This very enjoyable drama competition is aimed at students in Year 7-9 . Here is some guidance for those who haven’t taken part before:
• The play must be a short, original piece of writing in “simple Latin” (defined as the grammar introduced in Cambridge Latin Course Book 1, with the addition of possum/volo + infinitive). It is recommended that the play should be simple and brief; the audience should be able to follow what is going on from watching the performance itself with only a short summary provided in the programme by way of further guidance.
• When performed, the play should last for no longer than about 5 minutes.
• Lines should have been learned by the cast, and should not be read from a script during the performance.
• Costumes and props are welcome, but please note that we are unable to provide any changing facilities for visiting schools. You are more than welcome to arrive, dressed to perform!
• Performances will be judged partly on the Latin (and its pronunciation) and partly on the dramatic quality of the performance.
Please contact rlyon@stmaryscambridge.co.uk if you have any questions about this event.