The Alma is a much-loved former brewery-tap pub at 26 Russell Court, just off Hills Road near Cambridge city centre, and it's the long-running home of the Songsmith Sessions — a singer-songwriter open mic on the third Sunday of each month from 7:30pm, presented by Ezio Lunedei and compered by Tom Dalpra. Entry is always free. The sessions have run since 2011 and focus on acoustic and electro-acoustic performance — original material very much welcome. There's a house PA, so the standing advice is "just bring your instrument and plug in and play". The Alma is also a proper local: six well-kept real ales, a good pub menu, free wi-fi, a Thursday quiz, and three big screens for the football and rugby. Call 01223 316722 to confirm the next Songsmith date.
The Alma Open Mic
Russell Court's sunday-night free open mic at The Alma — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Alma Open Mic — Quick Facts
Russell Court's sunday-night free open mic at The Alma — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The Alma26 Russell Court
Russell Court
Cambridge CB2 1HW
Russell Court, Cambridge — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
What’s on in Cambridge this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The Alma
About This Open Mic
The Night
The Alma on Russell Court is home to the Songsmith Sessions, a long-running singer-songwriters' open mic held on the third Sunday of each month from 7.30pm. Now well into its sixteenth year and run by Ezio and Tom, it's free to play or just to listen. There's a house PA — bring your instrument, plug in and play. A welcoming, songwriter-focused room at a proper real-ale pub.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Alma’s Sunday night runs.
Find The Alma
26 Russell Court, Russell Court, Cambridge CB2 1HW
Planning Your Sunday Night
Arrive by 19:00 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until 23:00. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Cambridge live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Cambridge's The Alma open mic.
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