A series of official events has been announced to mark what would have been the 80th birthday of Syd Barrett, the visionary founder of Pink Floyd. The programme includes a tribute concert, an art exhibition and a new compilation album, with proceeds supporting mental health charities.
Organised by Barrett’s family alongside Neil Jones, Mark Wilkinson and Rob Ayling, the celebrations will take place in Cambridge this October and honour the musician’s enduring influence on psychedelic rock, songwriting and visual art.
Syd Barrett tribute concert set for Cambridge Corn Exchange
The centrepiece of the anniversary celebrations will be a live tribute concert at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 10 October, which also coincides with World Mental Health Day.
The event will be headlined by Kula Shaker and feature performances from Soft Machine, Men on the Border, Diana Silveira & The Psychedelic Circus, Radhika and Pünk Flöyd.
The venue holds a special place in Barrett’s story, having hosted his final live performance in 1972.
Concertgoers will also experience an analogue liquid light show created by Los Angeles visual artist The Mad Alchemist, reflecting the psychedelic visual culture closely associated with Barrett’s work and early Pink Floyd performances.
New Syd Barrett compilation album announced
The celebrations will also include the release of Clowns and Jugglers: The Songs of Syd Barrett on 9 October.
The collection will be available exclusively as a double coloured vinyl set and double CD package and will feature rare recordings, archive material and live performances inspired by Barrett’s catalogue.
Among the artists featured are All About Eve and Mystery Jets, performing new interpretations of songs including See Emily Play and Astronomy Domine.
The compilation will also include recordings involving David Gilmour, featuring David Bowie, as well as performances from Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.
Art exhibition to showcase Barrett’s paintings
A dedicated exhibition celebrating Barrett’s artistic work will run from 3 to 9 October at camopen.space.
The exhibition will feature original paintings and sketches created by Barrett, offering fans a rare opportunity to explore his work beyond music.
Additional pieces will be contributed by his nephew Ian Barrett, photographer Mick Rock and artist Mark Wilkinson.
Family welcomes anniversary celebrations
Barrett’s sister, Rosemary Breen, welcomed the programme of events and reflected on her brother’s connection to Cambridge.
“Syd would have been so happy and honoured to know his music was still being enjoyed in Cambridge.”
Born in Cambridge on 6 January 1946, Syd Barrett was the founding creative force behind Pink Floyd, writing many of the group’s early songs before leaving the band in 1968.
Though his time in the spotlight was relatively brief, Barrett’s influence on psychedelic music, alternative rock and popular culture remains profound, with generations of musicians continuing to cite him as a major inspiration.
Tickets for the Cambridge Corn Exchange tribute concert go on sale on 19 June through the venue’s official website.
