This year, to mark what would have been Roger "Syd" Barrett's 80 birthday, a range of celebrations have been arranged, including a concert and a major exhibition in Cambridge, as well as a commemorative double LP and double CD, all of which raising money for mental health charities, with all proceeds donated to them.

First, the concert. A natural choice for the location has been picked: Cambridge Corn Exchange, where he gave his final live performance on February 24th 1972. On October 10th, audiences will experience a special concert featuring Kula Shaker, Soft Machine, Men on the Border, Diana Silveira & The Psychedelic Circus, Radhika and PĂĽnk 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 for the concert go on sale at 10am BST on Friday (June 19th) through Cornex.co.uk, the website for the venue.

The anniversary will also be marked by the release of Clowns And Jugglers: The Songs Of Syd Barrett, a commemorative double coloured vinyl and double CD album on October 9th 2026, featuring new recordings, previously unreleased material and standout live performances celebrating Barrett's enduring influence. The cover has been created by Mark Wilkinson, most known for artwork for the likes of Marillion, but who also did the cover for the 2003 DVD, The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story. Contributors to the album include Kula Shaker, All About Eve, Mystery Jets, Rosalie Cunningham, Pink Floyd, David Gilmour and Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets. The full track listing can be seen below.

Alongside the concert and album, a major exhibition exploring Barrett's life, art and cultural impact will run from October 3rd–9th at camopen.space. The exhibition will showcase original paintings and sketches by Syd Barrett, alongside prints of larger works. Visitors will also be able to view work by a number of guest artists, including Barrett’s nephew Ian Barrett, Mark Wilkinson, Mick Rock, Spadge Hopkins, Mikey Georgeson, James Wilkinson and Justin Wiggan & Dominick Allen. A programme of talks from leading Barrett biographers will further explore the life and legacy of one of Britain’s most fascinating creative minds.

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."

ORDERING INFORMATION:
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Various Artists: Clowns And Jugglers: The Songs Of Syd Barrett
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

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

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 - PĂĽnk Barrett

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