A series of official events has been announced to celebrate what would have been the 80th birthday of late Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett, with all proceeds being donated to mental health charities. Organized by Barrett’s family alongside Neil Jones, Mark Wilkinson, and Rob Ayling, the commemorative program includes a landmark physical album release, a major art exhibition, and a spectacular live tribute concert.
The celebrations are centered around a live concert at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on October 10, coinciding with World Mental Health Day. Psychedelic rock band Kula Shaker will headline the evening, sharing the stage with a lineup of influential acts including Soft Machine, Men on the Border, Diana Silveira & The Psychedelic Circus, Radhika, and Pünk Flöyd. The venue holds historic significance as the location of Barrett’s final live performance in 1972. To honor his pioneering artistic vision, audiences will also experience an immersive analogue liquid light show from Los Angeles-based visual artist The Mad Alchemist.
The anniversary will also be marked by the October 9 release of a curated compilation album, Clowns and Jugglers, The Songs of Syd Barrett. Available strictly on physical double colored vinyl and double CD, the collection features rare studio recordings, unreleased archive material, and live tracks. The tracklist includes fresh interpretations of classics like "See Emily Play" and "Astronomy Domine" by artists such as All About Eve and Mystery Jets, alongside standout performances from Pink Floyd members David Gilmour (featuring David Bowie) and Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.
Additionally, a landmark art exhibition will run from October 3 to October 9 at camopen.space in Cambridge. The gallery will showcase original paintings and sketches by Barrett, alongside guest pieces from his nephew Ian Barrett, photographer Mick Rock, and artist Mark Wilkinson.
"Syd would have been so happy and honoured to know his music was still being enjoyed in Cambridge," said Barrett’s sister, Rosemary Breen. Tickets for the tribute concert go on sale Friday, June 19, via the venue's website.
