Syd Barrett’s 80th birthday to be marked with tribute concert

Among the celebration programme is a concert headlined by Kula Shaker, a special album celebrating the former Pink Floyd frontman’s legacy and an exhibition.

Date published: 18th Jun 2026

The life of former Pink Floyd frontman Syd Barrett is being celebrated with a programme of events to raise money for mental health charities. Organised by Barrett’s family in celebration of what would be his 80th birthday, the programme centers around a live tribute concert at Cambridge Corn Exchange - the venue of Barrett’s final performance in 1972 -in addition to an album and exhibition commemorating his legacy. 

Taking place on World Mental Health Day, Saturday 10th October, the concert will be headlined by psychedelic rock group Kula Shaker alongside bands inspired by Barrett like Soft Machine, Men on the Border, Diana Silveira & The Psychedelic Circus, Radhika, and Pünk Floyd. 

Clowns & Jugglers, an album released via physical double vinyl and CD, will drop the day before on Friday 9th October, and celebrates Barrett’s creative legacy and influence from his time in Pink Floyd and his solo work, collecting new studio recordings with previously unreleased material and live performances. A major exhibition displaying Barrett’s artwork will additionally run from 3rd - 9th October at independent arts venue Openspace in Cambridge. 

Co-organiser Neil Jones said of the programme, “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”. Barrett’s sister Rosemary Breen echoed the sentiment, adding that “Syd would have been so happy and honoured to know his music was still being enjoyed in Cambridge.”

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