A Festival for the Mind, Heart, and City
This is Peterborough! is a bold, city-wide showcase of identity, creativity, and community — a major new cultural initiative launching in 2026 that transforms the entire city into a canvas. Rather than a single event, it provides a shared platform for all cultural organisations, tourist attractions, heritage sites, artists, and community groups to present what they do best and connect with new audiences.
Photography competition for young people
This is Peterborough at its best – inclusive, energetic, and unafraid to be creative. This event represents a city that believes in its people, celebrates its differences, and understands the power of culture to bring about positive change. As the city’s MP, I am proud to support it and the incredible organisers, artists, and residents making it happen. This is more than an event – it’s a glimpse into the kind of future we want to build together.
This is Peterborough! is a brilliant celebration of everything that makes our region special – creative, diverse, and full of pride. What stands out to me most is the real sense of energy of the team driving this festival forward – the way it brings people together and puts our stories and talents centre stage. Projects like this are more than just one-off events. They’re about building connection, opportunity, and a stronger cultural identity for Peterborough. They celebrate the city’s people, embrace difference, and show how culture can be a force for positive change. I’m really proud to support it and excited to see the future this festival helps us build together – I’m proud to support it.
Through a mix of exhibitions, performances, film, storytelling, workshops, and installations, the festival brings to life the city’s evolving story — from the 1960s to the present — across themes such as working, learning, playing, migration, music, and memory.
This is Peterborough! turns the city into a living exhibition — a space for stories, ideas, and experiences that reflect and shape Peterborough’s unique identity.
Our 5 Festival Outputs
This is Peterborough! isn’t just a festival — it’s a catalyst for lasting impact. Working hand in hand with partners across culture, education, the economy, wellbeing, and the environment, the event delivers tangible outcomes that extend far beyond the celebration itself. From revitalising city spaces and supporting mental health initiatives, to empowering young learners, promoting greener practices, and boosting local businesses, the festival is built on purposeful collaboration. Every output is designed to contribute meaningfully to the city’s future — with partners leading change across their sectors and helping shape a stronger, more connected Peterborough.
1. Economic
Stimulate city centre footfall and boost local trade through vibrant events and exhibitions. Activate vacant retail spaces as cultural venues and pop-ups. Showcase a model for a cultural quarter that blends creativity with commercial viability.
2. Social
Embed wellbeing activities and quiet spaces across festival sites, guided by the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Foster belonging and connection through shared cultural experiences and intergenerational projects. Promote mental health awareness through creativity, storytelling, and public art.
3. Environmental
Promote sustainable event practices, low-impact installations, and green transport links. Celebrate migration, resilience and shared environmental futures through art and storytelling.
4. Cultural
Highlight Peterborough’s post-1960s cultural and industrial heritage. Provide platforms for local artists, musicians, performers and makers. Encourage co-creation and storytelling across communities and generations.
5. Educational
Engage young people in the city’s living history through the Junior Historians project. Support curriculum-linked learning across history, geography, literacy, and the arts. Celebrate children’s voices through exhibitions, time capsules and creative showcases.
Festival Partners
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Supported by
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