The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
So much to look forward to
Spring is one of my favourite times of year, what with the evenings getting lighter and the weather getting brighter - it seems to put everyone in an upbeat mood.
In Peterborough, Springtime usually gives us a chance to look forward to a whole host of events that are taking place over the coming weeks and months, and this year is certainly no different.
You may well be aware of the Peterborough Celebrates campaign which is running throughout 2018, to mark the 900th anniversary of our magnificent cathedral.
There’s a series of events happening as part of this initiative, including art exhibitions, abseiling, food festivals and walks - there is literally something for everyone.
To find out more about these events and how to take part visit www.peterboroughcelebrates.org.uk
Our own City of Festivals programme also runs throughout 2018 and features a number of large-scale events, including the Peterborough Inter-Faith and Food Festival which takes place in Cathedral Square on Saturday, May 12 from 12pm.
The festival will feature presentations from children of different faiths in the form of hymn, song, poetry and dance with the theme of cohesion and unity. There will also be performances of opera, Bhangra and Bollywood dancing as well as a Sufi musical band.
Finally, on the subject of events, I recently attended Ormiston Bushfield Academy’s production of ‘School of Rock’ which was absolutely fantastic, so I would like to say a big well done to everyone who took part and helped to organise the show.
I’ve also enjoyed recent concerts by the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and the Peterborough Music Partnership. It just goes to show that there is tremendous entertainment happening in the city at all times.
Last month we announced that Peterborough has been chosen as one of five areas to participate in a government programme aimed at improving community integration.
To recap, we were selected because of the positive work that has been carried out to help bring communities together, such as the council’s successful Syrian Refugee resettlement project, as well as extensive annual festivals and community events.
The Integrated Communities Strategy Green Paper seeks views on the Government’s proposals to boost English language skills, increase opportunities for more women to enter the workplace, and promote British values and meaningful discussion between young people.
I’m delighted we have been chosen to actively participate in the strategy, as it will give us the opportunity to not only showcase our own good work, but also to learn from national and international organisations to enhance our own efforts.
In terms of what is happening at the moment with the strategy, a public consultation is under way to get people’s thoughts and views on what you would like to see achieved, and I would encourage residents to take part in this.
If you would like to have your say visit www.gov.uk/ government/ consultations/ integrated-comm uni tiesStrategy-green- paper before the deadline of June 5.
I was delighted to hear that a number of new traders have started work at Peterborough Market recently. The new stalls are selling artisan foods, vintage furniture, music merchandise, cakes and baking and there is also an ironing service.
It’s great to see that the market is flourishing and as a council we are actively working to help promote it. As part of this work, we are offering free stalls to all new traders at the market this month and although we’ve had a lot of interest, there are still spaces.
For more information call the City Market office on 01733 454454 or email market@peterborough.gov.uk. Alternatively visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/citymarket or www.peterborough-market.org.