Peterborough’s Heritage Festival Returns

Peterborough Heritage Festival returns on the weekend of Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 June 2018. This year, the theme is a ‘Festival of Celebrations’ as 2018 coincides not only with the 10th annual Heritage Festival in the city but three other significant anniversaries. These are the centenary of the end of World War One, the centenary of Women’s Suffrage and the nonacentenary of Peterborough Cathedral, marking 900 years since construction began on the Cathedral building that still stands today.

As a family, Peterborough Heritage Festival is one of our favourite events. We missed last year due to the birth of Bridget, however, we have attended for many years and we are always glad we do. There is so much to see and do and the kids absolutely love it. There is normally a courtyard in the Cathedral set out with old games, ferret racing and circus acts such as juggling and plate spinning for you to have a go with. This will be the first year Paisley is old enough to join in but Dexter had so much fun last time we were there.

Ther are re-enactment war camps, visits from historic royalty and birds of prey. Families and history enthusiasts can look forward to a large range of spectacular displays, events and interactive opportunities as the festival has become known for in its ten year history. Attractions will include battle re-enactments, arena displays, a vintage fair, have-a-go archery and performances throughout the day.

A brand new attraction to this year’s Peterborough Heritage Festival is the addition of a 1940s-style dance party on the evening of Saturday 16 June in Peterborough Cathedral. Tickets are £25 and available through the Peterborough Cathedral website or by calling Peterborough Information Centre on 01733 452336. 

Vivacity’s Heritage Programmes Manager, Rachel Walmsley, says:

“This year’s Heritage Festival promises to be more interactive and family friendly than ever. We at Vivacity are incredibly excited to be able to present the tenth Peterborough Heritage Festival in partnership with Perkins, Peterborough Cathedral and Peterborough City Council and are grateful to their support in continuing to make this the largest multi-period city centre living history festival in the UK.”

 

We are very much looking forward to attending this year. It is set to be a fantastic event and we are very lucky to live within walking distance. However, if you live further afield, it is totally work popping into the city. There is honestly so much to see and doo and you’ll happily walk around it all a couple of times. It takes place mainly on the grounds of the cathedral, however, there are displays and other things going on in the cathedral square. Be sure to get a program with timings so that you don’t miss out on your favourite parts. Will I see you there? I hope so, please come and say hi!

To stay up-to-date with news of the festival, including announcements of the programme and top tips on how best to enjoy the weekend, head to vivacity.org/heritagefest.