More than 40 people took part in the bizarre event in Bridge Street on Saturday lunch time, stopping inquisitive and confused shoppers in their tracks.
Many passers-by reached for their cameras as the youngsters, who all adopted the same pose lying flat on their chest with arms by their sides, created various patterns and shapes in the street.
It was the first high-profile example in the city of the latest craze to hit the nation, known as The Lying Down Game.
The game started on social networking website Facebook, and has taken off all over the country with people laying down in the oddest locations they can find – from bus stops and supermarkets to the top of phone boxes and cars. Hundreds of people joined the group called The Peterborough Chapter, and many of them took part on Saturday.
See also: The Lying Down Game comes to Peterborough, 23 July 2009.ET reporter Nick Reinis spoke to the people behind the event to find out more.
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Ian Hicks (23) from Stanground started the Peterborough group, and said the game was just a bit of fun.
He said: "It is all about putting a smile on people's faces. We saw so many people stopping to have a look, and they all seemed to be smiling, which is what this is about."
Jamie Jordan (19) from Werrington was one of the organisers of the mass lie-down after starting his own laying down team in the city, called Down Force.
He said: "It was great to see so many people joining in with us. After the success of this we are looking at doing an even bigger one at the beer festival next month. It should be a lot easier to get people to lie down if they are drunk!"
Jamie's mum, Lorraine added: "You hear so many stories about youngsters causing trouble, but this is a very peaceful activity. I think it is a nice thing for people to do."
The event caused some confusion among the hundreds of shoppers in the city centre.
Marian Timmins (73) of Gunthorpe said: "I think its just a bit of harmless fun, and it's a good thing. If I could I would be out there joining in!"
However, Carly Reed (21) and Donna O'Shea (26) from Huntingdon were not as convinced about the game. Carly said: "I don't know what they are doing it for. I think they are all a bit mad. I won't be joining them."
