A free community festival will bring live music, food and drink to The Showground in Peterborough next year.

In a welcome boost to the area, a section of the popular Showground is one again beginning to host events.

One of the first announced events will be the first edition of the Orton Festival, hosted by Harmony Events CIC.

The event will take place from 12pm to around 10pm on Saturday July 24, 2027, welcoming residents from across the Ortons and the city as a whole.

The planned programme will combine touring tribute acts with local performers, alongside food and drink traders and stands showcasing local charities and community organisations.

An artist, a 3D printing business, a T-shirt printing company and a bag maker are just some of the local vendors taking part, giving visitors the chance to browse a variety of products and support independent businesses from the area. Well over 100 local businesses have expressed their interest in being a part of the festival!

The event aims to give people an opportunity to enjoy live entertainment close to home, spend time with friends and neighbours, and discover the businesses and groups working within their community.

Peterborough Community Radio, PCRFM, is the festival's official broadcast partner and will broadcast live from the event.

Organiser Simon Mayhew said: “We wanted to give something to the area and bring people from across the area for a day of fun!

We really want to give visitors the chance to see bands and artists that they are not normally able to see for free.”

Orton Waterville ward councillor Kirsty Knight added: “As a local councillor, I’m absolutely delighted to see events coming back to the East of England Showground.

“The Showground has been such an important part of our local community for generations, and it’s fantastic to see it being brought back to life.

“To kick-start things, I’m really pleased that Up The Garden Bath will be hosting a Christmas Fair this year, followed by the brand-new Orton Festival on 24th July 2027.

“Having events like these on our doorstep is wonderful for local families, businesses and the wider community.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the Showground buzzing with people and events once again!”

Local businesses are invited to explore sponsorship opportunities to help support the free festival. Organisers are also welcoming interest from volunteers, performers, charities and community groups, with vendor spaces subject to availability.

Performer, vendor and community stand applications must be submitted through the festival website at www.ortonfestival.co.uk.

Be sure to follow the festival website and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ortonfestival to keep up to date with all of the latest announcements of artists and other news.