A fundraising event supporting the city’s homeless will be held at Peterborough Cathedral for the first time next month.

Light Project Peterborough (LPP) will host its third ‘Big Sleep Out’ challenge 'A Night in the Nave' on Thursday, March 19.

The charity is encouraging people to fundraise and spend a night for the first time ever inside the city’s historic cathedral – or brave a night under the stars outside in the Cloister’s courtyard.

A LPP spokesperson said: “There will be live music from St Botolph’s Ukulele Band as well as a quiz focused on LPP, the Cathedral and homelessness in general. The event does not aim to replicate homelessness or how lonely or vulnerable it can feel to sleep on the streets, but it does give participants a small insight into some of the challenges homeless people may face.”

LPP volunteer Anna, left, and volunteer co-ordinator Julie, right.

placeholder image — LPP volunteer Anna, left, and volunteer co-ordinator Julie, right.

One of the participants this year will be Peter – who is currently being supported by LPP through their Garden House homeless hub. He said: “I want to take part so I can raise funds and ‘do my bit’ to help. The Garden House has done so much for me and if this gives even something little back, then it’ll make me feel better too.”

The Sleep Out event is being sponsored by Taylor Wimpey.

Since 2015, LPP has been running activities to help support those in need in our city, including those who are sleeping rough, and continues to raise awareness that everyone should have somewhere safe and secure to live in.

At the Garden House, they are committed to supporting the most vulnerable people in Peterborough and offer a multi-agency approach to provide advice and support from housing officers, GPs, drug and alcohol specialists, and many other professionals.

Peter will be taking part in the Big Sleep Out event this year to 'give back' to the charity that supported him.

During 2025, 981 people visited the Garden House for support and in January 2026, there were 73 new presentations of homelessness made – a record figure for LPP.

Steven Pettican (LPP CEO) said: “We’re looking forward to what will be a wonderful event, and we are thankful to Peterborough Cathedral for their support in providing this unique opportunity. Participants will be raising vital funds to help those in desperate need within Peterborough as well as supporting the city’s most iconic landmark.”

The spokesperson added: “LPP are grateful to all the corporate sponsors supporting this event, including Taylor Wimpey, Alison Homes, Bennetts Motorbike Insurance, Compare the Market, Country Court Care, CWU Eastern Branch No5, DALROD, David Wilson Homes, Kingsley Beverages, McIntyre Compliance Services and SystemSeed.”

Those people who would like to take part need to register their place first. Participating at the Cathedral costs £20 plus a small booking fee. Participants must be aged 16 or older (16 or 17 year-olds need to be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Everyone who registers and raises a certain amount before the event, will be entered into a prize draw. All funds raised will be split 80/20 between LPP and the Cathedral.

Book your place – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1932637604099?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information, visit the LPP website.