Poetry, music and community come together for festival
From live Qawwali and a family fun day to poetry workshops and community talks – Peterborough’s Allama Iqbal Festival returns in November with a programme celebrating culture, creativity and connection.
Running from November 5-10, the festival invites people to explore the life and poetry of Sir Allama Iqbal, the philosopher and poet recognised as the national poet of Pakistan.
But Iqbal’s work is about more than poetry. His ideas explore the potential within every person, the importance of social justice, and our connections with nature and the world around us. His messages of self-discovery, imagination and standing up for what matters continue to inspire people today. The festival brings these ideas to life through music, art, food, writing and opportunities for people to come together.
A community-led partnership between Peterborough Presents, Gladstone Connect Ltd, Pakistan Community Association Peterborough, Landmark Theatres, Peterborough Music Hub, Salaam Radio, ARU Peterborough, The Beeches Primary School, Gladstone Primary Academy, the National Literacy Trust, local residents and Iqbal scholars, this is the festival’s second year. Organisers hope to make it an annual celebration in the city.
Here what is coming up:
November 5 – Chand Ali Khan Qawwal & Party, 6.30pm, The New Theatre
An evening of mesmerising Qawwali music celebrating Iqbal’s poetry and South Asian musical traditions. Local performers will also feature. Tickets £11.
November 7 – Allama Iqbal Family Fun Day, 1–5pm, Allama Iqbal Centre, 157 Cromwell Road
A free afternoon of food, art and writing activities, including the launch of a new animation created by Gladstone Connect’s Youth Connect group with artist ImageNation54, inspired by Iqbal’s themes of nature and social justice.
November 9 – Food For Thought: Iqbal’s Supper Club, 7–9.30pm, Allama Iqbal Centre.
A free, relaxed evening for over-18s combining a creative writing workshop led by Zain Haider Awan, a South Asian home-cooked dinner and informal poetry sharing. Already sold out.
November 10 – Lunchtime Talks: Navigating Iqbal, 12–1.30pm, ARU Living Lab, Bishop’s Road
Free, informal talks from local people with personal connections to Iqbal or his work, delivered in a mixture of English and Urdu. Open to the public; booking essential.
Everyone is welcome, whether they’re discovering Iqbal for the first time, keen to celebrate their heritage, looking for family activities, or simply curious to try something new.
More at www.peterboroughpresents.org.uk