Seedlings festival in Peterborough shows strong roots with visitors from across the region

Organisers say the number of visitors demonstrated the strength of the roots the event has in the community.

The festival is staged to promote gardening as a way to support a a greener and better environment.

It is organised by the Peterborough Bangladesh Welfare Association (PBWA) and was held at the East Community Centre.

It brought together passionate growers and enthusiastic visitors from across Peterborough, Spalding, Huntingdon, Cambridge and Leicester.

A variety of saplings and seedlings were available, including aubergine, cucumber, chilli, naga chilli, brinjal, exotic vegetables, runner beans, mint plants and more.

All were sold at affordable prices, with no sapling costing more than £3.

Local growers such as Mr Shamsur Rahman, who brought a large collection from his own garden, expressed his joy at seeing so many people interested in gardening.

Another grower, Mr Mohammed Hakim, shared that the community’s enthusiasm has inspired him to grow even more saplings next year.

Mr Sukarno Jhinuk, who travelled from Spalding with his flower saplings, said he was delighted to see visitors from different towns supporting the festival.

PBWA Chairman, Dr Aminul Chowdhury, said he was pleased with the strong turnout, which showed a growing desire among local residents to cultivate their own gardens.

He added that PBWA will build on the lessons from this year to organise an even larger and more inclusive festival next year.

A spokesperson added: “The association has long promoted gardening as a powerful tool for improving community wellbeing.

"Gardening encourages physical activity, supports mental health, strengthens environmental awareness, and helps families, especially those on low incomes, grow their own vegetables at minimal cost.

“We also actively promote the use of organic fertiliser made from kitchen waste, reducing reliance on chemical products and contributing to a healthier environment.”