Support for Peterborough’s UK City of Culture bid heralded as sign of ‘collective confidence’

Over just a few weeks, more than 50 businesses and other organisations have put their names behind the campaign for Peterborough to be awarded the coveted accolade.

And now appeal has gone out to other organisations and groups to voice their support for the city’s race to secure the City of Culture title.

Stewart Howe, one of the co-ordinators of the City of Culture bid, said: "It feels like a moment of collective confidence.

"What has been most positive is not just the number of organisations backing the bid, but the breadth of them.

"We are seeing support from culture, business, education, community groups and faith networks.

"That tells me this is landing as something bigger than a cultural programme.”

Mr Howe, who is also chair of the Friends of Peterborough Museum and Art Galley, added: “It is not just organisations signing up, but a city beginning to believe in its own story.

“There is still a great deal of work to do, of course, but the direction of travel is strong.

"The level of goodwill and willingness to collaborate gives me confidence that this is being built in the right way.”

Peterborough’s City of Culture 2029 bid was officially launched early this month when an Expression of Interest was submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The bid is being led by Peterborough City Council with partners including the Peterborough Tourist Board, Inspire Education Group, Peterborough Positive and the Peterborough Cultural Alliance.

Peterborough will know by the end of March if it has been included in the eight places that make the long list before a short list is drawn up with the winners announced in the winter.

“To every organisation that has added its name so far: thank you."

Mr Howe said: “We now have 50 local organisations publicly backing our Peterborough UK City of Culture 2029 campaign.

"It represents businesses, universities and colleges, charities, cultural groups, community organisations and civic partners choosing to stand behind a shared belief: that culture can be a practical force for pride, participation, skills, wellbeing and long-term growth in our city.

He said: “To every organisation that has added its name so far: thank you.

"Your backing strengthens our Expression of Interest and sends a clear message that Peterborough is serious about shaping its future.

But he added: “We’re still building the coalition.

“If your organisation believes culture should sit at the heart of Peterborough’s next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

"This bid will only be as strong as the city that stands behind it.

“Let’s keep growing this movement.”