There was good news to begin with – for Peterborough at least – as the annual ‘worst place to live’ listing from website iLivehere was published, apparently for the final time.
Peterborough has regularly been named as ‘the worst place to live’ in the poll, which was based on no actual data that looks at things like crime rates, education, health etc.
That lack of scientific reasoning behind the list was memorably shown in 2023, when Peterborough was ranked both the second worst place to live, and also the fourth best place to live.
The Peterborough Telegraph has always firmly disagreed with the results of the poll – and in 2025, the final poll was summed up as ‘the definitive list’ with Peterborough ranking fourth overall.
The list will not be missed in these parts.
There was some good news for one of our most famous residents, however, as actor Warwick Davis was told he would be awarded the BAFTA Fellowship – BAFTA’s highest accolade.
Warwick, who came to viewers attention when he played Ewok Wicket W. Warrick in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in 1983 when he was just 11-years-old, and has gone on to star in a number of blockbuster films, including the Harry Potter series, picked up the honour in February.
In other showbiz news, Peterborough student Freddie took a starring role in the hit BBC game show The Traitors.
While Freddie ultimately came up short in his efforts to win the show, he gathered a following of fans for his exploits, reaching the later stages of the show.
Another of Peterborough’s reality TV ‘stars’ Joseph Valente, who won The Apprentice, hit the headlines after staging a stunt at Serpentine Green where he covered his car in ‘parking tickets.’
There was tragedy, however, as one of Peterborough’s best loved musicians passed away,
Nick Smith was known for his role in top tribute act Genesis Connected, and the bass player had inspired many musicians and artists in our city.
His funeral was held at Peterborough Cathedral, with scores of people in attendance – and his family pledged to continue his legacy by holding fundraising events in his name to help youngsters get into music. His old instruments were also donated to a school in Peterborough.
In politics, there were problems for the city council, as a buyer for the troubled Hilton Hotel site at Fletton Quays pulled out of a deal at the last minute.
However, planning permission was granted for a new development at the East of England Showground – although that agreement would be pulled later in the year.
And the first images of the Station Quarter Development were revealed – with works starting later in 2025.
In sport, there was cup fever for Peterborough United as they travelled to Everton’s Goodison Park for the first – and last – time in a competitive match.
Much focus was on whether Everton’s Ashley Young and Posh’s Tyler Young – Ashley is Tyler’s dad – would take to the pitch at the same time.
Both were selected as substitutes – but only Ashley made it onto the pitch in a 2-0 win for the Premier League team.
Posh also booked themselves another trip to Wembley in their bid to retain the Football League Trophy
1. Review of the Year - January and February
Entrepreneur Joseph Valente stages his fake car fines protest in Peterborough. Photo: Joseph Valente
2. Review of the Year - January and February
Musician Nick Smith, who died in January Photo: Genesis Connected
3. Review of the Year - January and February
Warwick Davis was given BAFTA's top honour. Image ©BAFTA/Zoe McConnell Photo: BAFTA/Zoe McConnell
4. Review of the Year - January and February
Peterborough's Freddie picked up a legion of fans on The Traitors Photo: BBC