Plans for post-Covid celebration festival in Peterborough

Plans for a festival in Peterborough to celebrate the end of the coronavirus pandemic are being pushed by the man responsible for culture in the city.
A JLS gig on the Embankment. ENGEMN00120130714131010A JLS gig on the Embankment. ENGEMN00120130714131010
A JLS gig on the Embankment. ENGEMN00120130714131010

Cllr Steve Allen, cabinet member for culture at Peterborough City Council, said he recently instructed officials to begin drawing up ideas for how the mark the return of normality once residents have been vaccinated.

This could include welcoming a big name in entertainment to perform to residents.

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He told the Peterborough Telegraph: “I said what we need is a celebration in the city as soon as we are able to, in the summer months or the autumn.

“This could be a big concert or lots of concerts. We could have an open air concert on the Embankment, performances in Cathedral Square or maybe a mini jazz festival.

“We want to co-ordinate a post-Covid celebration in the city. Many bars, clubs and operators would be keen to do that.

“We could have a big name to hang it on and lots of other activities. Let’s engage local musicians itching to perform to the public.”

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Asked how the festival could be funded, with the council currently warning of a financial calamity unless it receives more government support, Cllr Allen replied: “I’m sure we can find some degree of funding but let’s put it out there to local musicians.

“Many bands perform in pubs for very little. Let’s use pent up energy to donate services or say to local firms and bars let’s put a few quid in to make sure it’s happening.

“The festival is something I brought up with a council officer and we both nodded in agreement to say this should be an aspiration.

“We will start conversations with participants to see where it can take us. We need to come out of this with smiles on our faces ready for the Roaring Twenties.”

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The Roaring Twenties is a nod to the prosperous decade 100 years ago which Cllr Allen wants to re-create once the country comes out the other side of the pandemic.

The phrase is included in a new Culture Strategy which will be debated this year before being implemented in Peterborough.

Cllr Allen added: “Let us hope the reset we will get post-Covid will have built up enthusiasm and energy which will be all about making our city a better place.”