Get Peterborough buzzing this summer.

I want to see Peterborough buzzing this summertime. The city has so much to offer and what better time for people to get out and enjoy what is on their doorstep.  

For some time, the high street has been in decline. I’m working to change that as part of my wider plans to regenerate and revive the city. And driving visitors and tourism boosts footfall and generates a buzz around the exciting things to do in Peterborough. 

In our city and the wider country, tourism generates £2 billion for our economy and supports around 40,000 jobs. It is not to be underestimated and there’s potential or more.  

My ambition, set out in the Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan, is to triple our region’s economy by 2050. Getting people into Peterborough, both tourists and local people, will help us get there. Having our shops, our restaurants, our theatres, tourist attractions and other establishments filled puts money in the pockets of local people and supports our city’s future.  

I really enjoyed seeing a boost in community spirit across Peterborough. When I think about to this year’s World Cup, there was a sense of camaraderie in town. The community came together for a shared experience of enjoying the city they live in. This feeling can continue throughout the rest of the summer, engaging with all that Peterborough has to offer.  

Peterborough Cathedral has the extraordinary Travelling Bricks exhibition. Lego is a real phenomenon, and not just for kids, and it’s the kind of thing that brings people in, stay longer, and discover more of what the city has to offer. Our Lido is another treasure – one of the dwindling such venues still operating in the country and which in my opinion is irreplaceable because it’s part of what makes Peterborough, Peterborough.

Tourists and locals alike keep these heritage and cultural assets going, keeps the buildings in good repair and unlocks funding to expand what they can offer. 

This year I've really been pushing Peterborough and the region as a tourist destination. We’ve secured Local Visitor Economy Partnership status which means we are working with VisitEngland and tourism partners to create a clear plan that will help grow the visitor economy and hospitality sectors in our region. Peterborough has a massive part to play in that.  

The start of free parking in Peterborough began this week, from 3pm on weekdays. The aim is to incentivise people out of their houses and into the city. Whether that’s a swim at the Lido, seeing exhibitions at the Cathedral or grabbing dinner in the city centre, free parking aims to encourage people to make the most of the activities on their doorstep.  

Tourism gives this city a lift, and we’re serious about making Peterborough a destination for residents, but also for those travelling to the area. Our city has loads to offer, and we need to shout about it. Come and support what we have now, and I’ll keep working to further build our city as a place to visit, stay and discover.