💬 This week from the Spotlight Team!

Hello, Peterborough!

As we bask in the warmth of May, this week's issue brings you heartwarming community stories, celebrates local heroes, spotlights thriving businesses, and offers a sizzling BBQ recipe to make the most of the sunny days.We thought we'd kick of this weeks issue with a few local updates and insights that probably won't make the headlines but we think they deserve a mention.

1. Yarn Artistry at Peterborough City Hospital

A delightful surprise awaits visitors at Peterborough City Hospital—a new post box topper featuring a knitted pirate ship and teddy bear. This charming creation, crafted by the hospital's dedicated staff, adds a touch of whimsy and warmth to the hospital environment. 

2. Inclusive Tours at Peterborough Cathedral

Peterborough Cathedral is enhancing accessibility by trialling captioned tours for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing. This initiative aims to make the cathedral's rich history and architecture more inclusive, ensuring that all visitors can fully experience its grandeur.

3. Community Cooking at The Green Backyard

The Green Backyard is hosting a "Harvesting & Community Cooking" event on Saturday, 17 May, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Participants will harvest fresh produce and prepare a communal meal, fostering community spirit and promoting sustainable living.

4. 'Identities' Exhibition at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery

A new exhibition titled "Identities" has been installed at the Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery. This thought-provoking display explores themes of personal and cultural identity through various artistic mediums, inviting visitors to reflect on their own experiences and backgrounds. 

5. Peterborough Celebrates Festival Returns

Mark your calendars for the Peterborough Celebrates Festival, set to take place at Ferry Meadows on 17–18 May. This free, family-friendly event will showcase local talent, culture, and community initiatives, offering a vibrant weekend of entertainment and connection.

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Some Of The Latest Events Happening In Peterborough

(Have you told us about your event)

Josh Widdicombe: Work in Progress

• Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2025

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Location: The Cresset Theatre, Peterborough

• Details: Join comedian Josh Widdicombe as he warms up ahead of his brand-new nationwide tour

Julian Clary: A Fistful of Clary

• Date: Thursday, 22 May 2025

• Time: 7:30 PM

• Location: New Theatre, Peterborough

• Details: The renowned comedian returns with his latest show, promising an evening of laughter.

May Buddy Dive Day

• 📅 Date: Saturday 31 May 2025

• 🕒 Time: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

• 📍 Location: Gildenburgh Water, Whittlesey

• 🎟️ Admission: Booking required

• 📄 Details: Join Dive In Ltd for a friendly diving session—perfect for certified divers looking to buddy up and enjoy warmer waters.

TaylorMania – Taylor Swift Tribute Concert

• Date: Friday, 23 May 2025

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Location: The Cresset Theatre, Peterborough

• Details: An award-winning extravaganza paying tribute to Taylor Swift's music.

Journey to the Stars – May Half Term

• 📅 Date: Tuesday 27 – Thursday 29 May 2025

• 🕒 Time: Various times

• 📍 Location: Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery

• 🎟️ Admission: £5 (planetarium + crafts); £2.50 (crafts only)

• 📄 Details: Explore the cosmos in a pop-up planetarium, plus enjoy space-themed crafts and trails. Ideal for curious young minds

Battle for Medeshampsted – Viking Reenactment

• Dates: Saturday, 24 May – Sunday, 25 May 2025

• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Central Park, Peterborough

• Details: A two-day event showcasing Viking history and battle reenactments.

Community Project Spotlight: Up the Garden Bath

From Skip to Sanctuary: Giving Bathtubs New Life

You may have seen their colourful creations brightening school yards or tucked into community corners. Up the Garden Bath is no ordinary gardening project.

Spearheaded by local changemaker Dave Poulton, this Peterborough-born CIC takes unloved bathtubs and turns them into vibrant planters, spreading environmental awareness and hands-on education. It’s a story so inspiring, it’s earned royal attention—literally.

Dave recently received a palace invite in recognition of his work. We call that blooming brilliant.

An Evening at Katana Peterborough: A Feast for the Senses

• 📍 Location: Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1RS

• 🕒 Best time to visit: Evenings for the full Teppanyaki experience

• 🎟️ Booking: Recommended, especially for weekends

• 📄 What we found:
  Step into the warmth of Katana and leave the ordinary behind. As spring settles in, this Japanese-inspired gem offers more than just dinner—it’s dinner and a show. We took a seat at the Teppanyaki table where Chef Hiro served up flaming theatrics alongside wagyu beef, garlic-fried rice, and prawns that practically danced on the grill. There were laughs, flying morsels, and a generous pour of flavour in every bite.
  From the à la carte menu, don’t miss the Black Cod Miso Yaki or the crispy Yaki Gyoza. Finish the night with a Katana Spark cocktail at the Bubbles Bar, and share a slice of matcha cheesecake for the perfect finale.
  Katana is where Peterborough meets Mayfair elegance—without the train fare.

🏆 Local Hero of the Week: David Lowndes

Through His Lens, Our Story

For over 40 years, David Lowndes has been the quiet force capturing Peterborough’s loudest moments. From street festivals to civic milestones, his photography for the Peterborough Telegraph has stitched together a living history of the city.

Now formally recognised in Parliament, David remains modest about the honour. “It’s just what I do,” he says. But to us, he’s more than just a photographer—he’s Peterborough’s memory-keeper.

🏢 Local Business of the Week: Peterborough Positive's Grant Scheme

Backing Bold Ideas—£18,000 at a Time

Reviving the city centre is no small feat, but Peterborough Positive is putting skin in the game. Their 2025 Small Grant Scheme offers local businesses up to £18,000 for innovative projects that pull people back to our streets. Think live pop-ups, clever signage, creative lighting—it’s a smart bet on grassroots ingenuity.

📰 Business Roundup – May Buzz

• Goldsmiths Get's a Glow-Up: The luxury jeweller is expanding its Queensgate footprint by a whopping 139%. More sparkle for our city centre.

• Awards Season Is Here: The Peterborough Community Business Awards reveal a stellar shortlist—from indie hair studios to unsung apprentices. Big night set for Friday 20 June at the Delta Marriott.

Finalists include:

• Hair and Beauty Business: Nails by Daisy, Melanie Richards Hair and Beauty

• Digital Community: Best Online Presence: HB Total Media, The Hair Company

• Best Charitable Contribution: Peterborough Women’s Aid, Bobby Copping Foundation

• Entrepreneur of the Year: Mohammed Younis, Liam Rushmer

• Apprentice of the Year: Maisie Stuffins, Hannah Cole

• Best New Business: The Hair Company, Pieras Hair Studio

• Best Hospitality: Bombay Brasserie, Deeping Caravan Park

• Employee of the Year: Sally Ann Frisby, Honor Webb

• Employer of the Year: Richard McDonald (Melanie Richards Hair and Beauty), APG Bathrooms

• Community Partnership: Brian Pierce (RailWorld), Up the Garden Bath

• Healthcare Excellence:  Graham Young Pharmacy, Project Abundance

• Longstanding Business: Millfield AutoParts, Trevor Baker TVs

• Founders’ Award: To be announced on the night

Nominate Your Favourite Local Business

Do you have a favourite business in the Peterborough Area that deserves to be celebrated? We want to shine a light on the hardworking local businesses that make our community special! Whether it’s a cosy cafe, a dedicated service provider, or a unique boutique, we want to hear about it.

Submit your nominations for our "Local Business Spotlight" section in The Peterborough Spotlight! Help us recognise the businesses that bring energy, creativity, and warmth to Peterborough. Tell us what makes them exceptional and why they deserve the spotlight!

Reply to this email with your nominations and a brief description to  – let’s lift up local Businesses!

Interesting Facts Who Knew?

Nickname. Peterborough United are nicknamed "The Posh ", a moniker coined in 1921, after Pat Tirrell, manager of Fletton United, was reported to say he was "Looking for posh players for a posh new team"

Sadly "ON THE GREEN FEST" this May Bank Holiday has been cancelled by the promoters who stated they had to pull the plug due to lack of advanced ticket sales stating they will probably lose around £30k 

We ask our readers is Peterborough already missing out on events and activities and how can we stop this happening in the future?

The Wheels on the Bus Aren’t Going Round and Round—But the Learning Sure Will At Scared Heart Primary School In Bretton!

In a move that would make any bookworm smile, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Tollgate, Bretton, Peterborough, has turned an ordinary double-decker bus into an extraordinary reading haven. Yes, you read that right—a bus is about to become a library. Forget about traffic jams; this bus is taking kids on a literary adventure.

The school recently got the green light to park the bus permanently on its grounds, transforming it into a two-story treasure trove of books. Head teacher Thomas Claxton couldn’t be more thrilled. “We’re creating a magical and exciting reading space,” he said. “It’s not just a library—it’s an invitation to explore stories in a fun, unique environment.”

But it’s not just about books. The new setup will free up room inside the school for big changes. One space will become a full sensory room, offering vital support for children with high needs. Another area will transform into a meeting and training hub, keeping the school’s commitment to student support at an all-time high.

To make this bookish bus dream a reality, a ramp will be installed for easy access. And in case you’re wondering—yes, the engine stays. The bus can hit the road again if the school ever needs the space back.

This isn’t just a quirky upgrade; it’s a bold step toward inspiring young readers and making education an adventure. At Sacred Heart, the wheels on the bus may not go round and round, but the stories inside will keep the imaginations of its students spinning for years to come. 🚍📚✨

⚽ Local Sports Highlights

The Posh Eye Wembley

Peterborough United have clinched a play-off berth, and the path to Wembley beckons. While final fixtures are still being locked in, all eyes are on the League One Play-Off Final on Monday 26 May, 3 PM. Promotion dreams are alive and kicking.

Hockey Heroes Strike Gold

The City of Peterborough Men’s Hockey 1st XI are riding high after clinching the England Hockey Tier Two Cup. Their 1–0 victory over Bowdon at the Olympic Park caps a stunning double—league title and cup glory. They play at Bretton Gate, where you’ll find some of the region’s fiercest hockey action.

If you like to have your sport featured in our Peterborough Spotlight please contact us through our Facebook group at https://facebook.com/groups/peterboroughspotlightcommunity

🍖 BBQ Spotlight: Sticky Sesame & Sweet Chilli Chicken

Because sunny weather deserves smoky flavours.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Spring onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Method:

1. Combine oil, chilli sauce, soy, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for 1–2 hours.

2. Heat your BBQ or grill pan to medium-high.

3. Cook thighs for 6–7 minutes each side until golden and sticky.

4. Rest briefly, slice, then scatter with spring onion and sesame. Serve with grilled corn or a crisp Asian slaw.

It’s smoky, tangy, and just sweet enough—basically sunshine on a plate.

Sponsorship and Promotion - If you would like to feature as a sponsor in our newsletter please get in touch with us at support@peterboroughspotlight.co.uk or you can contact us through our Facebook page

Do You Know Someone In Cambridgeshire Who's Making A Difference?

Here’s your chance to celebrate them! Whether it’s a friend, neighbour, teacher, or local hero, we want to feature their story in the "Local Hero Shout Outs" section of The Peterborough Spotlight! Submit your nominations, share inspiring stories, and help us recognise the amazing people who make Cambridgeshire the place we all love living in.

Submit a brief story and their name — let's spread some positivity together!

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