Peterborough Spotlight
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The latest issue of Peterborough Spotlight
The latest issue of Peterborough Spotlight
Find out what's happening in your city this week
Graham
Jun 18, 2025
💬 This week from the Spotlight Team!
As we reach the middle of June, there’s a lot to celebrate across the city—longer evenings, warm weather, and a special shoutout to all the brilliant dads, grandads, and father figures out there.
Whether you spent the weekend firing up the BBQ, enjoying a walk along the river, or just having a well-earned lie-in, we hope you had a chance to mark Father’s Day your way.
In this week’s issue, we’re bringing you more uplifting community stories, spotlighting local businesses doing great things, and sharing a seasonal recipe to make the most of these summer days. Plus, a few local updates that might not hit the headlines—but definitely deserve your attention.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening around Peterborough in this weeks issue! |
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Howsafe – The Safety Shop That’s Got Your Back
Tucked away on Challenger Way, just past the industrial hum of eastern Peterborough, there’s a business that’s been quietly keeping the city’s workforce safe since 1978. It’s called Howsafe, and if you’ve ever worked in boots, gloves, or a hard hat around here, chances are you’ve crossed paths with them — or at least one of their vans.
Started by James and Julie Howe, Howsafe isn’t flashy. It’s not trying to sell you gear with slogans or hype. What it is, though, is solid. Dependable. Local in the best sense of the word.
We stopped by their showroom and were met with the kind of genuine, no-fuss friendliness you only get from a business that knows its community. Rows of boots line the shelves, each with just enough wear on the display sole to show they’ve been handled, tested, and properly considered.
What really stood out? Their delivery team doesn’t just drop stuff off. If your business is within 25 miles of Peterborough, they’ll bring kit to your site, help size it, swap anything that doesn’t fit, and make sure the right boots land with the right person. That kind of hands-on service feels a bit rare these days — but for Howsafe, it’s just how they’ve always done things.
They’ve stayed independent, stayed in Peterborough, and stayed committed to doing right by the people they serve. And that, in a world full of click-and-forget retailers, is something worth celebrating. So next time you see someone in hi-vis or heavy-duty boots in this city — chances are, Howsafe helped put them there. Safely, comfortably, and with a quiet dose of Peterborough pride. |
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🧘 Stretch, Breathe, Brunch: Free Yoga in the Square
Saturdays: 28th June & 5th July 10:00–11:00 AM
Start your Saturday with something a little more “zen” than a Tesco run. These free yoga & Pilates sessions are like a big group exhale in the middle of the city.
Think sunrise stretches, chilled vibes, and friendly faces — all with Cathedral spires in the background and fresh market coffee waiting after savasana.
No sign-ups, no pressure, just you, your mat, and the good kind of sweat. |
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Glastonbury Comes to the City – Cathedral Square Weekender27th–29th June 🕛 Midday onwards Cathedral Square, Peterborough
Can't make it to Worthy Farm? No wellies needed. Cathedral Square is going full festival mode with three days of live local music, big-screen Glasto coverage, pop-up bars, and all the vibes minus the mud.
Grab a deckchair, dance in the sunshine, and belt out those headliner bangers with strangers-turned-mates. It’s like Glasto... but with a nearby Greggs. |
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Gin & Rum Festival – A Cathedral Toast to SummerSaturday, 19th July 🕛 From 12:15 PM 📍 Peterborough Cathedral Precincts
Imagine sipping botanical G&Ts and spiced rums in the shadow of one of the UK’s most striking cathedrals. Now stop imagining — it’s happening.
The Gin & Rum Festival is a tasting tour with proper atmosphere: over 120 premium tipples, live DJs, mixology magic, and the kind of glass-clinking camaraderie that pairs perfectly with a Peterborough sunset. Chin-chin! |
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Jools Holland – Rhythm, Blues, and Pure ClassWednesday, 16th July 🕢 7:30 PM 📍 New Theatre, Peterborough
Ready to be wowed by a master at work? Jools Holland rolls into town with his full 19-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for an evening of pure musical sparkle.
Expect boogie-woogie piano, velvet vocals, big brass, and irresistible grooves.
Whether you're a long-time fan or just fancy something a bit suave, this is the kind of night that ends with a standing ovation and maybe a little dancing in the aisles. |
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🚣 Race & Raise: Sue Ryder Dragon Boat Festival Saturday, 21st June 2025 🕒 Time: From midday
Ever fancied yourself at the helm (or paddles) of a 30-foot dragon boat, racing to a heartbeat of drumbeats and cheers?
Sue Ryder’s Dragon Boat Festival is your chance — and it’s not just adrenaline-fuelled fun, but a powerful way to support local palliative care and bereavement services.
Here's the buzz:
Whether you sign up with colleagues, best mates, or a club team, each paddle brings down the smile on someone’s face when they need it most.
Even if you just come to cheer, snack, and soak up the vibe, every pound donated makes a difference.
In short? A rollicking summer Saturday with purpose — paddle, party, support |
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Liza Raby – The Salon Owner Who Turns Challenges into Kindness |
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Picture this: a humble hair salon in Peterborough that’s become a powerhouse of compassion and community spirit.
That’s Spencer’s Salon, home to Liza Raby, who has quietly raised over £200,000 for local causes — all inspired by her son, Spencer.
This year, she’s going even bigger. Liza launched “Challenge 12” — one unique dare every month, from skydives to silent days, blow-dry marathons to mud-soaked races.
Each challenge is as creative as it is courageous, and every penny raised supports two brilliant local charities: Say Hello, which supports adults with learning disabilities, and Circles Network, which fosters connection and independence.
But what makes Liza truly special isn’t just the totals or the headlines — it’s how she does it.
Her salon isn’t just a business, it’s a beating heart. Her staff aren’t just colleagues, they’re co-conspirators in kindness.
Her ideas? Big-hearted, bonkers, and always rooted in love. Want to help her hit her next fundraising goal?
You can cheer her on or donate here:
Liza Raby proves that heroism doesn’t always wear a cape — sometimes, it wears an apron and runs a hairdryer between challenges.
We’re proud to call her one of our own. |
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We ducked into The Bean Around (BE.AR) at No 2 Cathedral Square for what was meant to be a quick coffee and stayed for two hours.
It’s that kind of place: warm, low-key, and gently bustling, with the soft clink of cutlery and the smell of something good baking.
The flat white came first, with silky microfoam and a bold, chocolatey espresso that meant business.
But the surprise win? Their homemade lemon drizzle.
Tart, fluffy, and generous on the icing the kind of cake that makes you pause between bites because you don’t want it to end.
Their menu’s small but thoughtful: hearty soups, toasted ciabattas, and baked goods that feel lovingly made, not mass-produced.
We tried the smoked cheddar and tomato chutney toastie simple, sharp, and melted just right.
Add a bowl of their creamy tomato soup and you’ve got the sort of lunch that hugs you from the inside.
Staff were lovely too: relaxed, attentive, and genuinely friendly. You can tell it’s a local favourite people come in by name, take the same seat each time, and leave with cake for later.
Bean Around isn’t trying to be trendy — it’s comfortable, kind, and honest. And honestly?
That’s exactly what we all need more of. |
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Frasers & Tim Hortons Still Under Construction at Queensgate
We’re still waiting to sip and shop! Work on Frasers Group’s ambitious new 55,000 sq ft concept store which will include Sports Direct, USC, GAME, and more—is underway at Queensgate, but no opening date yet (aiming for late 2025).
Tim Hortons is taking longer than expected too: the drive-thru build is almost done, but don’t hold your coffee breath—there’s no launch timing yet. Still, both promises hold the potential to bring jobs, buzz, and a boost to the shopping centre’s vibe |
Wingstop Lands in Peterborough – Now Open and Serving FlavourIt’s official: Wingstop has touched down in Peterborough and opened its doors on 9th June, bringing bold, saucy brilliance to Queensgate’s Cathedral Square entrance.
Known for its American-style chicken wings, ten flavour options (from mellow lemon pepper to mouth-scorching Atomic), and cult-worthy loaded fries.
Wingstop has already drawn curious queues and satisfied nods from early visitors.
It’s a fast-casual spot with a buzz — loud, punchy, and unapologetically tasty.
Tucked into the former Franco Manca site, this opening is more than just another place to eat it’s a sign of life returning to the city centre.
With late hours and takeaway options, it’s set to be a new go-to for quick lunches, after-shopping feasts, or wing-fuelled catch-ups.
And yes — the garlic parmesan wings are as good as they say.
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8,000 Jobs on the Horizon – Cross Point Logistics Park
Big news for job seekers and commuters: a massive logistics and distribution park is proposed west of the A1(M) between junctions 16–17.
If approved, the 88-hectare “Cross Point Logistics Park” could deliver 4.5 million sq ft of industrial space and up to 8,078 jobs by 2032.
Think local economic boom — and some serious traffic chatter in the pipeline. |
Mayor Paul Bristow Talks Growth – But Can He Deliver?
Now that Paul Bristow is officially in the hot seat as Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, the buzzword is growth but not everyone’s convinced just yet.
His early pledges include support for small business funding, new life for enterprise zones, and investment into agri-tech and green innovation hubs.
It’s the sort of strategy that sounds solid on paper: targeted funding, more start-ups, and keeping local talent in the area.
But here’s the rub: Bristow’s got political baggage, and not all Peterborough locals are buying in just yet.
Words are easy — delivery is what counts.
If the mayor wants to win over the city’s entrepreneurs, he’ll need to back promises with visible action: grants that land, partnerships that work, and infrastructure that actually supports business, not just headlines.
For now? We watch, we wait — and we hope this chapter finally puts Peterborough business in the spotlight where it belongs. |
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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! |
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Peterborough Was Home to Britain’s First Purpose-Built POW Camp
Just southwest of the city, in Yaxley, stood Norman Cross—constructed in 1797 during the Napoleonic Wars as the UK’s very first purpose-built prisoner-of-war camp.
It housed up to 7,000 captured French and Dutch soldiers, complete with barracks, workshops, a school, and even a marketplace.
Thanks to recent funding, the site is now protected by the Nene Park Trust and set to open for visitors so soon, you can walk where history once did. |
2. The Nene Valley Railway Has Been a Star in James Bond Films
This heritage railway isn’t just for Sunday steampunks — it’s had screen time in James Bond’s “Octopussy” and other classic films.
The vintage trains and tracks at Nene Valley Railway have doubled for continental Europe more than once.
Turns out Hollywood loves a bit of Peterborough steam. |
3. The City Has a Cathedral That Took 120 Years to Finish — and It’s Still Full of Mysteries
Peterborough Cathedral was started in 1118 and finished in 1238.
Even now, it’s hiding secrets.
From Queen Katharine of Aragon’s tomb to graffiti scratched by medieval pilgrims, it’s a place of quiet drama.
Oh, and it’s one of only a handful of churches in the world with a wooden painted ceiling still intact from the 13th century. |
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Peterborough Junior Rowing Champs – Little Warriors on the Nene🗓 Date: Saturday, 28th June
Young rowers in the making — this is their day to shine.
The Junior Championships see talented under-18s racing side-by-side over that familiar 1,000‑metre stretch, each stroke echoing with determination.
It’s about more than medals it’s confidence, comradery, and seeing tomorrow’s Olympians in action.
Grab a deck chair, cheer them on, and soak up that festival-of-effort spirit. |
Posh Star Leaves — For St Pauli In Germany's Bundesliga
It’s not sport as usual: striker Ricky-Jade Jones, one of our own, has just waved goodbye to play in Germany’s Bundesliga no transfer fee for Posh, just stark pride mixed with that unmistakeable sting.
He sprinted to 22.3 mph, scored 41 goals in 200 - appearances and kept us buzzing on London Road.
It’s a loss — but one that reminds us of this club’s talent pipeline. |
Pool Boost Incoming – Cambridge Pledge Might Mean Peterborough Splash
While not a race just yet, this feels close enough: Chancellor Rachel Reeves has thrown government weight behind our push for a brand-new indoor pool in Peterborough part of the planned new Sports Quarter.
After the old pool shut due to safety concerns, city teams and water-lovers have been travelling out of town.
This pledge is big on promise could mean new home lanes, dive sessions, and fewer early-morning commutes. Fingers crossed! |
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Summer Recipe: Peach, Mozzarella & Prosciutto Salad with Basil Oil
The vibe: Fresh, juicy, and just the right side of indulgent. It’s what you’d serve if Italy had a fling with a British summer garden.
Perfect for: Alfresco lunches, “what shall we eat tonight?” moments, or showing off at your next bring-a-plate BBQ.
🛒 You’ll Need:
For the basil oil:
👩🍳 Method:
Blitz the basil oil:
You want it punchy and bright green — add more lemon if you like a zing.
Assemble like a pro:
Arrange the peaches, mozzarella and prosciutto over the top like you’ve just thrown them on (but actually you’re very pleased with yourself).
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Drizzle & devour:
Serve with crusty bread or just forks at the ready.
Pair it with: Peach & Thyme Fizz (Alcohol-Free)
Muddle the peach, honey, thyme and lime in a glass.
Top with ice and sparkling water, stir and sip while leaning on a sun-warmed windowsill.
Optional: feel extremely relaxed. |
Kid-Friendly Tweak: Peach & Mozzarella Skewers
Dip into a mild honey-yogurt sauce and watch them disappear. |
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