💬 This week from the Spotlight Team!

We’re heading into the final stretch of June those long, golden evenings are here, and Peterborough’s got that laid-back summer buzz in the air.

Whether you’ve been catching the FIFA Club World Cup at your local, planning your garden around the weather apps, or just savouring the slower pace that summer invites, we hope you’re feeling that warm-weather lift.

In this issue, we’ve got more feel-good local stories to share, a spotlight on a brilliant indie business, and a recipe that pairs perfectly with a picnic—or a lazy Tuesday tea. Plus a few community updates that might’ve flown under the radar, but deserve a look.

Let’s dive into what’s happening around Peterborough this week.

Harvest Barn - Hidden Gem Alert: A Fab Family Day in Farcet, Near Peterborough

Tucked just off Ramsey Road in Farcet, Harvest Barn is the kind of local treasure that feels made for Peterborough families.

Since opening in January 2018, Lynn and the Briggs family have grown their little farm-shop-and-café into something much more than a place to pick up veg—it’s a full-on family day out with a proper community heartbeat.

Walk in and you’re greeted by shelves stocked with fresh produce, meat from neighbouring farms, and all sorts of artisan treats—from chutneys and cakes to gluten-free bakes and proper, hearty bread.

But it’s not just about food. Out the back, you’ll find friendly farm animals, kids clambering over outdoor play zones, and winding trails where little ones can learn a thing or two about nature.

It’s that rare blend of practical and magical somewhere you can do your shopping and still make a day of it.

The café is cosy, honest, and full of homemade goodness (tip: don’t skip the scones), and there’s always something going on—craft sessions, farm walks, even kids’ parties.

The place has picked up a fair few awards in the last couple of years, including Farm Shop of the Year for Central England in both 2022 and 2023, and it’s not hard to see why.

Harvest Barn isn’t trying to be trendy. It’s simply a family doing what they love growing food, growing community, and growing memories. In a world of slick chains and self-checkouts, that feels pretty special.

Next time you’re after a slow Saturday, a proper coffee, and a chance to support a real-deal Peterborough business, this spot should be top of your list.

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!

Oundle Fringe Festival (June 27–July 6)

Just down the road, Oundle’s charming Fringe Festival kicks off this week with free performances popping up all over town.

Expect toe-tapping bands, family-friendly acts, and a bit of unexpected street magic. It’s like Edinburgh Fringe’s countryside cousin, and a cracking excuse to explore somewhere different without burning through petrol.

D&D Beginners' One‑Shot at The Dice Box (June 27, 7 pm)

Ever wanted to roll a dice and become a bard named Jeff who fights goblins with a banjo? This is your moment.

The Dice Box is hosting a super-friendly one-shot session for D&D newbies—first drink included, imagination absolutely required. 

Armed Forces Day & Civic Ceremony (Saturday 29 June, Cathedral Square)

A proud salute to local service members of course we have members of the RAF based locally but don't forget our armed forces keep us safe every day across the globe.

Come show your support and have fun with a family-friendly twist. Expect marching, flag-raising, and a proper community feel in the heart of the city.

Bring the kids, bring your clapping hands this one’s about shared stories and local heroes.

Yoga in the Cathedral Grounds (Thursdays, 9am)

Where better to find your inner calm than in the shadow of Peterborough Cathedral?

Join the weekly outdoor yoga flow no pressure, no Lycra catwalk, just fresh air, good vibes, and the occasional squirrel spectating from a nearby tree.

Silent Disco at The Cresset (Saturday 29 June, from 7pm)

Three DJs. One set of headphones. Zero regrets. This isn’t your typical night out bounce between channels and dance like nobody’s watching (because nobody can hear you anyway).

Warning: spontaneous dad-dancing highly likely.

Make Your Own Bling – Jewellery Taster (29 & 30 June, Dee-zyn)

Ever fancied making your own ring instead of scrolling for one online? Dee-zyn is offering hands-on workshops this weekend where you’ll go from silver sheet to shiny keepsake.

Relaxed vibes, small groups, and no experience needed just curiosity and maybe a bit of sparkle in your eye.

P.S. This Sunday: Run, raise, repeat  at the Peterborough Running Festival🏃‍♀️

Nene Park’s going to be full of trainers, cheers, and the kind of determined smiles you only get from running for a good cause.

The Peterborough Running Festival (Sunday 30 June) isn’t just about chasing a medal it’s a heart-on-your-sleeve fundraiser for Kidney Research UK, with plenty of love being shown to  Little Miracles too.

You can pick your pace (5k, 10k, or a half marathon if you’re feeling heroic), but it’s the community spirit that really carries the day.

 Everyone’s out for the same thing: a bit of exercise, a lot of support, and maybe a flapjack at the finish line.

Whether you're pounding the path or cheering from the sidelines, it's a brilliant day to be part of something bigger than yourself.

👉 Find out more or sign up here

Lace up and show up Peterborough-style.

Local Hero's of the Week: Quick-thinking Council Crew Saves Lives

Meet the real-life heroes hiding in plain sight Peterborough City Council’s own frontline staff, celebrated in early June at the annual Staff Awards.

One trio of street-care workers (Aragon workers) saved a colleague’s life, performing 15 minutes of CPR after he suffered a major heart attackthey kept at it until he was safely in hospital. 

Meanwhile, a compassionate social worker scaled a drainpipe to reach and resuscitate a parent who had overdosed, ensuring their child didn’t witness the terrifying scene. 

Their swift, selfless actions earned them the Frontline Hero award heartfelt recognition for heroism that’s both subtle and deeply moving.

This isn’t years-old stuff it happened in early June 2025, right in our city, and it’s exactly the kind of everyday courage we love spotlighting. These aren’t celebrities or influencers; they’re people we’d probably bump into on a morning commute, quietly making Peterborough a safer, kinder place.

A Slice, a Smile, and a Brew at Bewiched

Tucked on Bridge Street like your favourite old book in a library, Bewiched Coffee is the kind of spot that feels less like a café and more like a good mood waiting to happen.

Whether you’re swinging by for a morning caffeine fix or settling in for a natter, the vibe here is pure Peterborough: no pretence, just proper coffee, cheeky cake slices, and the sort of welcome that makes you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time through the door.

Locals rave about their cherry Bakewell slices (the kind that threaten to upstage your flat white), but it’s the people behind the counter that steal the show—genuine, chatty, and always game for a laugh. Dog walkers, students, OAPs, buggies... everyone fits in here. And that’s rare.

Top tip: Order your coffee, grab the window seat, and watch the world shuffle by. It’s therapy—but with cinnamon on top.

Hippo Motor Group Parks Here

A brand-new independent dealership, Hippo Motor Group, has quietly opened its showroom on John Wesley Road (the old Big Motoring World site), with a soft launch already underway ahead of its grand opening weekend (21–22 June).

Expect about 30 new jobs in sales, service, and aftercare plus a tidy £500 discount on all cars for those early-bird buyers. Local wheels, local folks, local impact.uk.news.yahoo.co 

SW Car Supermarket Expands Local Reach

Meanwhile, SW Car Supermarket is snapping up two new dealership sites across Peterborough adding to its footprint and offering more choice for local car shoppers. 

That means more competition, more options, and more convenience—right where we live.

Home Sweet Home Settle in at Rivergate

A Peterborough-based, family-owned furniture retailer has just opened a new branch in the Rivergate Centre (junction of Bourges Boulevard & Lower Bridge Street).

They’ve already created four new jobs and promise British-made sofas and chairs delivered within about four weeks no need to trek to retail parks

Princebuild Crowned Family Business of the Year

Local builders Princebuild, family-founded and community-focused, have been named Property & Construction Family Business of the Year 2025 at the national Family Business Awards.

Judges praised their commitment to staff, clients, and community proof that local values can build national acclaim

New Family Hub Coming to Bourges Boulevard

In a boost for local families, a new Family Hub is set to open on Bourges Boulevard this summer. It’ll offer everything from drop-in support and parenting workshops to early-years activities all designed by and for Peterborough families

People Who You Maybe Didn't Know Came From Peterborough 

Louis Smith – First British Gymnast in 100 Years to Win Olympic Medal

Peterborough-born gymnast Louis Smith (b. 22 April 1989) made history by winning a bronze medal in pommel horse at the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Britain's first individual Olympic gymnastics medal in a century and went on to claim silver medals in both London 2012 and Rio 2016 .famousbirthdays.com+3eterboroughtoday.co.uk

This week marks another milestone: he’s celebrating 17 years since that Beijing bronze—a reminder of Peterborough pride still flipping today.

Hey Louis what are you doing now?

Aston Merrygold – Peterborough Streets to JLS Stardom

Before the boy band JLS became household names, Aston Merrygold was just a kid with big dreams—born and raised here in Peterborough (b. 13 February 1988).

Jump-forward, and he's scored a Brit Award, graced X Factor finals, and as of this month, just celebrated 17 years in the spotlight since JLS's debut single dropped in July 2008. 

From humble beginnings to pop stardom, he’s proof that dreams can go global.

⚽ Posh Start to Warm Up

Peterborough United are easing into their pre-season with matches popping up like daisies—starting with Stamford, then Grimsby, Boston, and Leicester.

It’s your chance to catch new faces, rusty legs, and that first “ooh he looks sharp” chat from the stands. Bring your sunhat and your scarf—just in case.

🏏 Cricket & Cake? We’re In.

Local village clubs are back in full swing (pun firmly intended). Deeping,  Castor, are serving up classic weekend scenes: gentle applause, rogue sixes into back gardens, and tea breaks with enough Victoria sponge to make Mary Berry weep.

🏑 Hockey Heat Building

City of Peterborough’s hockey squads are training hard through summer with eyes on another push come autumn. Rumour has it the men’s XI are testing some slick new tactics—and the women’s squad are running training drills sharp enough to slice your sandwiches. One to watch.

Easy Summer Recipe: Eton Mess… With a Twist

Eton Mess is basically British summer in a bowl—light, sweet, and just the right amount of chaotic. And this version throws in a little lemon zest and crushed shortbread for extra oomph.

What you’ll need:

• A punnet of strawberries (or raspberries, or whatever berry’s on offer)

•  

• 1 tub of double cream

•  

• 4–5 ready-made meringue nests

•  

• Zest of 1 lemon

•  

• A couple of shortbread biscuits (for crunch)

•  

• A spoon and a bowl, and ideally, a sunny garden

•  

How to do it:

1. Whip the cream until it’s just holding its shape—don’t overdo it.

2.  

3. Roughly crush the meringues and shortbread (bash them with the back of a spoon, no need for faff).

4.  

5. Hull and chop your strawberries—save a few for topping.

6.  

7. Gently fold everything together with a whisper of lemon zest.

8.  

9. Serve in bowls, glasses, or straight from the mixing bowl with one spoon between friends.

10.  

Top tip: Add a splash of elderflower cordial or a dash of booze (Pimm’s or limoncello) if you’re feeling grown-up.

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