Heritage Festival

The Peterborough Festival kicks off for 2011 with the Heritage weekend, held in the historic heart of the city centre and the stunning surroundings of the Cathedral precincts. In 2010 this was one of the Festival’s most popular events and this year’s event promises a living history extravaganza for all to enjoy – unlike anything else in the city!

This year’s Heritage Festival takes place over the last weekend in June and features over 300 costumed re-enactors from some of the country’s top Living History groups. Visit living history encampments in the precincts to meet Roman soldiers, Saxon warriors, Medieval Knights, English Civil War Roundheads and Napoleonic Redcoats. This year the main arena will occupy the Cathedral Square in front of the Guildhall, at the heart of the city centre.

A packed programme over the weekend will include live period music, falconry displays and spectacular battle displays by the re-enactors. Watch the Vikings in battle, hear the crash of musket fire from the Civil War soldiers, or get involved as our Medieval Knights use children from the audience in their tournament! Visitors can meet costumed characters will be including famous people from Peterborough’s past. Why not have a royal audience with Henry VIII and Katharine of Aragon, Richard III or Mary, Queen of Scots. Meet Edith Cavell, Jesters, musicians and entertainers who will be out and about, but beware of the highwayman to who will be about to relieve you of your valuables!

Visit our period market on the main Cathedral green, including displays of historic crafts and trades alongside a chance to go shopping for an historically themed gift. New for 2011 is a craft market with local traders and craftspeople will be displaying and selling their wares. Over 20 local history societies, community groups and local historic attractions, will be putting on displays to show off the best of our local heritage.

New for 2011 will be the talks and demonstrations marquee, where a programme of short talks and picture shows will take place on aspects of Peterborough’s past, alongside close up demonstrations by re-enactors and even a daily ‘sing-a-long’ 1940s music session!

As the weekend is Armed Forces weekend, St John’s Square will be full of displays by veterans groups and the current armed forces. Find out what is happening locally to support veterans and see military vehicles, displays and activities. From archery in the Dean’s Gardens to themed, quality catering, including a beer tent by local brewery Castor Ales, what better way to spend a summer weekend with your family than engaging in the biggest and most exciting festival to be found. Come and experience two thousand years of history brought to life, all in one day!