ESP’s essential summer what’s on guide
Beer Festival There’s a party coming to Peterborough, and we’re all invited.
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You can’t beat meeting up with friends, trying out ‘a few’ of the 400 draught real ales on offer, whilst listening to great live music at each session.
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the picnic table, food and soft drinks yourself but NOT your own alcohol. There will also be a fairground at the back of the festival and games inside the marquees. ESP has always been heavily involved in the Beer Festival. Once again, we’ll be helping to judge this year’s Champion Beer, we’ll be in attendance to hand out our magazines, take your photos for our Paparazzi and we’ll be giving you regular updates via our website and social networking pages.
Photo: Mike Harris
T
he 41st Peterborough Beer Festival kicks off on the River Embankment on Tuesday August 21 - running until Mikey Clarke Saturday August 25. I’ve attended the popular five-day event every year since I was 18. Without revealing my age, let’s just say it’s been a long time. The Beer Fest (which aims to showcase the best real ales from around the UK) is always the highlight of my year. You can’t beat meeting up with friends, trying out ‘a few’ of the 400 draught real ales on offer, whilst listening to great live music at each session. I’d mention the sunshine but with our British summers, who knows – although thanks to the giant marquees, we’re all good whatever the weather. I find that most people share my passion for the Peterborough Beer Festival, and those that don’t simply have misconceptions about it. In the past, some people have said to me, “Why would I go when I don’t like beer?”
Because there’s so much more on offer! There’s a huge range of ciders, perries, wine, soft drinks and a gin bar a range of around 50 different and unique gins to sample! People will sometimes say, “I like to spend the weekend with the family.” Again, not a problem – bring them along! Lunchtime or early evening is the ideal time to take the family, as there’s always an easygoing, friendly atmosphere. The Escape Bar will be selling a range of soft drinks, crisps, ice cream, sweets and children’s drinks from 50p. You can even bring your dog (on a lead),
For more information on the festival, visit www.beer-fest.org.uk. Mikey Clarke
COMPETITION WIN TICKETS TO 41st PBF WITH ESP! We can’t wait to see you there – and to help make that happen, we’re giving away 5 pairs of tickets. For your chance at winning a pair, answer the following question…
Q - What do the initials I.P.A. stand for in beer terminology? Email your answer along with your name, age and contact number to
competition@espmag.co.uk Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Usual competition rules apply. There is no cash alternative. Winners will be notified. Closing date for entries is 31/07/18.
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SAT JUL
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Mascot Olympics Family Fun Day 11am – 4pm Peterborough Greyhound Stadium
MASCOT OLYMPICS
FUN COLOUR RUN WILL BE A RUSH Here’s your chance to run a rainbow! Fun seekers are being urged to sign up to run, dance, skip and walk their way around a 5km route drenched in colour to support Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. It’s time to get messy and get your family and friends together for the second Peterborough Fun Colour Rush. Runners will be doused in powder paint and encouraged to cover each other in colour before and during the 5km race around Peterborough Arena on Sunday July 15. You’ll receive a t-shirt to wear and powder paint to throw creating a spectacular start. Along the route, volunteers pump paint at runners ensuring they’re thoroughly drenched in colour by the time they reach the finish and receive their medal. Entry’s £18 for adults, £10 for children or £40 for a family of four (two adults and two children). To support Thorpe Hall Hospice those taking part need to seek sponsorship – a target of £50 per person is suggested. For more information visit www.sueryder.org/ThorpeColour.
We’re not sure how, but Peterborough’s managed to host its very own Olympics… for your favourite mascots! Join Peterborough Greyhounds’ Rocket the Hare or cheer on Peterborough United’s very own Peter Burrow when they go head to head with other county mascots; hopping, sprinting and tumbling in a race to grab that gold medal. On Saturday July 14, Peterborough Greyhound Stadium will be hosting the Mascot Olympics, a very competitive and exhilarating series of Olympic style games to determine who is Peterborough’s best. With family entertainment throughout the day, this will be a fun experience for those involved and all you lovely spectators. At just £2 per adult, the event will run from 11am until 4pm, with all proceeds going to Anna’s Hope and the Free Kicks Foundation. If you visit the event, you’ll then receive free entry to the greyhound racing that night. Entry payment is to be made on arrival. For more info, visit www.peterboroughgreyhounds.com/events/mascot-olympics. Chloe Wilkinson
BOAT TOUR AND WATER SKIING @ TALLINGTON LAKES Prepare your life jackets and wet suits as the excitement is building for MasterCraft Tour 2018 stop 2! For the first time, Tallington Lakes will be hosting the MasterCraft tour on July 28 - July 29, and we’re all ready to get competitive. MasterCraft are a prestigious, luxury high-performance boat manufacturer, with many of their boats being used for extreme water sports. In previous years, the company have presented the Pro Wakeboard Tour and Kneeboard Tour in the US.
If you want to live in the moment, prebook your experience slots as soon as you can by contacting Darren on 01772 851133 or emailing Darren@mastercraft.co.uk. For more action on the water don’t miss the annual Ernie Ward Memorial Cup at Tallington Lakes on Saturday August 18. This is an exciting three round slalom water ski event in memory of the world champion water skier and it’s great viewing. Chloe Wilkinson
INFLATABLE WILL BE MONSTER FUN
DEEPINGS RAFT RACE It’s time to get wet and go wild on the water as the ever popular Deepings Raft Race returns in all its glory on Sunday August 5. This annul event is always great fun as homemade craft of all shapes and sizes take to the river manned by crews in fancy dress – and of course not all make it to the finish! This year’s theme is Heroes and Villains so we’re expecting some great costumes. There’s still time to get involved and build a raft so why not give it a try this year? It’s free to go along and away from the action on the water there’ll be more than 40 traders and charity stalls as well as food and ice cream – get in touch with the organsiers if you’d like to be there Check out the website for all you need to know www.deepingsraftrace.co.uk or their Facebook Page, Deepings Raft Race.
Make your 90’s game show dreams come to life as The Monster comes to Peterborough. At nearly 300 metres long, you’ll be running, dancing and tumbling at the sight of one of the world’s largest inflatable obstacle courses. We can’t think
of a better way to spend August bank holiday! Head down to the East of England Events Arena from Thursday August 30 until Sunday September 2 with some friends to experience one of the craziest, enormous bouncy castles designed just for adults, with 42 new obstacles including the 18 metre ‘Mega Slide’ and the juicy ‘Tunnel of Love’. That’s not all. Expect a day full of cocktails, craft beers and street food alongside non-stop partying with Live DJ’s and the Mega Ball Pit. Who said you had to grow up? Tickets are £20 per person and £2.50 for spectators with group discounts available. To find out more, visit www.themonsteruk.com. Chloe Wilkinson www.espmag.co.uk
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SEE TIM PEAKE’S SPACECRAFT AT PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL
Photo: John Lawrence
11 August – 5 November 2018 www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/soyuz
IN A PARK FAR, FAR AWAY… Remember as a kid always wanting to see a Star Wars fighter up close? Have you ever wanted to gawp at Kylo Ren’s Tie Silencer? Well take yourself down to Burghley’s Sculpture Gardens this summer and you can do just that. ‘Otherworldly’ is much more than an exhibition. It’s an insane, creative sci-fi experience and more importantly, it’s an opportunity for a nice day out and a picnic. The 2018 exhibition explores the surreal, strange, magical, cosmic and interplanetary surrounded by a mixed array of trees and parklands in a historical setting. So if the sculptures aren’t for you, the nature and history surrounding you will be sure to take your breath away. After hitting headlines last year, Youtube sensation and crazy inventor, Colin Furze will be the ‘star’ of the exhibition this year with a life-size 17 metre long depiction of Kylo Ren’s Tie Silencer from Star Wars. The exhibition in now on with the Sculpture Garden being open from 11am-5pm daily until Sunday October 28. Tickets and more information can be found at www.burghley.co.uk. Chloe Wilkinson
MINEVENTION
2018
Sharpen your pickaxes, wire up your redstone and get ready because MineVention is back – bigger, better and blockier than ever before, returning in 2018 for its third year at The Cresset! If you’ve ever wanted to meet and greet worldfamous Minecraft YouTubers, take part in Minecraft Tournaments and Build Battle Competitions or dress up as your favourite Minecraft character in their costume contest, then this Official Minecraft Community Event is for you. There’ll be loads of PCs and consoles to play on, as well as some fantastic main stage fun and games to watch and if you’re lucky, even join in with! There’ll also be the opportunity to learn more about online safety and education via Minecraft. So if you or your kids are Minecraft mad, be sure to head to The Cresset on Saturday August 4 and Sunday August 5. There’ll be tons of special guests and YouTube stars attending the event – for the full list of confirmed guests and tickets visit www.minevention.co.uk/events/peterborough.
BE AN ASTRONAUT FOR A DAY It’s one small step towards big fun for young space adventurers at Peterborough cathedral this summer. With excitement building for the arrival of Tim Peake’s spacecraft youngsters can enjoy an out-of-this-world space-themed holiday club experience with various sessions from Thursday August 2 - Friday October 26. Children aged 8-14 years will get the chance to be an astronaut for a day designing their own space suit, setting up an astronaut style experiment and seeing if they can withstand the 'G-force'? Be an Astronaut for a Day runs from 9.30am until 4.30pm on these dates: Thursday August 2 Friday August 3 Thursday August 9 Friday August 10 Thursday August 16 Friday August 17 Thursday October 25 Friday October 26 You’ll need to book as places are limited and it’s £30 per person per day. Email: hla@peterboroughcathedral.org.uk or call 01733 355307.
Peterborough Cathedral is set to be out of this world all summer as the excitement builds for Tim Peake’s Soyuz spacecraft landing here alongside the ultimate Space Descent VR experience with August. The Cathedral, in its 900th year, will be hosting the Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft as it tours the UK following the 2015-2016 Principia mission. It is likely the spacesuit and parachute used during the mission will also be on display… but we are very eager to try out that VR. Using Samsung Gear VR technology, you will be able to experience your own unique 24 www.espmag.co.uk
virtual reality adventure and you can’t say you haven’t wanted to be an astronaut for a day. The spacecraft is arriving on Saturday August 11 until Monday November 5. If that’s not enough, Peterborough Cathedral will be displaying ‘Museum of the Moon’, a new touring artwork featuring detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface from October 5 to October 14. For more information on the events visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk and keep up to date with the journey using #SoyuzTour on social media. Chloe Wilkinson
Photo: © Science Museum Group
SPACECRAFT LANDS @ CATHEDRAL
BEACH PARTY AT PUZZLES? BAR Get your summer shirts and flip flops on and head to the beach…on Bridge Street! Puzzles? bar is throwing an all day beach party on Saturday July 28. Sun, sea, sand, deck chairs, Pina Coladas – the works! Evening entertainment will be provided by the amazing Gimme 2. Don your summer frocks, swim shorts and sandals; there’s a prize for the best fancy dress!
Several local artists will also be playing at Green Meadows Festival amongst many other up-and-coming acts including Peterborough band Idolising Nova, FES, The Lucky Lessons, Deep City, Among The Citizens, B Sydes, Saltfen, Flint Moore, Morganway and The Islas.
At last, music festival season is upon us and it’s the time for great vibes and good times dancing in a field and stepping out of the 9 to 5. There’s a great one just on our doorstep this summer that just keeps getting better and better. Green Meadows Festival is now in its seventh year and has its biggest ever line up for the annual three day event at Elton Hall near Peterborough.
The festival runs from August 10-12 and has grown year on year, winning a national award in 2017 from FestivalKidz.com as the best small festival. Performers this year include The Specials founder Neville Staple, noughties pop rockers The Hoosiers, Craig Charles Funk n Soul Show, Seb Fontaine, The Utah Saints and acoustic performances from The Levellers' Jon Sevink and The Bluetones’ Mark Morriss. Festival founder Ollie Sharp told ESP – "We are delighted to bring such a range of great acts and activities to the beautiful Elton Hall estate. With plenty for children and adults whether people come for a day or weekend they are sure to have a great time." 26 www.espmag.co.uk
CASTOR FESTIVAL ROCKS WITH THE HOUNDOGS This is part of their commitment to promoting local talent including their link up with BBC Cambridgeshire Introducing, who take over the Village Stage on Saturday. There are plenty of free activities for kids as well including a performance of The Hound of the Baskervilles by the Illyria outdoor theatre group, forest schools, DJ and break dancing workshops, animal encounters and much more.
The event not only brings us some great tunes but also supports the Teenage Cancer Trust Addenbrookes Ward in Cambridge. Weekend tickets for adults range from £75 - £95, day tickets £30 - £40 and are available now from www.greenmeadowsfestival.org.
It’ll be a big rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly party as Castor Festival celebrates its 21st year with a huge weekend of events and music planned for July 6, 7 and 8.
Fantastic local band The Houndogs kick it all off on the Friday from 7pm til midnight in the marquee on the school field, and will definitely have you up on your feet! There’ll be a licensed bar, local beer from Castor Ales, bubbles bar, raffle and silent auction. Grab your tickets quick (£12) which include a two course meal. Saturday's events start early with a 'big breakfast' in the Village Hall then it’s the Fete and Family Feast at 1.30pm on the school field and marquee with stalls, food court, licensed bar, children's games & entertainer, swing boats, carousel, steam organ and Tug of War. There’s also an art display throughout the weekend in the Cedar Centre. For more info go to www.castorfestival.co.uk and tickets for Friday night can be purchased by calling 01733 380410 or 01733 380900.
BJORN AGAIN @ EACH FEST
TOPLOADER @ OUNDLE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
What do you get when you mix David Walliams, Toploader and Nat King Cole? Another amazing Oundle International Festival! The Festival returns for its 34th year and has everything from pop to jazz, Nat King Cole tunes to world folk music as well as drama and history tours! Jazz star Atila, a regular performer at Ronnie Scott's, will entertain on Saturday July 7 with his brilliant celebration of the life and songs of Nat King Cole followed by Kabantu on Monday July 9 with their highly infectious blend of world & folk music. Jazz fans are then in for a treat on Friday July 13 when the David Gordon Trio play music from their Alexander Scriabin's Ragtime Band project.
Families are also in for a treat on Friday July 13 with a performance of David Walliams’ popular book The Midnight Gang by Heartbreak Productions. This is open air theatre at its best – take along a rug or chair and enjoy this hilarious play in Barnwell Country Park. There will also be the Oundle On Show weekend taking place on Saturday July 7 including Barnwell Country Park's Music in the Park when five local brass bands perform throughout the afternoon, a Classic Bicycle Ride, which will include a ride through the town in the late afternoon, and on the Sunday, Open Oundle will provide a chance to look around some of the town's 'hidden' buildings and join historical tours. That’s all followed by a concert by the Rusty Players of Oundle and another hugely enjoyable Big Afternoon Tea. You’ll be dancing in the moonlight as the festival ends in style with the fabulous open-air Party at the Wharf, headlined by Toploader on Saturday July 14. They’re supported by fantastic Peterborough band Austin Gold who we’ve been championing here at ESP, and local covers band Desperate Measures. Tickets are selling fast so grab yours on www.oundlefestival.org.uk, by calling 01832 274734 or by visiting the Oundle Festival Box Office, 4 New Street, Oundle.
Get your flares on Super Trouper, as the critically-acclaimed Abba tribute, Bjorn Again are headlining EACH FEST alongside the UK’s leading Queen tribute, Supreme Queen and The Rolling Stones Now. Huntingdon Racecourse is hosting EACH FEST, the brand new local music festival in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices on Saturday August 25. Bjorn Again, who’ve been endorsed by Abba themselves and have played Abba’s greatest hits in over 100 countries are set to find the local dancing queens whilst expanding the mini festival which has been running for three years specifically for children cared for by EACH. Not only will this day feature music, it will be fun-packed with stalls, inflatables, face painting and independent traders essentially providing fun for all the family. Parking is free at the site, with disabled parking also available. Tickets start at £25 for adults and £14 for children with the event free for under 4’s. To book or find out more information, visit www.eachfest.co.uk. Chloe Wilkinson
BATTLE PROMS Take a blast back to the past with the firmly established Burghley House Battle Proms as it holds its 14th annual event. This summer celebration with music, Spitfire, cannons, cavalry and fireworks has thousands of loyal fans nationwide, so why would you want to miss it? The Battle Proms is still believed to be the only opportunity in the world to see their signature piece – Beethoven’s Battle Symphony – performed as he composed it: with 193 live Napoleonic cannons providing a thunderous percussion! Led by Douglas Coombes MBE and compered by much-loved BBC presenter Pam Rhides, the full 2
hour orchestral concert will include a host of well-known classical pieces and conclude with a ‘last night of the proms’ flag-waving sing-along. Join thousands of others on Saturday July 7 from 6.15pm until 10.30pm for this unmissable event… and make the most of the free parking! Tickets start at £36 per adult and £18 per child with a Friends of Burghley discount available. For tickets and more information, please visit www.burghley.co.uk/events/ battle-proms-concert Chloe Wilkinson
GIN AND RUM FESTIVAL Pass the lime! Our love of a G&T has really exploded in recent years with an incredible range of new gins now being gleefully sipped across the country. Clearly it’s time to celebrate this tipple and why not do it in style with a range of rums to accompany it. Peterborough hosts its first Gin and Rum Festival this summer inside our amazing cathedral on Friday August 24 and Saturday August 25.
Expect seven themed bars with 120 different gins and rums, as well as live entertainment, talks and master classes and succulent street food. You’ll also receive a free satchel bag, a Copa glass and a Gin and Rum 'Bible'! There will be three sessions over the two days. For tickets and further information, visit www.ginandrumfestival.com.
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Stamford Shakespeare Company 1968 – 2018
BURGHLEY FILM FESTIVAL Whether you want to Hakuna Matata all day long or join Gerard Butler in Sparta for the evening, Burghley Film Festival will have something for you again this year. Open air screenings are returning to Burghley House for five days and nights of fabulous film with two family-friendly daytime films and two films especially for adults in the evening. Set in the beautiful South Garden, the Tudor house and parkland provides a spectacular backdrop to the high quality big screen – so don’t worry about getting a bad view! Brand new this year is a food market area offering a whole range of food – including American classics – with the returning favourites, real ales, the G&T bar and Pimms on tap… plus the chance to hire Burghley deckchairs, unless of course you’d like to take your own. Beginning with The Lego Batman Movie and ending with the Academy Award winning Dunkirk, there are over 15 films being shown over five days from July 25 to July 29. If you’re spoilt for choice, tickets give you access to both daytime, or both evening shows so pick a day, time and go along! A full listing of all of the films, tickets and information can be found at www.burghley.co.uk/film-festival2018. Chloe Wilkinson
Open air theatre at Tolethorpe Hall 12th June – 1st September
THE GREATEST OUTDOOR CINEMA Cultural phenomenon The Greatest Showman is coming to March this summer on Saturday July 28, and you don’t want to miss out on this open air cinema experience. With a live band to entertain beforehand, the film will begin at sundown (8.30pm) and is guaranteed to be an evening full of fun. Achieving 11 consecutive weeks at number one in the UK Album Charts with the soundtrack, The Greatest Showman has become a staple in popular culture featuring the likes of Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Michelle Williams. Brought to you by EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices), all proceeds from the event will go to the charity. Tickets are £12 each with free parking available. For more information about EACH or to book tickets, visit www.each.org.uk/cinema. Chloe Wilkinson
50th ANNIVERSARY OF STAMFORD SHAKESPEARE Spend a night this summer celebrating, watching your favourite plays performed like no other as Stamford Shakespeare Company complete their 50th year of open-air theatre performances. For the next three months until September 1, The Merchant of Venice and The Merry Wives of Windsor will be staged in a real life, outdoor setting whilst you and your family kick back and relax under the covered auditorium, so don’t panic about the rain making your hair go frizzy! If Shakespeare has never been your taste, Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The School for Scandal will also be performed so there’s no excuse to miss out on this fantastic theatre experience. Hosted at Rutland Open Air Theatre in the grounds of historic Tolethorpe Hall, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to do before heading to the auditorium. Take your own picnic, book a readyprepared one from the venue, enjoy a buffet meal in the restaurant or spend an hour or two exploring the grounds. Advance booking is essential. Tickets start at £14 per person and are available through the box office. For more information and to book tickets or meals, visit www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk. Chloe Wilkinson 28 www.espmag.co.uk
OUTDOOR THEATRE ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND In their 19th year of touring, Chapterhouse Theatre Company are preparing to take you down the rabbit hole during their presentation of a family classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. After the success of last year’s Peter Pan performance, the open-air theatre show will be hosted at the well-known bronze-age site Flag Fen on Saturday August 18. This is a production to delight the entire family, presented in Victorian costume and alive with song, dance and original music. So, why not join Alice as she adventures with the likes of the Mad Hatter and flees from the wicked Queen of Hearts? Themed refreshments will be available to purchase though picnics are welcome. It’s also recommended that you bring your own seating as seats available are unreserved. Tickets start at £16 for adults and £10 for children, with a family ticket available at £46 (only available through the box office). To find out more call 01733 207239 or visit The Key Theatre’s box office. Chloe Wilkinson
THE ELM TREE TAVERN Family Fun Day and Music Fest
7th July 2018 1pm - 5pm Kings School, Peterborough playing field Music 1pm till late on the Elm Tree Taverns ground Live music featuring:
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Arc Nation • Caustic Lights Thunderhead • Outlaw Eagles True British Mayhem Thomas Dunleavy Garten End Road, Dogsthorpe 01733 358134
Including: - 66th Feldgendarmerie and Foxhole 44 LHG - Fire Engine - Bouncy Castle and Rides - Raffle and Tombola - Dog Show - Cheerleader's - Cake Stall and Ice Cream - N&S Crafts and Glitter art - Various stalls and more fundraising events
3rd-8th July – Beer Festival • 10 Real Ales from £2.00 per pint • Real Ciders • 17+ gins from menu • Karaoke every Sunday with Mighty Mouth Trev Staniland Way, Werrington
Tel: 01733 327696
6th 7th 13th 14th 20th 21st 27th 28th
Children of the Revolution The Nuggets Kickback Pegler Walkway Hooker High Rollers Dusk till Dawn
Sponsored by
PECT Green Festival Free family fun at Nene Park August 11 from 10am – 4pm
VIVACITY SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
TIME FOR YOUTH JAM 18!
Local band Caustic Lights and a choir of 900 voices are set to headline at Youth Jam 18 and we can’t wait. We’re really excited about YMCA Trinity Group’s Youth Jam 18 event on Saturday July 21 in Cathedral Square and ESP Magazine will be heading down on the day. It’s all in aid of projects to provide new, dedicated youth spaces in Peterborough and will showcase young people aged 5 - 25 from across the city as they dance, sing and play in a celebration of talent that’s set to kick start the summer holidays.
The day will begin at 10am with a parade led by the Highland Pipe Band followed by dozens of acts performing throughout the day on three stages around Cathedral Square and will end with 900 voices joining to sing Boy George’s version of the classic hit song, YMCA. In addition to the on-stage performances there’ll be immersive theatre from Peterborough Regional College’s league of actors and a huge range of food stalls, games, activities and demonstrations including careers advice, further education options, community organisations, volunteering opportunities and arts & crafts. Three talented young people, Jessie (16), Akshath (12) and Jacob (11) from Wildcats Theatre School have been selected to host the event. The Big Lottery funded event is organised by YMCA Trinity Group and The Cresset in conjunction with Peterborough Celebrates. Follow the event on Instagram @youthjam18. 30 www.espmag.co.uk
If the thought of the kids being off school is making you nervous Vivacity libraries have the answer to keep them out of mischief! Once again they’ve lined up some great fun to keep them occupied and get them hooked on books. Look out for Dennis, Gnasher and the rest of the gang making their way to Vivacity Libraries for this year's Summer Reading Challenge Mischief Makers. The annual Summer Reading Challenge is designed for children aged 4 -11 and by joining in they can collect stickers, enjoy fun giveaways and receive a certificate by reading six library books over the summer holiday. When they sign up they’ll get a free collector folder to keep their special stickers in – collect all
six stickers and special giveaways as they read. It’s fun and, best of all, it’s totally free. The challenge is suitable for ages 4 -11, but younger siblings can take part in their minichallenge and collect stickers for books shared at home. The Summer Reading Challenge website is now live all year round with information about the great books to read, games and more!
GREEN FESTIVAL MOVES TO NENE PARK
Get ready for some green themed fun this August as Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) celebrates its 25th year with a big celebration at Nene Park. The Green Festival – one of the longest running and biggest environmental events in the whole of the UK – is moving out of the city
centre this time and relocating to the beautiful parkland setting. The big launch event is taking place on Saturday August 11 from 10am - 4pm, plus there’ll be plenty of special fringe events with partners running through until August 19, providing lots of opportunities for everyone to get involved. The Green Festival offers plenty of fun for all the family and encourages visitors to discover how to live more sustainably. This year the festival also includes exciting environmentalthemed art work created by local artists who are specially commissioned to highlight sustainability issues in innovative and engaging ways. It’s going to be a packed day out in a perfect setting. For more details visit www.pect.org.uk/event/peterboroughgreen-festival.
MEDIEVAL VILLAGE COMES TO QUEENSGATE
Let’s flashback 900 years to Medeshamstede and the birth of Peterborough for one week only in Queensgate Shopping Centre this summer. From Monday July 30 until Sunday August 5, you’ll be invited to a fully immersive, interactive experience replicating life in Peterborough 900 years ago. Have a go at pulling the sword from the stone to be named king or queen of the city, or gaze at the incredible working water mill… all situated inside the shopping centre.
Climb up the towering turrets, stroll across the drawbridge and into the courtyard where villagers, knights and members of the church will be living their daily lives in the medieval Central Square. With various activities to take part in for you and the youngsters including bread making, Merlin’s spell school, dressing up and so much more, there won’t be a dull moment in this heritage-embracing event. Watch as the area comes to life with traditional harps and folk music alongside incredible sword skills shown in battle by the Knights of the Round Table. If it’s comedy you’re looking for, check out those on the naughty list who are heading to the village stocks. The Anglo-Saxon village named after Peterborough’s original name, Medeshamstede, is completely free to all members of the public and a full schedule of events and times can be found at www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk/whats-on. Chloe Wilkinson
HOLIDAY FUN WITH VIVACITY
SPRINGFIELDS ADVENTURE LAND NOW OPEN
Vivacity’s sports holiday club will have the kids celebrating the summer with a jam packed programme boasting a range of activities from NERF wars to roller discos. Taking place across four Vivacity sites including Hampton Leisure Centre, Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre, Jack Hunt Pool and Gym and Werrington Leisure Centre. Brand new this year Vivacity’s Book Bus will be visiting the four sports holiday club sites, giving children a chance to read a variety of books and take part in themed activities. Children can keep an eye out for Mischief Making Max; performances will be taking place across Vivacity libraries this summer as the Summer Reading Challenge returns (see P. 30). Get even more out of the Challenge as Peterborough Museum turns into ‘The museum of mischief’ for the summer. Join Vivacity to further your summer reading experience, take on ‘tricky trails’, enjoy ‘crazy crafts’ and get involved in ‘sneaky science experiments’.
Photos: Dave Phillips Photography
There’s a great new attraction at Springfields Outlet in Spalding to keep the kids happy this summer.
The new Springfields Adventure Land includes the UK’s largest JCB Young Drivers Zone where children will be able to drive around in bright yellow diggers, enjoy the huge JCB slide and scaffold-themed climbing frame and let their imagination take over on a range of other unique interactive play attractions. Families will be able to walk through the trees in the new Tree Top Village which includes eight wooden towers and a massive 12m² net. Plus, Springy’s Beach offers a sand play area and rock pool water stream all covered by a huge canopy, so children will be able to have fun whatever the weather. Families can try their luck at Dino Golf, with
dinosaurs peering around every corner, then pan for gold at Goldie’s Gold Mine. You can ride the miniature railway, aptly named Springy’s Railroad, through the woodland, or take the over-ground Adventure Land Express train through the scenic, awardwinning Festival Gardens. Then head over to Springy’s Diner for a chance to taste the brand new Americanstyle menu of delicious burgers, milkshakes and gelato ice cream. Check out the details on www.springfieldsadventureland.co.uk, book tickets and view the menu for Springy’s Diner.
PETERBOROUGH VIC SUMMER CITY OPEN DAY
There’s family entertainment with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the open air theatre in Flag Fen (see P.28) and there’s a variety of family films screening at Vivacity’s Key Theatre. Drop in to Vivacity’s creative craft sessions at the Peterborough central library; each session has its own fun theme. You can explore Once Upon a Festival which will be returning for its second year at Central Park on Saturday August 11 from 11am until 5pm. Families can encounter new friends, storytellers and puppetry along the way on this free, family day out. Listen to stories from around the world and discover park-life shenanigans to see including rabbits, bees and a variety of colourful characters. Keep cool at the Lido, splash around at the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre in Vivacity’s family fun inflatable sessions or have a blast at Bretton Water Park. It all starts from Monday July 23 so to find out more and to book visit www.vivacity.org/summer. 32 www.espmag.co.uk
Whether you’re a tourist who doesn’t really know where to start, or a local who’s just a bit bored of the same shops and restaurants each week, the Summer City Open Day will find something for you to do with your free time. The Visitor Information Centre on Bridge Street will be holding the open day on Tuesday July 24 where you can keep up to date on all the places to see, things to do and free events happening right here in the city. There’s a chance to win tickets for The Cresset and a special voucher for tea/coffee and scones on the day courtesy of the Lightbox Café, a raffle, live music plus much more fun on the day, there’ll be something you can do to occupy your time and more importantly, something you’ll enjoy. Keep an eye on the VIC social media for more. Chloe Wilkinson
EXOTIC PET REFUGE OPEN DAY The rainforest is right on your doorstep for two days only this summer. From wolf dogs to alligators to spider monkeys, you’ll be taken aback by these rare, exotic animals. Join many others on July 15 and September 16 and come face to face with over 250 animals, test your luck on the tombola or even get the kids excited with some entertainment. Free parking is available onsite with tickets costing £6 per adult and £3 per child. To find out more visit the website, www.exoticpetrefuge.org.uk/open-days or call 07706 999838. Chloe Wilkinson