ESP July 2021 by ESP Magazine

Welcome Summer’s here so let’s get out there and make the most of it. Welcome to our Summer in the City special issue of ESP packed with places to go, events to enjoy and attractions to visit. Our new look ESP website is live this month so keep up with the very latest on what’s new, where to go and what’s on in and around Peterborough on www.espmag.co.uk. Sign up for our newsletter and you’ll receive a weekly email of good vibes and a round up of ideas on how to get the best out of your weekend. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular updates. If you’d like to get involved with ESP as a writer, photographer or social media contributor please get in touch. Or if you have anything to tell us email sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk. It’s a big thank you to our key partners who’ve generously supported this summer special – Peterborough City Council, City Culture Peterborough, The Cresset and the New Theatre – along with all our other advertisers. Enjoy this issue and enjoy the next few months safely… let’s go! Sharon McAllister, Editor

Cover Image Tim Steele Contributors Pep Cipriano Darren Grigas Karen Devine Rob Bull Sarah Slack Michael Clarke

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NEW CHEF AND MENU @ THE BLUE BELL

PBF ALE TRAIL RETURNS We might be sadly missing out on Peterborough Beer Festival again this summer, but the organisers from CAMRA aim to keep us occupied by updating last year’s brilliantly supported ‘Back to the Pub’ Ale Trail 2020 with a new challenge for 2021.

The Blue Bell pub in Werrington has a new chef and a varied, tasty new menu. They’re now serving brunch on Saturdays from 11am to 2pm with a delicious wide range of delights on offer from a good old English breakfast to Eggs Royale through to crab cakes, buttermilk fried chicken, buffalo cauliflower wings and much more. Saturday evening you can dine between 5pm and 8pm and there are Sunday roasts from noon. Dining on Thursdays and Fridays plus special Wednesdays starts on August 4.

After over 8 years of being closed one of Peterborough’s favourite places, the Chicago Rock Café, is having a sizeable investment to re brand and is opening soon. Luminar Leisure founder Stephen Thomas who originally opened the building in 1998 has formed a new company based on the core values of going out to enjoy yourself called Dance Drink & Entertainment Limited. The venue will be called Rhythm Room and is a bar concept but with entertainment at its heart – see www.rhythmroom.uk Also on New Road, the new Club Liberation will house a state of the art sound system and the biggest video dancefloor in East Anglia making it a special place to visit. Taking over what was formerly the New York New York venue, when restrictions are lifted it will be ready to put a much-needed smile back on your face and the beat back in your feet! www.clubliberation.co.uk

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If you love their popular Sunday carvery you’ll be pleased to hear that’s restarting again from Sunday August 1, available 12 to 3pm. If you like what the pub has to offer you might like to check out the team’s new sister pub over in Kings Cliffe called The Cross Keys which is also worth a look for drink, food and accommodation.

THE OSTRICH INN LINES UP MORE MUSIC

Take a look at our Gig Guide for all their live music dates but other events worth noting include Soulful Strut on the third Sunday of each month. Vinyl providers Julian Roberts, Paul Davis and Terry Grant will be playing Motown / Atlantic / Stax plus many more 60's / 70's soulful sounds between 2pm and 6pm.

Two new nightlife venues are set to open in Peterborough on New Road, formerly a major destination for clubbers.

The Burghley pub on Burghley Road in the city centre has had a refurbishment and now has a separate and self-contained function room available for hire, with separate bar and dancefloor.

There are loads of new, regular music sessions coming up at The Ostrich on North Street every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July onwards.

They’re hoping to add a couple of extra pubs and give you a little longer to complete the trail. The event coincides with what would have been Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival 2021, running from Friday August 20 until Monday August 30.

NEW NIGHTCLUBS FOR PETERBOROUGH

THE BURGHLEY PUB GETS A REVAMP

Then on the first Thursday of the month it’s the Embrace LGBT party night with loads of glitter, DJ party music and camp bingo, hosted by Ritzy Crackers and her Disco Dollies, including regular guest drag performers.

Local men and women are being encouraged to stop singing in the shower and instead join two new charity initiatives to perform in a choir.

SIX WEEKS OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT NENE PARK

There’s absolutely no singing experience necessary to join in with Sing For Life to raise money for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and Men United in Song in aid of Prostate Cancer UK – just the will to try something new, step out of your comfort zone and make some great friends. Both will launch in September with several introduction sessions (not auditions!) when you can meet the team and some of the others who’ll be taking part.

From Saturday July 24, look out for some exciting activities and events running for the six weeks of school summer holidays in Nene Park! There is something for everyone to enjoy; from the Park Explorer challenge, guided walks and holiday trails and the ‘Big Summer Hunt’, to pond dipping and bug hunts, craft workshops and bushcraft sessions. Not to mention daily watersports pay and play activities at Nene Outdoors and boat trips on Overton Lake!

For further information visit www.peterboroughsings.org.uk, email menunited@peterboroughsings.org.uk or contact Jo on 01733 425194.

PETERBOROUGH ONLINE GIFT SHOP We’ve always shouted about the local talent Peterborough has to offer and that includes our artists and makers. Shopping local is also more important than ever so for some great items created by our city’s artists take a look at www.peterboroughgiftshop.com and Facebook where you’ll find fantastic art, ceramics, jewellery, photo books by the city’s well known street photographer Chris Porsz, Peterborough themed gifts and souvenirs and so much more all made locally.

NEW HUB FOR INFORMATION Plans are being developed to create a new city centre library, culture and community hub in Bridge Street, which will be a must-visit venue for residents, business and visitors alike. Situated in the three-story TK Maxx and former New Look building on Bridge Street, the new hub – which will be named ‘The Vine’ – could accommodate a brand-new city centre library, business space with specialist support for startups, businesses in digital, creative and design sectors with access to meeting rooms and rehearsal studios, gallery space for artists, a community café, a visitor information hub and lots more. Consultations will be taking place.

Events

**Events can be subject to change so always check before you go!

You can join the cast and crew on the red carpet at the world premiere of this feature film version of the play on Thursday July 22 at 7.30pm in the main house at the Key Theatre. Look out for famous Peterborough locations, including Flag Fen and Nene Park with music in the film performed by Opaque, one of Peterborough’s most popular bands.

Go Live in the Cloisters!

Tickets are £6 and can be purchased online at the Key Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01733 207239.

There’s a great series of outdoor events lined up at Peterborough Cathedral all being held in the beautiful Cathedral Cloisters.

If you love gin and you love steam train rides this event has your name on it! On Saturday July 24 you can enjoy a trip on Nene Valley Railway’s 1st Class Carriages hauled by one of the resident steam locomotives for an evening of gin tasting and nostalgia.

There’s something for everyone and all the events will be held outdoors, whatever the weather, so be prepared with a coat or brolly (well it is Britain!) and take a deckchair or a blanket to sit on. There’s family fun with Honk, The Ugly Ducking musical on Saturday August 7 then disappear down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland on Friday August 13. Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece Jayne Eyre is brought vividly to life on Friday August 20 and then it’s time for a fun, fast paced adaptation of the famous outlaw's story in Robin Hood on Saturday August 21. Laughing Tree Theatre brings you a strippedback, abridged version of Christopher Marlowe's enduring tale of sin and corruption, Doctor Faustus on Friday September 17 and Saturday September 18. Tickets are needed for all performances, for news on any changes and to book, please visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/live-inthe-cloisters.aspx

Classic Cars at Maxey One of the most popular regional car shows, the long established Maxey Classic Car & Bike Show is on Saturday August 14 at the picturesque lakeside venue in the village. Now in its 20th year, the Maxey event promises to attract over 350 two and four-wheel vehicles. A great day out for all the family, with live music from Paul Lake and the Blues band Liquor and Poker, real ale and gin bar, BBQ, doughnuts, Raceway Scaletrix and lots of fun for all the family.

Theatre shows might not have been possible for a while but Peterborough’s talented Mask theatre group didn’t let that stop them and they’ve made a film instead! Back in 2019 Peterborough Mask Theatre staged a successful performance of the popular Shakespeare classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream and recently they’ve turned their talents to movie making.

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You’ll travel through the Nene Valley tasting a range of gins produced by Nene Valley Spirits, the first micro-distillery to be based in Peterborough and the Nene Valley region at Sacrewell Farm. Tickets are £50 each and must be booked as a table of two or four. www.nenevalleyspirits.co.uk

The show opens to the public at 11am with judging taking place between 1pm and 3.30pm. Admission is just £5 with free entry for exhibitors and under 14’s. www.maxeyclassiccarandbikeshow.com

Truckfest Rolls into the City MASK Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Steam EnGIN Express

Truckfest returns to the East of England Arena on the August Bank Holiday weekend August 28/29/30 with thousands of show trucks lined up in all of their glory. There’ll be new trucks from leading manufacturers with product launches and show offers galore. In the main arena there’s action with Swamp Thing and Broke FMX, hundreds of trade stands, exhilarating fair rides, live music, celebrity guests and children’s characters! www.truckfest.co.uk

Equifest is Back If you’re a horse lover don’t miss Equifest, the UK’s largest amateur horse show which returns to the East of England Arena and Events Centre in Peterborough for the 15th year from August 19 – 21. The three-day festival features a variety of showing, show jumping, working hunter and carriage driving classes as well as various trade stands. Evening performances will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings making use of the large outdoor arena and the covered grandstand seating for the first time. www.equifest.org.uk

Bottle and Board Beer Tasting There might not be a Peterborough Beer Festival this year but you can still have a beer journey of your own. This annual festival would normally introduce us to a fine selection of unusual bevies but if you take a wander down Wentworth Street in the city centre you’ll find Bottle and Board – Peterborough’s bottle shop. They stock a wonderful selection of unusual beers from around the world and owners Eddie and Gina are also beer experts ready and willing to advise on what to try and what beer matches with different foods too. Believe us, they know their stuff! They’ll be holding a range of special events in future and are launching a Connoisseurs Club on Wednesday July 21 with a rare beer tasting. You can buy and take away or enjoy a pint on their outside seating. Find out more on Facebook.

Peterborough Choirs in Concert Peterborough Male Voice Choir and Peterborough Voices have some fantastic events lined up this year. Classics at the Cathedral will see the choirs join forces with the famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday September 24 for a varied programme of classics at Peterborough Cathedral. Ave Maria features Peterborough Voices as they explore European sacred music for women's voices by Schubert, Brahms, Rheinberger and Mendelssohn on Saturday September 25 at All Saints' Church in Peterborough. Later in the year you can look forward to Songs of the Sea on Saturday November 6 at St John's Church Peterborough and two performances of the ever popular Christmas Magic concert on Saturday December 11 in Peterborough Cathedral. Tickets for all events are now on sale with Early Bird prices where applicable on www.peterboroughsings.org.uk

Mixology Outdoor Music and Dance Event Top DJs are heading to Peterborough for a unique dance event being staged beneath the Nene Parkway! Local heroes Mixology who’ve brought us some fantastic events in the past have worked with Nene Park to bring us this amazing event in a unique location on Saturday August 14. Mixology: Under will be held beneath the Nene Parkway flyover at Orton Mere in a fully enclosed area located away from the green spaces and public footpaths. This daytime outdoor music and dance event for over 18s will rival any UK production of this size in unique surroundings and the line-up will feature local and worldrenowned DJs and is headlined by DJ Skream from 12 noon – 10pm. For full information on the line up at this music event head to www.mixologyuk.com or follow Mixology on social media.

Loaded 90s Night Popular 90s night Loaded, hosted by original Sugar Club DJ's Nathan & Martin is making a return – now at the Met Lounge on Bridge Street in Peterborough. If you remember Nirvana on The Word, Jarvis Cocker on The Brits, Madchester, Blur Vs Oasis, The Prodigy, The Beastie Boys, Underworld, Pulp Fiction and Girl Power then you'll love this mix of 90s classics. Loaded are back for a night at The Met Lounge on Friday August 6 from 11pm – 3am

For all the summer events and what’s on take a look at

> www.espmag.co.uk <

LET’S...

see a show

Hands up who’s been dying to see a show and some live music. You? Yes us too and The Cresset in Peterborough doesn’t disappoint. We look ahead to a summer line-up of top tribute shows, original live acts, party nights, top comedy performers (see our Comedy pages) and a touch of naughtiness for good measure – yes Sexy Circus is coming! So read on and make your choice, we’ll see you in the foyer…

The Illegal Eagles > Saturday September 18

Forbidden Nights > Thursday September 2

The Drifters > Sunday August 15 Music legends The Drifters are back on tour with a brand-new show performing all their classic hits from the last six decades and they’ll be live on stage here in Peterborough! Rated as being among the Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine, this band has brought us some absolute classics over the years. This is your chance to hear Saturday Night At The Movies, You’re More Than A Number, Come On Over To My Place, Save The Last Dance For Me and many more by some of the best talent in the business. Tickets are £27.50.

Yes, the boys are most definitely back in town! It’s time to get your pulses racing and spice up your night ‘out out’ as Forbidden Nights Sexy Circus brings us some hot thrills and spills with their latest high-octane show. We’ve taken a look at the preview video (well it would be rude not to…) and it’s safe to say you need to leave your inhibitions at the door as the talented cast of acrobats, live male vocalists, fire acts, aerial artists and world-renowned circus performers flip and spin across the stage. It’s sixpack heaven and just the naughty night out we all need. Go on, you know want to… get the gang together and grab your tickets now (£22), premium tickets £25 (age restriction 18+).

Get Ready

The Story of Guitar Heroes

> Friday August 20

> Friday September 10

We have a great love of Soul and Motown here in Peterborough but whether you’re a diehard fan of the scene or just love the catchy beats Get Ready for the ultimate Soul and Motown party! This spectacular concert-style production features a stellar cast of critically-acclaimed singers and musicians, performing back-to-back classics. Expect everything from The Temptations to Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 to The Supremes. Tickets are £26.50, concessions £26.

It’s time to put your air guitar away and let the professionals show you how it’s really done. If guitar tunes are the ones that get you up and rocking this amazing live show has got the lot. The Story of Guitar Heroes will take you through the decades reliving the sound of Chuck Berry and Hank Marvin right up to the legendary guitar playing of Jimi Hendrix, through to Eric Clapton, Brian May, Steve Vai and many more. Tickets for this one are £27.50, concessions £26.50.

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The Cresset always brings us some quality tribute acts that fill the void when you can’t see the real thing. If you fancy heading off to Hotel California, get ready to Take It To the Limit and grab a ticket for the world’s official No.1 Eagles tribute. The band returns for another outstanding show promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail, and incredible showmanship. Expect all the very best from the Eagles’ repertoire you know and love. Tickets are £26, concessions £25.

The Bon Jovi Experience > Sunday September 19 Just try and stop us from belting out Livin’ On A Prayer at any opportunity! If you love the rock anthems of Bon Jovi get your tightest jeans on and get ready for a live and loud run down through the hits. Named “the best tribute band I’ve ever seen” by both Jon Bon Jovi and radio DJ Chris Evans, The Bon Jovi Experience are the world’s first and finest tribute to Bon Jovi as well as being the only tribute to have performed live on stage with Jon Bon Jovi himself. It doesn’t get better than that! Tickets are £24.50.

Beyond The Barricade > Friday September 24 I dreamed a dream… we’d be back in theatres soon. Don’t wait one day more, get your tickets to this fantastic celebration of all things Les Misérables and musical theatre. Celebrating over twenty years of touring, Beyond The Barricade is the UK’s longest running musical theatre concert tour, featuring past principal performers from Les Misérables. If you’re a fan of the shows this fantastic night out brings you over two hours of the best of Broadway and the West End, played and sung entirely live. Tickets are £23.50.

80’s Party Night > Saturday September 25 Oh yes, leg warmers at the ready, this is just the night out you need if you were there for the decade of big hair and even bigger shoulder pads (or if you wish you were!) The Cresset’s 80’s Party Night is back big style and is a guaranteed sell-out. Always a fantastically fun night out it’s the biggest 80s disco in town, with loads of fun and games, props, surprises and a truly spectacular fancy dress competition – so make like Madonna, get your puffball skirts out and your headbands on - this is one night out you won’t want to miss! Tickets are £8.

More shows to look forward to… It’s not just about the top tribute acts at The Cresset – there are some brilliant original names heading to the city too.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun > Tuesday September 28 Too right we do! Let’s get this party started girls. Get your mates together and head down to The Cresset for this brand-new musical comedy from the writers of hit sketch show Hormonal Housewives. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun promises all the laughs, live tunes and just the girlie night out you need right now. Tickets are £27, concessions £25.50 (group discount available).

Genesis lead guitarist Steve Hackett comes to The Cresset on Thursday October 21 for his Seconds Out & More World Tour. Steve and a talented band of musicians are set to bring the whole of the 1977 Genesis live album Seconds Out back to life (tickets £46.50).

way later this year, starring original members Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy. The Brand New Heavies have enjoyed nearly 20 Top 40 hit singles over the course of their career – including Got To Give and Stay This Way (tickets £25.50, age restriction 18+) Please be aware this is a standing event.

So don’t be a cotton-headed ninnymuggins... get your tickets now!

Tim Vine is Plastic Elvis > Wednesday September 29 This show brings us something a little different from Tim Vine that could just leave you all shook up. The total sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival is now on tour. Feel the electricity as Plastic Elvis hits the stage, backed by his incredible five-piece The High Noon Band and supported by special guests John Archer as Big Buddy Holly and songwriting legend David Martin. Tickets are £27.50.

Tina LIVE: A Tribute Show to Tina Turner > Thursday September 30 Seeing the legendary Queen of Rock, Tina Turner, perform live is just amazing and this is simply the (next) best thing if you’re a fan. If you want full on, high energy performances of her greatest hits this is the tribute show to see. Big hair, short skirts, the highest of heels and plenty of attitude, this has got the lot. Starring Julie Nevada as Tina, this fully live show charts the life and career of one of the world’s most iconic performers with all your favourites like Proud Mary, River Deep Mountain High and Steamy Windows. Tickets are £23.50, concessions £21.50.

great comedy, and we know it’s going to be fantastic. PODS’ record for ambitious Cresset productions is well known, and they always deliver. In fact their last show with us, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in October 2019 won no less than 3 NODA awards – for best musical, best technical and best overall production. So we have high hopes for a fantastic show and are thrilled to be working with such a talented group of people again.”

Then two of the world’s biggest bands come together – BOYZLIFE take to The Cresset stage for the very first time on Saturday October 23, featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy. This specially adapted theatre production will include many of the greatest hits of Boyzone and Westlife (tickets £35). November then sees two biggies take to the stage as TOSB presents The Real Thing + special guests on Friday November 5 and the Brand New Heavies on Thursday November 18. The Real Thing featuring original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith alongside a live 5-piece band will be out touring extensively in 2021 so it’s a real treat to have them live here in Peterborough. Don't miss this opportunity to see this incredible band live on your doorstep (tickets £26.50). Acid jazz royalty The Brand New Heavies are also on their

PODS Presents: Elf The Musical November 23- 27 Later this year it’s time to discover your inner Elf! Peterborough’s multi-awardwinning PODS bring the smash-hit musical, Elf, to the Cresset in November 2021. Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-ofwater comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Penny Hansen told ESP – “We were devastated last year that PODS’ performance of Shrek the Musical had to be postponed to 2022. However, we’re delighted that while we wait for the big green ogre to grace our stage they’ve got another treat for us. “Elf the musical (yes Elf, based on the Will Ferrell movie) comes to The Cresset this November! It’s a magical show full of Christmas cheer and

Elf the Musical is at The Cresset, Peterborough, from November 23-27. To book tickets call the Cresset box office 01733 265705 or visit www.cresset.co.uk

Beauty & The Beast Cresset Christmas Pantomime December 11 - 30 To end the year it’s the biggie we’re all really looking forward, it’s the very welcome return of The Cresset’s annual Christmas panto and we’re sure this is going to be extra special this year. The Cresset and Stuart Morrison Productions are bringing us Beauty & The Beast a truly fantastic family pantomime packed with everything you’ve come to expect from a Cresset panto; glittering sets, spectacular song and dance, plenty of audience participation – plus some truly terrible jokes! Tickets are £17.50, concessions £14.

Box office: 01733 265705.

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Pep Cipriano

ESP’s longest serving columnist has championed Peterborough in his passionate trademark way for more than 20 years.

SUMMERTIME BLUES? NOT ON MY WATCH! Pat yourself on the back. Our time is now. Let’s reward ourselves. Here are 10 things I won’t take for granted again…

he vast majority of us have abided by the rules for the best part of nearly 18 months and our prize today is freedom.

Let’s celebrate being unshackled but let’s also continue to use our common sense in preventing another wave of a pandemic that forced us to retreat, ask questions of ourselves and adapt. Living with caution in mind is the new normal but count your blessings you’re still living. It’s time to enjoy the gift we have that is life and it’s time also to celebrate and never forget the lives of those we’ve lost along this journey. We’ve all been affected by having to adjust. Our mental health’s been tested to its limits and anyone who says the pandemic hasn’t on occasion temporarily derailed them is lying. I need to make more of an effort to be grateful – that’s the one thing I’ve taken from this experience. I’ve also discovered how vital companionship is in my life because I used to say I was alone but now I’m not

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ashamed to say I’ve also been lonely. The past is for learning but what counts is the present moment. I’m typing this indoors while outside it’s a glorious summer’s day. I’m itching to get out and make the most of it in case in a flash my freedom is curtailed again. And embracing our summer and the countless opportunities we have to not take things for granted is what this column is all about. I’m like a kid in a sweet shop, spoilt with so much choice and anxious I won’t be able to fit it all in. I’m glad travelling abroad isn’t as straightforward as it used to be because it’s made me appreciate the simple pleasures of enjoying everyday experiences that are on my doorstep. What I’ve already been enjoying and what I still want to do this summer isn’t going to set the world alight but it’s awakened a part in me that’s been in hibernation for too long.

Eating inside a restaurant – Wagamamas booked

Kissing – I’m working on it…

Shaking someone’s hand – any takers for my first?

The power of taking a good walk – my best lockdown discovery!

A text just to check in – never underestimate how receiving one sets you up for the day

Good neighbours – putting the world to rights over the garden fence when the world became an unrecognisable place

Enjoying the gym – never again (not for a week at least) will I moan about going

Being stuck in a traffic jam on the way to work – my office is calling me. Working from home is overrated

Being able to go into someone’s house – no more standing outside in hurricane winds

10. Informal conversation around a water cooler – even if it’s about Love Island I’ll take it And when it comes to the simple pleasures I’m enjoying and looking forward to, there are a few, because I can. I won’t be walking past Charters anymore in a rush to be someplace. I’m going to sit on the grass and have a beer, especially now with their outside extension looking so inviting. Coffee and cake, inside some of my favourite independent coffee shops like The Lightbox Café, Bean Around and The Willow Café is most definitely back on my menu. Then there’s going for a good walk. Ferry Meadows and Crown Lakes go without saying. And I’ve found a reason to venture around Burghley Park with a new ‘friend’ who’s almost as intriguing as Burghley House itself. Did I hear music festival? Yes, about time!

CAUGHT IN THE ACT! Please don’t ask. I was just happy to be out!

The Central Park Music Festival is planned for August 21 and 22 and I can’t wait to be there. And another event that’s creating a bit of a buzz is Out Out at The Fleet on September 10. This fundraiser for NHS staff is bringing together some of the city’s top DJs from the last 40 years who played at venues such as Anabellle’s, La Scala and L’Aristo’s. I’m also finally allowed to join – in the PCRFM studio – the king and queen of radio banter, Keith and Claire, on Saturday mornings. Oh, how I’ve missed the sophisticated scent of Claire’s perfume and Keith’s whiff of Old Spice. I’m also planning (finally) to go down and support one of Marco Sementa’s charity football matches, wearing the shirt he kindly gave me. Marco has raised a staggering £43,000 in six years of organising and taking part in games where more than 700 players have donned their boots. He’s helped more than 20 charities and has now set his sights on raising money for every charity that has an office in Peterborough (he’s done plenty already). Great idea. What a local legend this man is becoming. And I started my summer as I plan to end it. A gathering of socially starved friends and colleagues on a dream boat with top hospitality from its owner Dave Sanders and his girlfriend Jacie. As much as I’d like to go into detail, I’m afraid what happens on the boat stays on the boat… So, there you have it folks. Yes, there’s more I plan to do this summer and I’m

sure you’ll read all about it on this page. But freedom isn’t about what you’re planning to do, how big or exciting it is or who you’re doing it with. It’s about appreciating you’re able to live it in the first place and embracing being in the moment because as we all know too well; life is very good at throwing us a curveball when we least expect it.

CAN’T WAIT FOR WENDY’S! Quite simply the best news I’ve heard so far this year is that Peterborough is going to get a Wendy’s. Trust me, you haven’t tasted a proper American burger if you haven’t had a Wendy’s. Here’s a photo of one I had in NYC. Scoffing this left me with six minutes to board the plane. The signs said it was a 15-minute walk. I made it in time and threw up in the cabin toilet after take-off. It was worth the humiliation.

MY WORD OF THE MONTH:

HOLIDAYS Forget going abroad this summer, it’s too much hassle. Holiday in the UK because surely, it’s better? Rain, midges, wind, Blackpool, service station rip off, Bob and Karen from Deeping, freezing sea, cup full of sand with your cockles, warm shandy, picnicking with animal droppings, 10 pieces of fudge for £25, wonderful M25, cheap B&B teabags, seagulls the same size as aeroplanes, did I say rain?

CIAOS OUT! Dave S – my lunch shout Gary – when’s our next scooter run? Sheva – shall we book the cabin? Wolf Pack – let’s get one in before it snows! Gino – are you signing autographs in Bedford? Hamza and John – where can I complain next?

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It’s time to celebrate your love of live! There’s nothing quite like a show and for a uniquely intimate theatre experience, Peterborough’s Key Theatre is the place to go… ncredibly Peterborough’s Key Theatre opened way back in 1973 when we were wearing flares and sporting some dodgy haircuts. In more recent times it’s benefitted from some impressive revamps including the addition of the Key Studio and the restyling of its stunning glass fronted upstairs bar. Hopefully the audience is looking a little more stylish too!

I What’s On at the Key Theatre Chicago the Musical (Key Youth Theatre) – August 18 - 21 Hexwood School of Sorcery – August 25 - 26 T.Rextasy – August 27 Oye Santana – August 28 Fireman Sam Saves the Circus – August 30 The Music of Northern Soul – September 5 A Perfect Likeness – September 8 - 9 Sing-a-long-a Dirty Dancing – September 10 Letz Zep – September 11 Some Kinda Wonderful - The Music of Stevie Wonder – September 12 Only Fools The (Cushty) Dining Experience – September 15 - 17 An Evening with Merrill Osmond – September 19 The Best of Frankie Valli – September 23 Mad about the Musicals – September 24 Si Cranstoun - Twistin' the Night Away – September 25 Sounds of Springsteen – September 26 Look out for the new brochure in August and head to https://keytheatrepeterboro ugh.ticketsolve.com/ to see what’s on and book or call the box office 01733 207239.

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One of the main things we’ve always loved about the Key Theatre is its cosy and intimate auditorium. With fantastic views from every one of its 360 seats, great acoustics and your close proximity to the stage, it really does make you feel like part of the action. For kids enjoying the panto this is an extra special treat to add to families festivities. Now we’ve seen what it’s like to be deprived of this experience theatre manager Jag Singh says, “It’s time to see what you’ve been missing. “In my role, I’ve sadly met people who’d argue that theatre isn’t for them – often they’d cite that they’ve never been to a theatre mind you! Seeing live theatre can really enrich the soul and can provide some much needed escapism especially with what we’re all currently going through. “Audiences can look forward to seeing a plethora of quality shows here at The Key. I would absolutely encourage anyone who hasn’t witnessed live theatre to book a show. I’m confident that they’ll have a great time and won’t be disappointed.” This iconic venue overlooking the River Nene isn’t the largest of Peterborough’s theatres but its programme is just as full. You can enjoy everything including comedy, music, drama, spoken word, dance and film. The theatre also continues to work with local artists and the many talented amateur societies in the city to provide opportunities to present work on both the main stage and studio. It’s also the home of the Key Youth Theatre (KYT) which is the oldest youth theatre in the city and has been helping thousands of children in the city since 1992. The Key Youth Theatre Summer School will be back for 2 weeks of performing arts activities (July 26 to August 7). To take part or find out more visit www.kindreddrama.com/summerschool.

The adjoining Chalkboards restaurant has proved a fantastic addition to the venue. It’s also a great place to pop into during the day and is widely regarded as one of the best places in the city for afternoon tea and breakfast. The Key Theatre’s introduced lots of new shows to suit everyone. Great deals make it really affordable and their Family Film screenings and Silver Screen film showings (for the older age group) now make movie going a bargain. Their drama offer also gives you a third off your tickets when purchasing three selected shows from their Drama Deal programme “I believe there are misconceptions that it’s really expensive coming to see live theatre, but this simply isn’t the case,” adds Jag. “We have some fantastic deals in place, and a single ticket can cost you less than £10. We’ve introduced some great family theatre shows from as little as £4 a ticket too. “The Theatre has been, and continues to be, an integral part of the arts and cultural landscape in the city. It’s very dear to many and continues to champion the arts in the city. As a not for profit organisation, we are a theatre with a conscience doing what we can to make theatre more inclusive and accessible to residents.” As well as seeing a show, audiences can also join the Key Theatre Club to show their support for the theatre whilst also benefitting themselves from some exclusive member only offers. Look out for the new brochure in August and get booked in. You can relax in your comfy theatre seat secure in the knowledge that all of the latest government guidance is followed for safety, so let’s turn on the lights and get that curtain up! Now, what to see…

Flag Fen When Time Team’s archaeologist Francis Pryor discovered Flag Fen in Peterborough decades ago he gave the city a Bronze Age treasure of international importance. You can see parts of the timber monument, a reconstructed roundhouse, rare breed sheep and the famous ‘Must Farm Bronze and Iron Age boats’ whilst they’re being conserved. Apart from the incredible history of this archaeological attraction, the site is also home to an abundance of wildlife and is beautiful on a summer’s day. It’s just perfect with a variety of habitats including extensive grassland, traditionally managed hedgerows and woodland and a freshwater mere (lake).

Photos: Dave Porter

Flag Fen really is a unique family experience. You can see an uncovered section of the ancient causeway, which once led Bronze Age people to their place of worship, head to the Visitor Centre for books, gifts and souvenirs, enjoy a cup of tea and a snack in the café or enjoy the lakeside walk and visit the reconstructed Roman herb garden. Laura Hancock, Heritage Engagement Manager for City Culture Peterborough which now manages

Flag Fen says – “The site is internationally renowned for its Bronze Age archaeology, with people visiting from all over the world to see the amazing discoveries and soak up what life was like for our prehistoric ancestors - and it's on Peterborough's doorstep! It's just a few miles outside of the city (on the way to Whittlesey), with free parking. It's also on the Green Wheel route perfect for a cycle ride on a sunny day. “As well as being a great place to discover the story of Peterborough's prehistoric ancestors, the park is also a haven for nature. It's a wonderful place for a walk with the family, with habitats for all sorts of wildlife including red kites, kingfishers, egrets, water rails, deer, foxes, weasels, dragonflies, and butterflies.” There'll be lots of things to do over the summer holidays, including events, family workshops and activity packs for kids. Follow them on their social channels for all the latest details.

f you’re looking for a day out this summer the amazing Flag Fen Archaeology Park gives you a unique opportunity to discover what life was like for our prehistoric ancestors in a reconstructed Bronze Age landscape.

The park sits amid a unique Bronze Age landscape that has revealed a mysterious timber causeway and ritual platform made by people 3,300 years ago. More than 60,000 upright timbers and 250,000 horizontal planks are buried under the ground along with many swords and personal items given as offerings to the watery fen.

Photo: Cambridge Archaeological Unit

This fantastic historic attraction lies behind the city’s industrial Fengate area and yet it’s a really tranquil and inspiring place that attracts visitors from far and wide. If you haven’t visited before maybe this is the time to really appreciate this incredible site.

Flag Fen Archaeology Park is open daily at The Droveway, Northey Road, Peterborough, PE6 7QJ from 10am - 4pm (last entry 3pm) and admission charges apply. Facebook: facebook.com/flagfen Twitter: twitter.com/flag_fen Instagram: instagram.com/flagfen/

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Time to discover Peterborough’s hidden gem…

What’s On at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery 200 years of Peterborough Hospitals Exhibition Running until October 3 Free entry (except on special event days)

“There is so much to see and do for free – I didn’t even realise the museum was there!” When it comes to hidden gems in the city this visitor’s comment sums up just what you’re missing out on if you’ve never ventured inside Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery! This beautiful Georgian building on Priestgate has served as a museum for over 70 years and should definitely make your Top 10 when it comes to things to do this summer especially if you’ve never been. Forget any images of stuffy old displays, since its extensive revamp a few years ago when Time Team’s Tony Robinson reopened the attraction it’s now full of captivating curiosities that will entertain the whole family. The collections comprise more than 200,000 items of great national and international importance. If the kids are fans of Jurassic Park there are amazing fossils to see up close, Roman artefacts and a host of fantastic interactive exhibitions and galleries which display inspirational historical objects. Even better it’s free admission (except on event days).

Laura Hancock, Heritage Engagement Manager from City Culture which now runs the museum told ESP – “There are some stories from Peterborough's past which might surprise visitors to the city, and residents alike. Did you know that the building which now houses the museum was the city's hospital, up until about 100 years ago? We still have the original Victorian operating theatre, where you can discover the (sometimes gruesome!) truth of early surgery. Or that in Jurassic times, Peterborough used to be underwater. The amazing fossil collection on display includes some real giants of the sea, who lived at the same time as T. Rex on land. “Although located in the heart of the city centre, just a few minutes' walk from Queensgate shopping centre, this really is Peterborough’s hidden gem. It seems many people still don't realise they have a museum in their city which they can come and visit for free.” The ground floor has a shop and café and two main spaces providing a dynamic programme of changing exhibitions and events so even if you have been there before, it’s always worth a fresh visit. As it’s also known as one of the city’s most haunted buildings a visit around Halloween is a whole new experience! If you work up an appetite taking it all in, the new Georgian Kitchen café downstairs is great for a quick pit stop – and actually is well worth a cake break even if you’re just meeting friends on a shopping trip! It’s open on Priestgate in Peterborough from Tuesday - Saturday from 10am 4pm, Sunday 12noon - 4pm and Mondays during school holidays from 10am - 4pm.

Follow Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery’s social channels for all the latest details of special events as they’re released. Facebook: facebook.com/peterboroughmuseum Twitter: twitter.com/pboromuseum Instagram: instagram.com/peterboroughmuseum/

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A timeline of the very first hospital in Peterborough in Victorian times right up to our modern City Hospital in the building where it all started... Peterborough Museum. Head along and see some objects from the museum collection relating to doctors and nurses from Victorian times, as well as a display of images by Peterborough photographer Chris Porsz which document four decades of NHS in Peterborough Hospitals. Also, find out about the story of the first vaccine for small pox.

Escape the Priestgate Vaults Reopening on July 31 Did you know that historic cellars underneath Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery, known as The Priestgate Vaults, are home to escape room experiences? Partnering with local escape room experts Escape Peterborough, there are three games to choose from – The Hunt, The Great Wine Cellar Swindle, and Buried Alive. The games are suitable for different ages (The Hunt is very family friendly; Buried Alive is recommended for adults!) so there's something for everyone, and they all draw on their historic – and spooky – surroundings to give players an immersive experience. As one reviewer said – "The atmosphere...in the Vaults just cannot be understated. It was brilliant." For availability and tickets £20 adults, £15 under 16s visit www.escape-peterborough.co.uk

Peterborough’s beautiful museum building is also home to the city’s Art Gallery which is packed with some treasures of its own. If you love art and want to get your local fix this is the perfect afternoon out.

City Gallery The Art Gallery showcases work by nationally renowned and local artists

here is always something new to see in the art galleries, which showcase nationally and internationally renowned artists as well as talented local artists.

Running alongside the exhibition is Hugh Lupton’s On Common Ground; an evening of stories, songs and music exploring the life and times of John Clare, which will take place at the Key Theatre on August 15. Tickets can be purchased from the Key Theatre.

Images by the city’s talented street photographer Chris Porsz have been exhibited here in the past and renowned sculptor Antony Gormley’s statue series titled Places To Be also took up residence for a time before being placed up on the rooftops of some prominent buildings in the city centre (make sure you look up in Cathedral Square to see them!). The ground floor area of the Museum and Art Gallery has a new-look Georgian Kitchen café and there are two main spaces providing a dynamic programme of changing exhibitions and events for families and communities. The latest exhibition has a particularly local theme featuring images related to this area’s famous ‘peasant poet’ John Clare. Found in the Fields is a touring exhibition by Carry Akroyd and is running until September 5. It features a 16-lithograph hand-drawn print series that incorporates text from the Helpston-born poet’s work.

Prints now on show by illustrator Carry Akroyd

His poems are displayed alongside the vibrant pictures, to help illustrate John Clare’s material and its relevance today. All of the artwork on show holds some connection to his work, either directly or indirectly. Printmaker, painter and illustrator Carry Akroyd has selected extracts of varying lengths from poems of her choice to put together a set of works which reflects the joys and the damage seen in nature, as seen both by John Clare 200 years ago and the artist’s eye today. John Clare was considered quite a curiosity back in his day as he proved to be so gifted yet came from an impoverished and illiterate background. The exhibition highlights some of his best work and a free guided tour by artist Carry Akroyd can be booked by calling the museum.

Previous exhibitions included Places To Be by Antony Gormley

A series of John Clare poetry recitals by Peterborough residents will also be posted on the Museum’s YouTube channel.

The art gallery has the same opening hours as the museum - Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 4pm and it’s free entry (except on event days) so why not set aside a couple of hours for a visit and stop off for a cuppa and some cake in the café while you’re there. Open Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12noon-4pm & Mon during school holidays 10am-4pm. Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF

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PETERBOROUGH LIBRARIES From tracing your family history to getting the kids involved in a great reading challenge – Peterborough’s libraries are set to keep you busy this summer! you’re a bit of a history buff or keen to find out more about where you live – dive in! The service also holds hundreds of local maps and photographs, together with copies of Peterborough newspapers from the 19th century to the present day. You can pop down and take a look for free in the search room inside the Central Library on Broadway where you’ll also find a huge collection of reference books and free access to www.Ancestry.com, or via an online catalogue. City Culture Peterborough now runs ten libraries throughout Peterborough and a mobile library serving more remote areas so you’re never far away from making use of all they have to offer.

Forget the tired old image of a book lending service – Peterborough libraries are a hub of amazing information services, activities and help. If you want to trace your ancestry, look into Peterborough’s past, are looking for a job, want to start a business or just want access to a computer, our libraries across the city have it all. And yes you can also borrow books – hard copies or e-books! You might not know it but Peterborough Archives Service preserves and provides access to a wide range of unique source materials that offer a fascinating insight into Peterborough’s past. So if

Firzana Shaheen, Library Services Manager told ESP – “Libraries are free public spaces that provide a safe, inclusive place to be, where everybody is welcome. We serve people of every age, income level, location, ethnicity, or ability, providing a range of information resources needed to live, learn and work and socialise.” Here’s one we think the Dragon’s Den team would approve of. If you’ve been toying with the idea of a starting up that business you’ve always dreamed of, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business & IP Centre (BIPC), based at Peterborough Central Library can help you get it off the ground. It offers a wide range of free services and support to entrepreneurs including vital insights, confidential advice and access to free resources, training and events (both online and in-person). The BIPC can help you imagine, start or develop your business.

Join the Summer Reading Challenge and see a family film for free! The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all primary school-aged children and is designed for all reading abilities, running from July to September. Children can sign up for free at any local libraries during the summer holidays. Throughout the Challenge, library staff and volunteers will help children to find books they will enjoy reading and run a range of creative activities and events. Ask at your local library for more information. For the first time, the Key Theatre is working with the library service and taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Children who take part will be offered FREE tickets for them and their family to one of the theatre’s Family Films in August when they hand in a book review on a book they’ve read that week. It’s a great incentive for you to offer your children to encourage their love of books and it’s hoped it will help to drive up children’s literacy level across the city.

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Firzana says your local library has so much more to offer than you might think – “It doesn't cost anything to join the library and access to the internet is free! Peterborough Libraries offer information and not just books but e-books and audiobooks. We offer people free access to a wealth of information that they often can't find elsewhere, whether online, in print, or in person. Whether they're looking for the latest best-seller; health or business information or are going for storytimes and social clubs such as reading groups or Knit and Natter, our libraries are the centre of community for everyone. “Peterborough Libraries are places with a huge range of activities and resources helping everyone reach their full potential whether that’s through the joy of reading for pleasure, of supplementing education or job prospects, raising aspirations, promoting lifelong learning or building stronger more resilient communities and giving a sense of place.”

LET’S...

learn Something New Summer doesn’t have to just mean sunscreen – it can mean some extra time to start finding out about learning something new or indulging your interest in a hobby or skill. f months at home watching MasterChef, The Great British Sewing Bee or The Great Pottery Throw Down have inspired you, City College Peterborough has a fantastic range of courses from dressmaking to pottery, art to upholstery and cooking to complimentary therapies. And if some of those home improvement projects recently didn’t quite go to plan there’s even DIY!

If you fancy reengaging your grey matter we think this is a hidden gem in Peterborough offering much more than you think. Janet Bristow, Deputy Principal and Head of Service told ESP – “City College Peterborough has been providing successful learning and training programmes to the residents and businesses of Peterborough for over 75 years. Yes, we offer the evening classes that might first come to mind but literally so much more!” You might be surprised to know that City College Peterborough has a high national profile and has been shortlisted five times for the Times Ed. FE Awards and featured twice in the Parliamentary Review. If repeated lockdowns have persuaded you to take up a new hobby or work on your existing skills, this is the place to head for. There’s such a huge range of leisure interest courses on offer and you’ll learn with the experts. Whether it’s arts and crafts, such as recycling, pottery, upholstery and printmaking; writing; history; IT; cookery; gardening and languages to relaxation therapies, you’re sure to find something you’d enjoy. It’s all really convenient too. Take your pick from short or long courses during the daytime, evenings, some weekends and learn with others or at your own pace online it’s your choice. Janet is proud that what is on offer at City College fully reflects the diversity of the city, its residents and businesses. “City College Peterborough prides itself on always being there to support the people, communities and businesses in the city. Why not discover what we can offer you by popping into our Brook Street campus or the Mini Vine hub on Bridge Street? “As well as qualification courses and leisure interest programmes for adults, we also offer programmes for young people aged 16-19, a Day Opportunities service to support adults with disabilities and their families and City Culture (formerly Vivacity) has recently transferred to the College’s Foundation.” If you’re aged 19 and over and thinking about a work-related qualification, they work with over 100 local employers and have a huge range to choose from. If you fancy being paid while you train, have you thought about an apprenticeship? They’re available in hundreds of job sectors and open to people of all ages, already in work or wanting to get into work. If a job in Health and Care is something you’d be interested in or you already work in that sector, take a look at their national Health and Care Sector Work Academy pilot, designed to support recruitment into and progression through the sector. For everything City College has to offer, take a look at their latest course guide on www.citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk

FIND OUT MORE AT THE NEW MINI VINE HUB

Keep a look out in Bridge Street for the city’s new one-stop shop, the Mini Vine, which will be open this summer. Situated in the former New Look premises, they’re working with City Culture Peterborough, Tourist Information, Peterborough College and other partners to transform it into a vibrant, welcoming space, where you’ll be able to pop in and have a chat about the wealth of fantastic opportunities on your doorstep in and around the city. You’ll be able to find out more about local learning and skills development, including culture and heritage, and even buy tickets for upcoming events at various venues and attractions including the Key Theatre, local libraries and Flag Fen Archaeology Park to mention a few.

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STUDENT LIFE HERE YOU COME! But where to go for that experience of a lifetime and to get the best results? Big isn’t always best and if you’re looking to study for a degree maybe you need to look closer to home. University Centre Peterborough (UCP) might be smaller than some, but its wide range of courses, great retention rate and supportive approach is getting top marks from many. From accounting to archaeology, counselling to criminology, performing arts to psychology, we reckon they’ve got most bases covered. ESP spoke to two students about their experiences to see if the city’s Uni could also make the grade for you…

IMPROVING CAREER It's never too late to study a degree and more mature students are seeing the benefit of improving their knowledge in the workplace. How does this fit in with your job as a nursery manager? “A BA (Hons) degree in early childhood studies equips me with unique skills and knowledge about how children of all ages develop, learn and think. As a result, I’m able to provide a good and quality environment for children, families, and employees. By pursuing a degree, I’m setting an example for others to follow, in order to encourage them to pursue their dreams.”

Anjuman wanted to improve her career prospects while working

Student Case File:

Anjuman Rashid Course/Qualification: FdA Early Years and Education at UCP, first year Why did you decide to study a degree at University? “To gain more knowledge in my field of childcare, and be better at my job. To bring more skills and knowledge to my setting.”

If you haven’t got particularly high grades at school is a uni degree still an option or is it harder? “I didn’t get a C or higher in English or maths when at school, so I then gained a functional skills qualification then these grades were recognised, so if you wish to study but didn’t receive high grades at school you can still retake your GCSEs or equivalent before pursuing your degree.” How has your first year been, what makes this course so good and what are the benefits? “I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year, I’ve gained so much knowledge that’s benefitted me to put into practice in my setting and share my knowledge with my staff.”

Would you recommend UCP, if so why? “Yes, UCP offers a range of educational courses and good team to support individuals to earn their goals.” What next – are you continuing your studies and what are your ambitions? “I am planning to do my Education Studies Top-up year at UCP to gain my BA (Hons) and followed by EYTS.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year, I’ve gained so much knowledge...” Any advice for students in a similar position to you? “You will love the knowledge and skills you obtain, as well as the confidence you begin to create inside yourself, as much as you may think going to university is a big step and perhaps daunting. You have excellent tutors who have a wide range of expertise and are extremely competent in delivering the sessions. Although it’s only my first year, I can confidently state that it has opened many doors for me.”

UCP OPEN DAY Saturday August 14, 10am - 1pm If you’re thinking of university here’s your chance to get up close and personal with UCP – check out what it has to offer for yourself and chat to those in the know for expert advice including staff and current students. en Day now the UCP Op Register for

c.uk/events www.ucp.a

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As this all takes place after A-level and BTEC results are announced on August 10 you can be reassured they can help you find a course to start this September. To attend the Open Day you must register in advance. The last time for bookings is 1pm on Friday August 13.

CHANGING COURSE Choosing where to go to university is a big decision. You may have had to decide early and not had time to do proper research before applying. If you make the wrong choice and once you get there it just doesn’t work out, all is not lost, you can still switch.

“I liked the fact I knew everyone on my course and all of the lecturers much better than my previous uni.” What made you realise a big uni wasn’t for you? “The other uni had a lot going for it, but I didn't like the fact my course timetable was spread all over the place throughout the week. I also didn't enjoy being lumbered together with all of the other sports courses into one massive lecture theatre, listening to lecturers reading off a PowerPoint for hours. It wasn't engaging, it wasn't fun and I just felt like a number.”

Ben benefitted from the academic support provided by a smaller uni

Student Case File:

Ben Rockliffe Course/Qualification: BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education, final year Ben Rockliffe originally chose to study at one of the largest uni’s in the UK for his sports science degree but once he started the course he found it just wasn’t right for him and later transferred to UCP in his second year instead.

How easy is it to swap uni, how did you go about it? “It was very quick and easy. Largely down to my course leader at UCP being very helpful. He talked me through the entire process stepby-step when I attended an open day during the summer, when I was looking at moving institutions.” What would you say to other students who fear they’ve made a mistake? “Firstly, I’d say don't be afraid and don't stay at a particular University or on a course for the sake of it. If you still believe higher education is for you, allow yourself some time to do some research. Attend an open day to get a feel for the environment you will be studying in. Check out what else they have on offer. Talking to family, friends, your tutor or uni support staff is vital as well – don't suffer in silence!”

What are the benefits of being at a smaller uni and UCP in particular? “I liked the fact I knew everyone on my course and all of the lecturers much better than my previous uni. I also knew other staff by name through other work I was doing and vice versa. I find that builds a really strong community feel to the uni and a much more supportive environment. The cohort numbers were small and there were no lectures as such (it was all classroom based). This meant lessons were more interactive and discussion based, involving both independent/group work and debates.” What made UCP work for you? “They structured timetables across two full days a week where I studied two modules each day. With it being a smaller uni, the academic support, knowledge and wider skills gained were far greater than I would have received, had I not transferred. The locality of the uni, allowing me to continue with my external interests such as coaching, work etc. and the ease in which I was able to travel to see friends and family around home and at other universities across the country.”

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Time to take a seat – the New Theatre is back! Just as I’m preparing to chat to Richie Doogan-Ross my brochure for the New Theatre lands on my doormat – perfect timing! It makes me smile. From rescheduled shows we’ve long waited to see to new names and faces set to grace the Peterborough stage I’m excited to see page after page full of potential nights out to come. e all need a laugh so the August Comedy Festival is set to be a winner and AJ and Curtis’ Big Night Out sounds like just the singing and dancing variety mix up we could do with to give us a cracking evening out.

Theatre Director Richie is also buzzing about the year’s programming. “You have no idea how great it was to see the brochure land on my doormat with the smell of new print. It seems it’s been a long, long time coming and to be honest, it totally has! Some of these shows have been rescheduled a number of times over the last 14 months. “One of our strengths as a theatre venue is having the might of the production arm of Selladoor Worldwide behind us so I’m really, really, excited that we get to premier the new UK production of Bring It On with our own Louis Smith before it transfers to London. We’re really lucky that some of the UK’s top promoters want to support us as well and I’m also looking forward to seeing John Bishop on our stage in September.”

If ever we’ve realised the value of live entertainment in our lives it’s been over the last few months. For those working in the theatre industry it was harsh and Richie admits he’s often despaired, so during his downtime he decide to take up some training to help in a vaccination centre – “That’s been an incredible experience and I smiled and laughed every day working with an amazing team of NHS employees and volunteers who have delivered the nation’s greatest roll-out programmes in my lifetime.” Now though, it’s time to get back to the role he loves and prepare to open those glass doors on Broadway for an exciting new season. They’d already done a lot of the work to make the building safe and reassuring so he’s confident come opening night, customers will feel at ease. “I definitely feel there is a desire for customers to return to the theatre and we saw a huge demand when we put We Will Rock You on sale back in mid 2019! “We’ll monitor the guidance and react as needed, making sure we communicate in an effective and clear way. Our new website certainly helps us to deliver that message as do pre show emails and social media posts. We’ll be training the team with the latest guidance prior to reopening.” The last few months has made every business review how they operate and for the New Theatre, Richie says it’s given his team chance to make some positive changes that should have a wider benefit. “One of the things that Covid has forced us to do is to look at our business model and how we can engage in the community to a wider degree than we did before, and we’re already having some really constructive discussions with educational establishments, community groups

and creative leaders about how we engage with the city’s cultural offering. “We’re also collaborating closer with The Cresset and Key Theatre about our programming and city wide messaging and working towards a shared ambition which can only be good for the city as a whole.” Now of course it’s all about getting bums back on seats (seats which you can pay to have named in someone’s honour incidentally!) Venturing out again might seem a little odd but just as you’ve headed back for an indoor meal and a pint, Richie’s hoping you’ll be just as keen to watch a live show. “Like any business we need, need customers to survive! We had an amazing first six months after we relaunched in September 2019 and 2020 was looking to be an amazing year for the theatre, so we need to rebuild on that success and look towards an even bigger and better 2022. We’ve recently announced The Rocky Horror Show for February 2022, Footloose in March and Rock of Ages in April so without a doubt the future is looking really bright!” When it comes to things to look forward to, you can always guarantee that one show in particular makes any theatre come alive… panto! They’re the tickets that are on most people’s wish list when it comes to great family entertainment and Richie says Aladdin will be just the magic carpet ride we all need. “Of course no theatre is complete without panto and I can’t wait for the cast announcement which promises to make it the most magical of Christmases for families across Cambridgeshire.” To find out more and book your seat head to www.newtheatre-peterborough.com Sharon McAllister

Theatre Director, Richie Doogan-Ross

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At last it’s time for curtain up at Peterborough New Theatre. So what are you going to go for – a classic who dunnit murder mystery or a cracking comedy that’s proved popular on stages around the world for years? If you’ve missed your theatre fix maybe you’ll do both! he new Summer Rep season opens up with Agatha Christie’s ever popular Spider’s Web running from August 17 – 21 and is followed by the well loved Neil Simon comedy California Suite running from Tuesday 24 – 28.

The man with the task of staging the first new shows in months is producer Paul Taylor-Mills who told ESP all the safety measures are in place and he’s delighted to launch the new season. “It feels like an absolute privilege to be entrusted with this opportunity to bring audiences back to the theatre. It’s only in everyone’s interest that once we get audiences back they feel comfortable and we’re under a great pressure to make sure it is safe.”

We can’t wait to see some live shows again and Paul can’t wait to raise the curtain at the New Theatre – “I’m most excited about being in the theatre again with an audience and watching them being transported to a world that isn’t their own after having such a long time off.” When it came to choosing the programming, Paul believes he’s picked a couple of real winners. Spider’s Web is a conscious parody of the detective thriller, a unique blend of suspense and humour, while California Suite sees Neil Simon at his most humane, compassionate, and humorous best. “They’re both very, very different – and when you’re reopening theatre you want to come up with something that audiences are familiar with and have brand appeal. Agatha Christie

is probably the most famous murder mystery writer and it’s amazing that years later those stories still resonate. Audiences love shows about crime and murder and I think it’s because they have to play a more active role in finding out who did it. We wanted to get people back into the theatre with something that was popular. “California Suite is by American writer Neil Simon and the other side of the coin really – very comedic, very frothy and it’s from good heritage in that it’s an award winning play that’s played all around the world. I compare theatre to a box of chocolates – we don’t all like every chocolate but there should always be something in there that someone will like and as these are both very different hopefully one of them will grab the attention of those people who want to book and come and support us.” Paul’s also delighted with the high quality team involved in bringing these two productions to the stage – “We’re so lucky with our cast, all of the actors have West End credits and we work with an incredible set designer who actually designed the set for Heathers for me which is running in the West End so it’s a very seasoned creative team.”

“They say go large or go home… well, we’re definitely going large!” Producer Matt Brinkler is brimming with excitement about this year’s pantomime Aladdin at the New Theatre in Peterborough, but can’t yet reveal the all star cast he’s promising us. It might be a year late reaching the city stage but it definitely sounds like it’ll be worth waiting for. oo early to talk Christmas pantomime… ? Oh no it isn’t! If ever we needed things to look forward to it’s now.

“I’m excited about panto in January,” says Matt. “I finish one and start looking at the next one! We’re on a roll with this one and I think given how keen audiences have been already, despite the situation, our sales have been great. When we announce the cast I think it’ll just go crazy. “I can’t say who it is but it’s a huge star and it’s their first time in pantomime. We’ve gone all star from all walks of the industry and life – we’ve got people from TV now, and decades ago, people from music, everywhere, and I can’t wait to say who it is!” The extra time to pull Aladdin together (it was postponed last December) has actually paid off and when we finally get to see it it’ll

be packed with more special effects, glitz, glamour and fun than ever before. “It’s given us more time to invest and grow,” Matt tells us. “We’ve been updating scripts, there’s a brand new set and the theatre’s been investing heavily in their infrastructure, lighting and sound, so we’ve been able to revamp things and it’s coming back stronger than ever.” The spacious New Theatre building and vast auditorium will help ensure it’s a safe space to return to and all the team there have been working really hard to adhere to all the latest guidelines. Matt’s originally from Cambridgehsire and spent much of his youth watching a lot of panto’s so he knows his stuff. It’s a real passion for him and the people on the team have been producing pantomimes for about 14 years.

Out of everything that was cancelled last year, Matt believes that for families this was one of the most keenly missed – “There’s a tradition there that leaves a gap, a real hole. Panto is so important for this venue, and for the community. People are rushing back.” While it might be glitzy and all star, none of the local references which make our panto’s so special is lacking. There’ll be plenty of Peterborough jokes and perhaps even some local faces gracing the stage too. Matt says that’s an integral part of making the show a success – “A really good successful panto for me is the comedy and we really have struck gold in this one. The music is very important but for me everyone should have that moment when there’s something unique to everyone who sees it. Out of all the shows I saw growing up, panto for me was the one where I felt personally special and that’s what I want to do for every member of the audience.” And special effects? “As many as we can fit!” If we have three wishes, one of them will be a ticket to board this magic carpet ride which should bring us one of the most spectacular shows in a long time!

paparazzi Caught in the act?

Back in the Day ay back in 1998 when the first issue of ESP Magazine hit the streets we started snapping you all out an about having a great time in and around Peterborough.

It was long before camera phones were a thing, or sharing your photos on Facebook, and everyone wanted to be seen in our Paparazzi picture spreads. ESP has spent years covering what’s on in Peterborough so we took a look back through the archives and have pulled together a random selection of photos from back in the day. Can you spot yourself or your mates out enjoying yourselves? Keep your eye out on www.espmag.co.uk and our social media for more.

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Mikey Clarke

Our ESP writer who’s the go to guy in our team for interviews, reviews, quizzes and trying out new things!

NEW AND EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN PETERBOROUGH THIS SUMMER! After months of being stuck at home, are you looking to try something a little different locally this summer? If so, this article is for you. Let me begin by addressing the elephant in the room. At the time of writing this, every activity on this list was open and ready to enjoy. Will that be the case throughout the entire summer? After the year and half of surprises we've had, who knows, so just make sure you double check before heading out and if it’s not on for now, make sure these places are on your wish list to visit soon...

Glo Golf Peterborough When my editor recently asked if I wanted to check out Glo Golf Peterborough, I jumped at the chance for that sweet taste of normality. This was my first outing after Boris gave us the thumbs up to venture out again. My Niece and I headed down to the truly unique glow in the dark, 16-hole crazy golf course - located on Wentworth Street in the city centre. Let me start by saying that from both an adult and child's point of view, we both absolutely loved it and agreed an activity like this was just what the city needed. Sure, we have golf and pitch ‘n’ putt courses scattered around but nothing like this. In fact, Glo Golf is the first of its kind in Cambridgeshire.

Angle Axe Throwing

With the sci-fi themed glow in the dark surroundings (great for Instagram worthy selfies!), music and a bar, this felt much more of an immersive golfing experience compared to anything else on our doorstep. Trust us when we say it's the perfect day out for families. It's also a unique night out for adults from 8pm, when it becomes an adult-only venue, with alcohol being served from the bar, to be consumed around the course or in the bar's seating area. Children under the age of 4 get free entry. Ages 5-17 it’s £6.50 and £8.50 for adults. You can read more and book your tickets at www.glogolf.co.uk Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Angle Axe Throwing is another first for our city and I’ve been lucky enough to experience this one first-hand too. I know, I know, check me out – actually leaving the house for reasons other than checking to see if Tesco have restocked their loo roll aisle. Axe throwing has exploded in popularity within the United States and now it's right on our doorstep! My first impressions when walking into the venue (located at PE1 Retail Park at Eye) was that the hour ahead of me would be Covid safe (thanks to their government followed restrictions) and that I was in for a great time. With a football table, arcade machine and snacks also available, it was much more of an event than I had anticipated. To focus on the axe throwing specifically, after a safety briefing and tips on how to hit the bullseye (which I totally achieved by the way) we were left to our own accord to enjoy the experience at our own pace. With all lanes fully booked during this particular session, it was interesting to see so many different approaches to the activity. Some were keeping score and getting really quite competitive and others were there solo to master their own skills. As for my team, we had some serious de-stressing to do. After all having an extremely busy week at work, we agreed that throwing these specialised axes was the perfect way to let off steam. We loved it! This is a great activity for not only you and your mates, but the entire family. It’s also a cheaper alternative to couple’s counselling! Why not give it a go yourself? Their ranges are open 10am-10pm Monday - Saturday, and 10am 5pm Sundays. For full details and to book a spot, visit www.angleescape.com

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Aqua Park Rutland For me, the lockdowns were a time of reflection. One thought that crossed my mind during them was that I should’ve taken part in more local activities whilst I had the chance. For example, I’d been saying for years that I’d visit Aqua Park Rutland but never did. The UK’s most exciting Aqua Park features the largest collection of bespoke big impact water obstacles. It looks like so much fun! This WILL be the year that I finally take on the UK’s tallest obstacle: The Rutland Mammoth. I will plummet from the giant slides and experience free fall with their staggering 5-metre drop. Whilst the inevitable professionals show off their flips and tricks from the Tornado Tower and gracefully explore the course that features climbing walls, trampolines, slides, and some of the biggest blast bags you’ll find, I’ll no doubt be falling all over the place and belly flopping – but that’s OK... I’m content with my clumsy ways. This promises to be the ultimate day out for groups, families, adults, children age 6+ and adrenaline junkies alike. The park remains open in the rain – I mean; you’re going to get wet anyway! In the event of extreme weather conditions, they will contact you directly – giving as much notice as possible. I hope to see you there. Visit www.aquaparkgroup.co.uk/rutland for full details and to book a spot.

VR Happy Located at Southgate Way, Orton Southgate, VR Happy is home to a virtual reality arcade for all ages. I have experienced VR many times myself and let me assure you that it’s a whole new gaming experience that you need to try for yourself. At VR Happy you can test your fear of heights walking on a narrow plank on the top of a skyscraper and flying above the city. You can relax by watching a nice underwater world whilst meeting a whale eye-to-eye. You can shoot zombies or reach the top of Everest. The possibilities are endless. Experience a whole new world by booking a slot at www.vrhappy.co.uk

Crocodile Farm @ Johnsons of Old Hurst As a father to a toddler, I’ve visited a handful of farms and zoos throughout the last couple of years. My boy absolutely loves them! One attraction I’m yet to visit may be the best yet – especially if their glowing online reviews are anything to go by. Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdon is a long stablished farm shop, butchery, restaurant and zoo, famous for its crocodiles (yes really!) and numerous other friendly animals. I hear the Nile crocodiles are a firm favourite with families. The popular venue is on a mission to offer all children and adults from any background, free of charge, the opportunity to get close to animals and livestock and to understand their importance to the environment.

Angle Escape Rooms I love participating in Escape Rooms so much that until recently, I was under the impression that I’d done every single one that Peterborough had to offer. Angle Escape Rooms opened briefly before Boris put us into our second lockdown - so this place may have slipped your radar too. Now that the business is open once again, I was keen to check it out. I can, once again, proudly say that I have participated in every local Escape Room and actually, this place could very well be my favourite.

That means we can all learn about the crocodiles and meet Cuddles, Sherbet and Romeo themselves without breaking the bank. A rarity these days when it comes to taking the entire family out.

Their three Escape Rooms - The Getaway, The Candy Shop and The Victim each have their own captivating backstories and unique feel to them. Having tried them all back to back, I can honestly say I loved each one! So much heart and soul was clearly put into making them as enjoyable to the customer as possible.

Visit www.johnsonsofoldhurst.co.uk for full details.

To book your tickets, visit www.angleescape.com

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LET’S...

visit Peterborough Cathedral You could be ‘walking on the moon’ at Peterborough Cathedral this summer! the lunar rock. You can walk on the surface and even locate the place where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made their Apollo 11 landing in 1969. It will be a great spot to take a selfie!

We’ve had a huge replica of the moon displayed inside Peterborough Cathedral – now we’ll get the chance to take one small step on its surface! Peterborough Cathedral has brought us some incredible displays in recent years and now they’re taking another giant leap this summer with a fantastic recreation of the lunar surface. The 36m x 7m art installation, entitled One Small Step was originally created using imagery from NASA by the renowned sculptor and artist Peter Walker to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Lunar Landing in 2019, when it was shown at Lichfield Cathedral. The amazing piece is now on show at Peterborough Cathedral through until October 31 and has transformed a huge area of the floor in the north and south transepts, and under the tower, into an image of the moon’s terrain, showing all the craters and details of

Previously Peterborough Cathedral has hosted Tim Peake’s spacecraft as part of its nationwide tour, followed by Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon and Gaia art installations and this is equally powerful. During the exhibition there’ll be a variety of events and hands-on activities for all ages and the full programme is on the Cathedral’s website and includes One Giant Leap, a lunar crafts day with teddy bear drop, and Mezzo-soprano Gabriella PinedaRodrigues will be giving a socially distanced concert of Songs to the Moon, on Saturday July 24. Entry to the Cathedral and the exhibition is by donation. The opening hours will usually be 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon until 3pm on Sundays. On Thursdays during the school holidays the exhibition will also be open from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.Times may occasionally vary and up to date information will be posted online. For all the latest details please visit www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk/onesmallstep.aspx

One Small Step on show at Lichfield Cathedral

Outdoor Party with 21st Century ABBA We’ve all been Super Troupers over the last few months so we deserve to boogie like Dancing Queens! Get your garden chairs and flares at the ready for a special outdoor concert with Peterborough’s iconic cathedral as the back drop. Chapterhouse presents 21st Century ABBA on Peterborough Cathedral Green on Sunday August 29 at 7pm and Mamma Mia it’s going to be a great night out!

Photo: Sandra Stan

21st Century ABBA are one of the UKs finest ABBA tribute bands and faithfully recreate all the greatest hits of one of the world’s most famous groups, combining stunning vocals, live musicians, and glittering costumes.

They’re coming to the city as part of their 2021 Garden Festival Tour so head down with family

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and friends, picnic on the Cathedral Green and enjoy a wonderful performance of ABBA’s greatest hits. ABBA-themed outfits are positively encouraged! The gates open at 6pm and there’ll be a BBQ and bar. Don’t forget a low-backed chair or a blanket to sit on, and maybe a brolly as the performance will go ahead outside whatever the weather. Tickets are £22, or £18.70 under 16’s and NUS students, and a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is £72.08. These prices include the booking fee. You can book online www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk/events.aspx

Time to party at Totally Tribute It’s time to relive the sounds and styles of your favourite bands from back in the day! The whole evening is hosted by radio personality Kev Lawrence who’ll make sure the party doesn’t stop. Why not go all out and go in fancy dress? There’ll be a range of fabulous street caterers on site, coffee units and bars to keep your energy up and a fun fair to add to the entertainment in-between the bands. The top tribute acts include Gladness, the leading Madness party band from Leicester, and wow do these guys know how to party as they go ‘One Step Beyond’. The Spandau Ballet Story is bound to prove popular with their authentic tribute to the great band and you can be sure that these guys will be pure ‘Gold’! Live Promotions Events Ltd is bringing non-stop, world class tribute acts to the East of England Showground in Peterborough on Saturday July 31 with their great show Totally Tribute. It’s a chance to let your hair down, dress up if you want to and definitely dance all night as leading tribute acts for Madness, Oasis, Jon Bon Jovi, ELO, The Beatles, Blondie, Spandau Ballet and more are playing from 4pm right the way through until late.

ELO will bring us all the greatest hits including Mr Blue Sky and It’s a Living Thing and McCartney will belt out some Beatles classics. This ultimate tribute show will be celebrating the 80s with tributes to iconic stars such Madonna and Blondie too. No festival or concert would be complete without an Oasis band – Fakemaster are regarded as the ultimate tribute to the Manchester boys and will of course be performing the best of Oasis including

Wonderwall, Half the World Away and of course Don't Look Back in Anger. Top of the bill is the world’s premier tribute to Jon Bon Jovi, namely Wrong Jovi so get ready to sing your heart out to classics such as Who Says You Can’t Go Home, Never Say Goodbye and of course Livin’ on a Prayer. This promises to be a real party and loads of fun so don’t miss out on the chance to have a cracking summer night out with your friends. There’ll be plenty of fabulous street caterers on site, coffee units and a bar to keep you dancing all night long to all the bands and hits you know and love!

The Devitt MCN Festival is back and better than ever! One of our favourite outdoor events is back in Peterborough this September and we can’t wait! If you’re a fan of all things motorcycling then don’t miss the return of the Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling at the East of England Arena this September 4-5. There’s a huge lineup of entertainment, bike bargains to buy, live music, test rides, live-action and so much more. It’s the best bike show the UK has to offer and it’s fantastic to have it on our doorstep. The madcap endurance race, Moped Mayhem, that was the highlight of the old BMF shows in the 1980s and 90s is making its long-awaited comeback at the Festival. Known for its wild racing, huge grid, eclectic machines and raucous paddock atmosphere, it doesn’t get more grassroots than this! The Dirt Track Riders Association will be holding a packed round of proper racing at the Festival. One of the most exciting (and coolest) race series in the UK, races include everything from junior (7-11 year olds), the dramatic Hooligan class and, new for this year, a race for electric bikes.

The supremely talented Two Brothers and JD Stunts will also be thrilling the crowds in the stunt zone with their high speed shows packed with world-class adrenaline-fuelled riding skills. Yamaha’s beloved RD LC was forty years old in 2020 and they’re creating an extra special belated birthday party at the Festival with a two-stroke display, fire ups and stage talks. Plus, register to turn up on a two-stroke over 125cc to be able to park in the VIP bike park, Elsie’s Shed. Register your twostroke at www.mcnfestival.com If you fancy some new wheels then book in for a test ride as this is the only place in the UK where you can ride the latest 2021 bikes from all the major manufacturers all in the same place. There are hundreds of test ride slots all up for grabs from cruisers to sportsbikes to learnerfriendly machines. No pre-booking is necessary, just bring your lid and licence and sign up on the day.

Of course this is also the event to head to if you want to get some new gear. There are hundreds of trade stands with plenty of bargains ranging from discounted clothing to top quality gear from premier brands. Plus the autojumble is back for this year with all those spares and parts you need for your latest bike project. Save £££s by booking discounted tickets online in advance. For the very latest information check out the festival website: www.mcnfestival.com and we’ll see you there!

The entertainment is hotter than ever with the thrilling Extreme Bike battle stunt show – from inch perfect trials and BMX tricks to the incredible aerial displays of the FMX riders, the Extreme Bike Battle is a demonstration of supreme bike control.

For news of all the best events worth a visit head to

> www.espmag.co.uk < 32

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Music and Motors is a brand new event brought to you by the long standing organisers of TRUCKFEST, The Land Rover Owner’s Show and the Sywell Classic to name but a few. These guys know a thing or two about staging great outdoor entertainment and this event promises to be a fabulous celebration of music and motoring across the decades. You can be a part of it too. If you have a treasured car be it a fine Classic or Customised car they’d love you to take it along and show it off. Just head to the website and enter under the ‘Pole Position’ category. If you’re a member of a car club you could have a club stand and maybe win yourself a trophy!

Music And Motors Revs Up For Summer If you love cars and great tunes the perfect summer event is coming to the East of England Showground in Peterborough on Sunday August 1.

After you’ve checked out the motors it’s time for the music and there’ll be a stage packed with some wonderful live bands from across the decades playing great tunes throughout the day. You can either picnic by your car or settle in front of the stage and enjoy the entertainment. As a day visitor what could be better than to stroll around the fine vehicles on display, do a bit of shopping at the many trade stands, and of course find a spot to relax and enjoy the live bands.

If you don’t have a picnic there’ll be a fabulous selection of caterers on site to take a pit stop and help you refuel. Find out more and book your tickets on www.musicandmotors.co.uk

Attractions Burghley House and Sculpture Gardens in Stamford

If you’re looking for a day out Burghley House might just be one of those places right on your doorstep you’ve never visited properly!

Sacrewell Farm

It’s a popular location for film and TV series and if you take a look inside, you’ll see why! Built and mostly designed by William Cecil it’s one of the largest and grandest surviving houses of the sixteenth century so it’s well worth a look inside at the magnificent state rooms and beautiful collections.

Nene Valley Railway

If historic houses simply aren’t your thing though, there’s plenty to enjoy outdoors with their beautiful gardensdesigned by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

This living heritage railway, which is tended to by its loyal band of volunteers gives you the chance to relive the past and experience the thrill of riding a steam engine, learn about the railway’s history and explore the picturesque surroundings of the Nene Valley area.

The Sculpture Garden is stunning and the latest exhibiiton, ‘House’ honours the 500th anniversary of Lord Burghley, William Cecil. Not only this, the Sculpture Garden provides sunny or shady spots, perfect for a picnic and The Gardens of Surprise include some wonderful water features to explore. You can just take a walk around the historic parkland itself or there’s free entry to the Orangery Restaurant, Garden Café & Shed, Courtyard and Garden Shops.

Photo: Emma Bothamley

To view their events calendar visit www.burghley.co.uk/events

Peterborough Lido Recently featured in National Geographic’s Top 10 Lido’s in the UK www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel/2021/ 06/lidos and right on our doorstep! We always knew that Peterborough’s iconic art deco Lido was a treasure to be proud of. If you’re looking to cool off this summer, exercise in the great outdoors, treat the family or just chill out with friends, Peterborough Lido is open from 9.30am – 6pm every day (7.30am on Wednesday and Sunday).

We’re so lucky to have Nene Valley Railway, the UK’s leading international steam attraction, based here in Peterborough at Wansford Station.

If you’re a James Bond fan the NVR has provided the location for 007 scenes as well as numerous other TV shows and videos. There are always special events throughout the summer and a variety of visiting engines. There are Summer Holiday Family Fun Days coming up, you can take a ride on Thomas, plus you can enjoy special trips offering Afternoon Tea or Fish and Chip dinners so take a look at www.nvr.org.uk for the latest.

Get the kids out in the great outdoors and take a trip over to Sacrewell Heritage Farm and Country Centre near Wansford. Sacrewell Farm is part of the William Scott Abbott Trust, an agricultural education charity with food and farming at its core. As well as a range of animals to meet including rare breeds such as the Suffolk Punch, Landrace Pigs and Bagot goats there are plenty of outdoor spaces to discover, a recently restored 18th century watermill and farm machinery to see, there’s also a large new immersive natural play area which will keep the kids entertained for hours. Using features of the natural landscape, including the stream and woodland, this play area will encourage your children to reconnect with nature through adventure play. You can also visit their gift shop and refuel in the Origin8 café and take a look around the new artisan courtyard for goodies such as gin and chocolate. For more information visit www.sacrewell.org.uk

Railworld Wildlife Haven

Longthorpe Tower

Always a big hit on TripAdvisor with visitors from all over the world, Railworld Wildlife Haven has won six major UK Environmental Awards and one Worldwide Award from Caterpillar.

If you love a taste of history, Peterborough’s Longthorpe Tower is open for visits once again and would make a great outing over the holidays.

You’ll find it located alongside Peterborough Nene Valley Station. There is ample car parking and it’s easily accessible just 15 minutes walk from Peterborough’s main railway station. Railworld has a fantastic model railway, with hands-on exhibits and you can see the unique hover train RTV 31.

Head down and enjoy the heated pools, chill out on the terraces, let the little ones enjoy the play park or enjoy a quality cup of coffee and refreshments from the café.

Why not take a picnic and enjoy the beautiful Nature Reserve and wildlife, take a look at the ‘Globe Hall Earth Centre’ with a solar powered ‘World’ and see over 2,000 sqft of intriguing, exciting model railways!

Book online at www.vivacity.org/lido

www.railworld.org.uk

Longthorpe Tower continues to be cared for by English Heritage, but the day to day management of visits to Longthorpe Tower has changed hands from Vivacity to Nene Park Trust, ensuring access to this important historical site for Peterborough remains open for all. A team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers will show visitors around the Tower at weekends, bringing the remarkable medieval wall paintings to life. You can book online for a 1-hour visit to the Tower on a Saturday or a Sunday 10am - 4.30pm throughout the summer and until the end of October. Just visit the Nene Park website to find out more www.nenepark.org.uk/longthorpetower

For more places to visit this summer take a look at www.visitpeterborough.com 34

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LET’S...

get this party started We don’t know about you but we’re about ready for a bit of a do… and with all those special occasions missed, there’s a lot to catch up on!

The Cresset is Peterborough’s foremost wedding venue, with three elegant function suites ideal for weddings of all different sizes, budgets and requirements. For those all important piccies there’s even a secluded wedding garden providing the perfect setting for couples to capture memories to cherish for years to come… and of course a few selfies of guests in their glad rags! No need to stress either as their friendly team of wedding experts and your dedicated wedding co-ordinator will always be on hand to provide personal and professional service, advice and assistance every step of the way, from the initial planning to the smooth running of events on the big day.

So it’s time to get some dates in the diary and celebrate all those anniversaries, birthday parties and general ‘glad to see you all again’ get togethers we’ve been crying out for. Not forgetting of course all the postponed wedding celebrations.

inclusive options including affordable catering and fantastic service so you can invite all your family and friends, whether it’s celebrating an engagement, anniversary, or a year’s worth of missed birthdays, a fantastic party is guaranteed.

The Cresset in Peterborough have come to the rescue with the launch of a new range of affordable party packages to make it even easier to organise that special event you’ve been postponing. When it comes to great value these look the business! There’s a range of all

And for that most important of days, why not say ‘I Do’ to a Cresset wedding? Whether your ceremony or reception is relaxed, formal, large or small, Team Cresset tell us they can tailor the perfect package for your special day.

For more information, contact the events team on 01733 842513 or email functions@cresset.co.uk

Farm Shops and Cafés If you fancy a drive out somewhere for a cuppa and some cake, maybe even to pick up some fresh veg at the same time, here are some of our reader recommended venues to visit by Sarah Saunders…

Moor Farm, Newborough A popular breakfast stop for cyclists enjoying the flat terrain around Newborough. This farm shop sells a great range of produce and has a butchery counter selling home raised beef and meats with full traceability. The shop itself greets you with plants for sale at the door, fresh veg from local farms, and lots of groceries. You’ll doubtlessly find a food-related present or two from the tempting displays before making your way to the café to choose your coffee and cake. There are both indoor and outdoor well-spaced seating areas and lots of free parking. www.moorfarmshop.com

Vine Farm and Café This new café at the farm shop is a lovely ride out to shop for veggies grown either on the farm or close by, there’s a Grasmere Farm butchery counter, flower stall, baked goods, and fishmongers who visit on Thursdays including fresh Cromer Crab. Nicolas Watts who’s owned the farm since 1964 is a well-known farmer and conservationist and has landscaped a pond and willow-arbour to look out onto from the farm’s new café and terrace whilst you sample the range of home-grown food. The menu is extensive with separate breakfast and lunch menus and a very tempting Specials board.

Lakeside Farm Shop and Lakeside Café, Nene Park Willow Brook Farm Shop and Granary Tearooms, near Marholm A favourite stop for a coffee when you fancy a short ride out of the city situated between the villages of Marholm and Ufford. Grab yourself a clotted cream tea with home-made scones and sit out looking over the beautiful countryside or in the marquee if the weather is playing up. They have their own butchery and we love their sausages. Helpston Garden Centre have a Pop-Up on site until July 25 and then they’ll return to trade again in September. www.willowbrookfarmshop.co.uk

Harbour Café, Rutland Water, Whitwell This well-loved café moved recently from its instagrammable garden setting in Oakham Market Square to an equally picturesque setting at Oakham Castle. This family run café is known for good service and the cakes and drinks will definitely entice. Seating is indoors or outdoors. Check Facebook before visiting as occasional weddings at the castle may affect opening times. 36

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It stocks locally grown and sourced produce from the Park’s own farm partners, as well as suppliers from across the region. There’s freshly baked bread from Kingscliffe Bakery, handcrafted meat pies from Robinsons of Glatton, seasonal fruits from Lutton Farm and milk from Peterborough Dairies. There’s also speciality foods from across Peterborough communities such as curry sauces from Yau’s Foods, a variety of handmade European flatbreads, Filipino sweet treats made in Peterborough, and Italian hampers from Fontanella’s of Whittlesey. It also offers a refill station to fill up with key dry ingredients and a picnic and BBQ range. The Lakeside Café next door has a lovely decking area overlooking the water as well as inside seating and a dog friendly zone. There’s a great range of hot and cold foods, cakes and drinks to take away or sit and enjoy.

www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/farm-shop

Castle Cottage Café, Oakham

This relatively new farm shop is situated at Lakeside in Ferry Meadows, next to the gorgeous Lakeside Café.

Lots of well-spaced outdoor seating overlooking Rutland Water perfect for people-watching as the Rutland Belle embarks right in front of you – you could even hop on for a trip after your cake. No indoor seating as yet but why would you, as the draw for this really is the view. It’s a great stop-off on your bike ride around the reservoir, or if you fancy a short stroll then you can choose to walk to Barnsdale or Empingham from here.

At Last Tearooms, Werrington This great café just outside Peterborough has added to its indoor offering with a lovely garden area. It’s a quaint coffee shop decorated in a 1920/30s art-deco style with all variety of vintage movie signs and music memorabilia. It serves a range of tasty food to eat in or snacks like home made sausage rolls to take away and some truly outstanding cakes. Afternoon tea is a treat and you can pop back later for a drink for when it transforms into the Speakeasy wine bar at night.

LET’S...

support our independents Cresset Shops and Services You may have been desperate for some retail therapy, beauty treatments or to get some items repaired over recent months. You were definitely desperate for a hair cut! But there’s one thing for sure - our independent businesses across Peterborough have been just as keen for our custom so let’s give our support to the local guys and girls on our doorstep. he Cresset centre in Bretton is so much more than the popular theatre – it’s a unique community hub that’s still going strong over 40 years on and one of the key ingredients is the diverse range of shops and services it’s home to in addition to the theatre.

Did you know the name ‘Cresset’ refers to a basket of fire, kept continuously alight and placed at the focal point of a mediaeval community? In the last few months community has become even more important to us all but The Cresset’s been a focal point of that community spirit for years, and when it comes to ‘shop local’ they nailed that long ago. It’s no surprise that many of its shops have been there for decades and you can make the most of everything from getting your shoes fixed to getting your hair done, buying a new handbag, topping up your tan or having a tattoo! R & R Tanning saw Mark and Jeanette take over around 4 years ago when they revamped the salon and added smart new cubicles and facilities. So if you need some glow to boost your spirits or in place of your trip abroad, just book a slot. Cresset Shoe Repairs have been a staple since 1993 and Maryanne now runs what started out as her dad’s shop offering key cutting, engraving and duvet cleaning alongside the shoe repairs. She’ll bring those tatty, well worn soles and heels back to life so you can get another season out of your fave footwear… and get a spare key cut to avoid a lockout after the lockdown. The Barber Shoppe has been there just as long keeping men’s, women’s and kids’ hair in shape since the nineties. When they reopened again the queue backed up through the centre so they’re obviously the place to head to get your locks looking lovely again. Then there’s Eastern Ink tattoos and piercing where John and the

guys have been creating some amazing works of art at their Cresset location since 2010. Whether you’re brave enough for a full sleeve or just the tiniest tattoo, you will be in safe hands! If you’ve had one you regret though, they also offer laser removal too! OMG Accessories run by Tapas is the place to head for fabulous costume jewellery and an amazing array of great quality handbags as well as watches and sunglasses all at fantastic prices. If you need a gift or a new accessory for your outfit this is an Aladdin’s cave of goodies.

Affordable and friendly there’s no contract required and they offer everything from weights and gym equipment to classes including Zumba, yoga, circuits and lots more. The Cresset also house Bees In The Hive Pre-school providing high quality care and learning opportunities for children aged between 2 and 4 years, and Goldhay Arts, a registered charity offering weekly sessions in the performing and visual arts to adults with learning disabilities since 1994.

The newest business on the block is Crafty Jax, an independent business selling personalised gifts, cards, balloons and unique 3D crystals which opened on May 4 this year.

Bretton was the first new township of Greater Peterborough, and The Cresset was designed to sit at the heart of the community, offering services for all local residents and visitors. By all accounts they’ve done a pretty good job!

As well as the independent shops and services it’s also home to the YMCA gym, another community facility that’s accessible to all.

To check out what’s on offer and opening times just head to www.cresset.co.uk/cressetshops

City’s Café Culture goes Despite the delay in the full easing of national lockdown restrictions, shoppers have eagerly returned to Peterborough city centre, drawn by its wide range of quality shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs.

he gradual reopening of the city centre, in-line with the Government’s roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions, has been coordinated by a partnership comprising Peterborough City Council, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Opportunity Peterborough, Peterborough Positive, Queensgate Shopping Centre and local independent businesses.

This approach has ensured that visitors have been informed of the latest Covid-19 safety guidelines and how they can help keep themselves and others safe. As part of their return to the city centre, shoppers have been able to enjoy the first phases of the council’s Café Culture initiative. This has included the introduction of a fast-track application process for restaurants, bars and pubs to apply for a pavement licence without the need for planning permission. A pavement licence, when granted, allows the licence holder to place removable furniture on pavements and streets outside the building. The city’s Café Culture will be further enhanced by the introduction of three concept Covid-19-safe pods and outdoor seating areas, which are due to open this year in Cathedral Square, Bridge Street and Westgate. The pods and seating areas, along with improved lighting will offer protection from the elements and an ambient and comfortable area to sit, eat and dine in all weathers – day and night.

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from strength, to strength The Café Culture initiative was given the go ahead earlier this year, thanks to a successful £800,000 grant application to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. As part of this transformation, work is underway to extend the free CambWifi network to Peterborough city centre streets and open spaces to support businesses, keep residents connected and allow visitors to make the most of the new Café Culture over the summer. The secure public access WiFi network is being installed through the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, with funding from Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. Peterborough Positive is in discussion with the city’s retailers and businesses, helping to roll out the new service, ensuring connectivity is possible. Cllr Steve Allen, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Communities, said: “These exciting developments will further enhance Peterborough’s vibrant city centre, enhancing the experience for visitors and helping to further support local business, which have of course been impacted by lockdown. “The Café Culture initiative has helped to support local businesses and make the city centre an even better destination for visitors.” Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough, said – “It has been an extremely challenging 16 months for businesses in Peterborough and so we have been working closely with businesses to ensure the safe and successful transition through the

easing of lockdown restrictions, to help ensure a strong local economy." Mark Broadhead, Chair of Peterborough Positive, said – “Being able to eat and drink both outside and inside Peterborough's fantastic range of hospitality venues has been great news for customers and businesses alike. “Initiatives such as the Café Culture in Cathedral Square have been brought forward to encourage people back to the city centre as lockdown restrictions have eased.

“Supporting your local businesses in Peterborough is more important now than ever before.” “Supporting your local businesses in Peterborough is more important now than ever before. Peterborough Positive will continue to work with businesses to encourage customers to shop, eat and drink locally." Here, two city centre businesses share their exciting new developments, ready to greet customers. Gareth Norman of Bean Around BE.AR, told us – “We are about to launch an extremely exciting new offer at Bean Around. During the day customers will still be able to enjoy the great coffee shop experience they know and love, but from 5.45pm they will soon be able to also enjoy a private wine bar environment.

“Not only will you be able to choose from a hand-picked selection of great wines, the majority of which you won’t find in your local supermarket, along with a range of craft beers, you will also be able to enjoy them with delicious charcuterie boards, cheese platters, or Italian platters. “We will be operating a pre-booked table service, meaning you can have up to three hours to relax and enjoy your food and drink. What’s more, if you don’t finish your wine, you can take it home with you. “By opening in the evening, we will be helping to extend the city’s Café Culture offering and giving people more options for a great night out.” This exciting new experience from BE.AR is due to launch at the end of July. Eve Warner, owner of The Lightbox Café, said – “As part of the Café Culture initiative we worked with Peterborough Positive and the City Council to secure funding to invest in some great new furniture and screens for outside the café. “We have lovely new planters, along with two giant umbrellas to make it completely undercover, with lights and heaters: making it a wonderful space that can be used all year round. “We will soon be looking to open up once again in the evenings, with DJs, comedy nights and private hire for events and parties.”

Free WiFi within the city centre

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LET’S...

meet up THE FAYRE SPOT AT THE CRESSET

This community pub at the heart of The Cresset is getting ready to welcome back live music and screening the Premiership footy matches so it’s time to pop back to the bar, enjoy a meal and meet up again.

The Fayre Spot has been serving up the pints since 1983 and after a fantastic £250k refurbishment gave it a great refresh in 2018 it’s still looking good. The revamp created more seating, an increased dining capacity, plenty of space for pool and darts, and two screens for those all important sporting occasions. Disabled access was also improved, with the new open plan layout, and the new design created a lovely warm and welcoming feel.

h the joy of that first pint or G&T with your mates at the bar – wasn’t it sweet? Pubs are at the heart of our social scene and the Fayre Spot is a central hub of The Cresset.

It’s a staple for local regulars, families and audiences grabbing a pre-show meal or drink before heading to the theatre. Over the next few weeks it will get back to offering all the entertainment it’s known for.

Penny Hansen, Head of Commercial Activities at the Cresset told ESP – “We’ve been thrilled to welcome people back to the Fayre Spot since reopening back in May, and have been delighted with feedback from customers on how safe they’ve felt in doing so. Adapting to changes in restrictions has been pretty straightforward and we’ve had no issues with managing that, in fact we’re really proud of how we’ve handled it!

“We’re looking at expanding our food offer in the coming months,” said Penny, “we’ve got live entertainment coming back in July and as usual we’ll be showing all the live Premiership games when the season kicks off again in August. Plus we’re still open from 9am Monday to Saturday and 12 noon on Sundays for coffee, drinks, breakfasts and a good old natter!”

“I think that knowledge and experience that licensees have should give people confidence in coming back, supporting their local pubs, cafés and restaurants and getting out there again.

“There is no reason not to come out and enjoy a drink or a meal with friends, and even watch a band!”

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You can pop in for a freshly brewed latte or cappuccino any time, and it’s much better value than the big chains. Being part of the theatre complex of course also makes it the perfect place to head to for dinner before a show. The Fayre Spot’s always been central to the community vibe at The Cresset and that spirit has never been more important. Now’s the time to get together with friends or family and enjoy some great pub grub, Sunday lunch or that night out you’ve been missing.

You can check out all the venue’s forthcoming gigs in our Gig Guide on www.espmag.co.uk or check out www.cresset.co.uk/the-fayre-spot-bar Follow on Facebook – The Fayre Spot

Luxury Care Home set to open in Castor Country Court Care Homes are designed to be exactly that – a home. The stunning facilities provide a luxury lifestyle, enabling people to live as they would normally, with the added pleasure of having company (and no chores). The brand new care home in Castor near Peterborough will provide a warm welcome as soon as you set foot through the door. Specialising in residential care, dementia care and short-term respite care, Castor Lodge will be home for up to sixty-eight people. The care home will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to cater for a variety of care needs.

With a community feel, the home's village street will provide a lively heart of the home. Communal areas will be bright, spacious and inviting, with beautifully landscaped gardens to encourage people to explore the outdoor spaces. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to facilitate a range of daily meaningful activities. There will always be plenty going on from a visit to the Cricketers Arms pub, cinema, hair and beauty salon or corner shop. Residents will meet friends and visitors in the bistro café or enjoy uninterrupted views over the open countryside from the rooftop Observatory bar. Castor Lodge will be a wonderful place to start the next chapter of life. For more information about Castor Lodge Care Home or book an appointment at our Marketing Suite, contact our Customer Relations Manager Laura Mills on 07725 799 217 or email laura.mills@countrycourtcare.com.

LET’S...

play outside

Nene Par Peterborough

Like so many people having grown up in Peterborough, Nene Park has been a staple part of my life since childhood, one of my earliest memories being my big sister giving a 3-year-old me a piggy-back out to the small island in one of the lakes in Ferry Meadows, through to family picnics, lunchtime runs and even hiring the venues for private parties including the private campsite on the edge of one of the lakes, with eight six-person bell tents available for hire and a space for your own BBQ.

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rk Pay & Play

Giant swans?

Every time I return it seems there’s still so much more to do as the park keeps adding to its facilities and activities. I went to explore the growing menu of ‘Pay and Play’ activities provided by the team at Nene Outdoors such as archery and climbing but as the sun was shining, it was the water sports that drew me in, literally!

For those not wanting to risk getting wet, the giant swan pedalos are a big favourite with visitors, I noticed a young couple swanning off into the sun perhaps as part of a date night, another father and daughter took the next one out and had a great time, they’re a simple and fun activity to drop into a day. They can be quite a workout on the legs on a windy day but you can always refuel with an ice cream or cuppa at the Lakeside Café afterwards.

Open water swimming This is growing evermore popular across the country and it’s easy to see why when it’s such a great feeling to be outside, getting literally immersed in nature whilst exercising mind and body, it really is exhilarating. So, donning a wetsuit, (available to hire from as little as £1!) I joined a swim session and tried not to look out of place. Some swimmers were head-down meaning business perhaps training for a triathlon whilst others like me were casually bobbing around simply enjoying the amazing feeling of being out in the lake.

Playtime The Park has an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team at Nene Outdoors attending to individuals and groups ‘playing’. I chatted to a few teenagers who’d been there for the whole day as part of their National Citizenship Service coming all the way from Huntingdon for a day of raft building, archery, climbing and kayaking, starting the day as strangers and ending it buzzing with tales of new experiences and a load of new friends too. I was surprised to learn that people of all ages visit from as far as London to ‘play’ here, it’s a reminder how lucky we are to have Nene Park right on our doorstep.

Mindful floating You can get around the lake at pace in one of their sail boats or by windsurfing of course, but the stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) are now extremely popular. Like all of these activities ‘SUPping’ feels great for the soul, being out on the water, floating around forgetting any worries for a while, and after the last year or so we’ve all had, a bit of mindful nourishment outside in nature is a welcome treat for our mental wellbeing. In my one visit I saw people from all walks of life taking advantage of the many activities available for all purposes, from training for an event, casual exercise, or simply unapologetic fun to feed the soul. If you haven’t been to the park for a while or didn’t know so much was on offer, I strongly urge you to go and see what you’re missing, get down there and book in this summer! Activities can be booked online at www.nenepark.org.uk or call 01733 234193 and get outside, you’re never too old to play! Darren Grigas Photos: Chris Brudenell

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Darren Grigas LET’S...

ESP’s outdoor activities enthusiast, adventurer and fitness fan

get out there

A day out by the water calms the soul. water also does us the power of good.

ver the last few months our connection with the great outdoors has been more important than ever and exercising outside getting some green therapy has kept our headspace healthy. It’s not just about the countryside when it comes to our mental and physical wellbeing though, being by, or on the

I’m a great advocate of getting out there and making the most of fresh air and our surroundings – it’s not about scaling mountains or marathons, my mantra is ‘you don’t have to go far – just go’. I equally love messing about on the water and Tallington Lakes offers loads of opportunities to do that this summer. Whilst it’s fun on the water it’s also calming. The team at Tallington Lakes tell me – “This meditative state brought on by water, more commonly known as

‘Blue Mind’ or even ‘Blue Therapy’, is a subject of growing research and recognition pioneered by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. It’s thought that taking the time to be near water creates a natural boost to both your psychological and social being, from this you’re able to achieve an elevated and sustained state of happiness and wellbeing. “The added bonus of potential physical activity too will increase these benefits ten-fold, as whilst exercise increases your endorphins (happy hormones) the water reduces your cortisol levels (stress hormone), giving us a moment to reconnect with ourselves and nature after months of lockdown.” Most of us are naturally drawn to water – not just the dedicated watersports enthusiasts. We all love a stroll by a river or a trip to the seaside. The great thing about this kind of TLC for us all is that it’s usually free or pretty cheap.

The Tallington Lakes team adds – “Blue Therapy can be accessed almost anywhere by anyone, and you don’t have to live by the sea to get your fix; studies show that even sitting by a water feature for as little as five minutes can help calm the mind and ease daily stresses. But, if you’ve recently found yourself wanting to get out on a body of water; activities like canoeing, kayaking and the ever-increasingly popular Stand Up Paddleboarding are a great option for either solo trips or family outings.” I can vouch from personal experience that local venues like Tallington Lakes Leisure Park are a real feel good day out. If you want to boost your own feeling of wellbeing this summer try a water based activity (there are plenty suitable for beginners) or just chill out overlooking the lakes and get your dose of ‘blue therapy’. Darren Grigas

GET KITTED OUT FOR DAYS OUT THIS SUMMER

If you’re going to make the most of the great outdoors for that feel good factor and exercise make sure you’re kitted out in the right gear, even if you’re not going far. Tallington Lakes Pro Shop stocks a great range of outdoor wear for hiking, watersports and skiing. The team are real enthusiasts for all activities and can give you plenty of good advice, plus they offer a professional boot fitting service so you can step it out and make this summer the time for getting outdoors and boosting your spirits blister free!

For what’s on and where to go this summer make sure you visit

> www.espmag.co.uk < 44

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Photo: Matt Nicholson

I’ve seen lots of families getting out enjoying a walk which has been great to see. Rather than vegging in front of screens indoors, lots of people have been embracing the fresh air, going on a little adventure and actually talking to each other!

Karen Devine LET’S...

Karen Devine is a Peterborough based Registered Nutritional Therapist, Colonic Hydrotherapist and Naturopath

look after ourselves

There are many reasons that we feel happier and look forward to the summer months. Not only can it elevate our mood it can improve our physical body in many ways. So let’s make the most of this regenerative time and give ourselves some much needed TLC and follow my top 7 tips… 1. Boost your sunny mood

3. Get hydrated

With the longer daylight hours in the summer months, we naturally feel brighter and have a lift in our moods. Exposure to sunlight is said to increase a chemical called serotonin which among many things helps to stabilise our mood, has a calming effect and improves sleep. Good levels of serotonin help our nervous system cells communicate with each other.

Hydrating foods from nature are more abundant in the summer, of course drinking fresh water is crucial but don’t forget those juicy, high water content fruits and veggies such as watermelon, pears, apples, mangoes, leafy greens, celery, cucumber, tomatoes and more. We find it much easier to incorporate these foods rich in phytonutrients, fibre, vitamins and minerals into our diet in the summer. It’s far easier to blend up a smoothie, a juice, create lovely salads and chomp on raw veggies with our hummus dips in the summer than the winter.

Ensure you get out in the sunshine in the safe sun hours (early morning, later afternoon), get as much light into your home as you can which all helps with the production of our happy chemicals.

2. Soak up the sounds of nature The natural sounds in the summer are so calming, waking up in the morning to the birds chirping (perhaps not so welcome in the wee small hours of the morning!) can be a far more soothing wake up call than a beeping alarm. Gentle rhythmic sounds in the garden from a wind chime, or a water feature may be all we have if we live in a noisy area, but getting out to walk in areas where there’s an abundance of different nature sounds from bees buzzing, a stream flowing and birds singing can really help with switching the sympathetic nervous system which is our ‘fight or flight’ state, into our parasympathetic nervous system which is calmer, more relaxed and more healing. There are many wonderful nature sounds in the winter, but make sure you get outdoors in the summer months when you’re more open to receiving them. 46

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4. Top up your Vitamin D Vitamin D is a hormone created in the body from the UVB light as it hits our skin. It is so important for our immunity, bone density, energy, skin health, cardiovascular and hormonal health as well as our mental and emotional wellbeing. Safe exposure to the suns rays is important, getting a little exposure on the skin in the early hours or very late afternoon/evening is a way to get this gift from nature. Cover up with a safe, non toxic, organic sun cream where possible when you’re out in the sun for longer periods, and of course covering your body with light clothes to keep you safe from burning. Depending on the pigment of your skin will depend how long to say in the sun, this can range from 15 mins for someone with paler skin, ranging up to an hour for those with more pigmentation/darker skins.

5. Get moving outdoors Outdoor exercise is much easier on a lovely sunny morning or evening than in the winter. Taking walks, jogs, or joining a boot camp/yoga session is more appealing. Swimming in the sea on a lovely sunny morning or evening, taking a long walk by the river, in the fields, on the beach or even just locally around your street can get your body moving – especially your lymphatic system which is important. Being outdoors in natural light can lift mood and overall wellbeing plus you get a boost of happy chemicals called endorphins when you exercise – so it’s a win win!

6. Mix it up to beat loneliness Social contact is so important for us, and being outdoors more, you find yourself having more contact with neighbours and find that even strangers in the street say hello or stop for a chat. Loneliness is rampant in today’s society and linked to depression, low self-esteem and stress which is linked to many common diseases such as heart disease. The summer months can really help provide this basic human need.

7. Enjoy these salad days to lose a few pounds Weight loss comes a little easier in the summer months. Moving more, eating colourful fruits and vegetables, more hydration and less heavy foods all help us feel motivated. Of course I’m not suggesting that this is the case for everyone, but many people lose a few pounds due to the extra get up and go you have in the summer.

It’s the Little Things… that shape a family As a certain TV soap always reminds us ‘it’s all about family’ and for most of us that’s probably been more important than ever over the last year. During a new campaign called ‘It’s the Little Things’ local foster carers Sue and Colin Stepney will feature in a YouTube mini-series, created by Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, to showcase their day-to-day role. Including all the highs, lows and laughter they’ve experienced in fostering. Sue Stepney (63), from Werrington, who currently fosters four children with her husband Colin, said: “Fostering is about being a cog in the wheel of a child’s life. For us, it is the joy we feel watching a child or young person develop, knowing that we have played a part in shaping who they are and making memories with them. Sue and Colin Stepney

If you’ve ever considered sharing that family feel and thought of fostering, maybe now’s the time to go for it. One foster carer from Peterborough says fostering is “the best thing” her family has ever done, so put your doubts aside – this could also be you.

“Often children in care have had a difficult start in life, so we treat them as family, and this teaches them valuable lessons about relationships. We also try to show how as a family unit you can resolve conflict in a calm way.” Colin (64) added, “We treat them as if they were our own children, they are family. Just like with your birth children, all parents make mistakes, but children don’t want people who are perfect, they just want to be put first.”

Sue and Colin have fostered many teenagers during their time as foster carers and have been fostering for 10 years. Sue added: “Caring for a teenager is all about respecting their identity. We are quick to forget how we were as a teenager and if they wish to stay in their room playing games then we give them their space and don’t force them out, instead go in learn about their interests, no matter how daft you sound.” Forget the myths – age, ethnicity, gender identification or sexual orientation are not barriers to fostering. The only requirements are that prospective foster carers are over 21 and have a spare bedroom in their home and genuinely want to care for and help children and young people. New foster carers get full support, guidance, and training in those early stages of the process.

For more information about fostering or to book on to our information sessions go to: www.peterborough.gov.uk/fostering email FosteringandAdoption@Peterborough.gov.uk or call 0800 052 0078.

LET’S...

look after ourselves

#PlayYourPart and make rapid testing part of your routine

Did you know that one in three people with Covid has no symptoms? You could be infected and spreading it to friends, family, work colleagues and people you don’t know at the supermarket or pub. By rapid testing twice a week, you’re far more likely to know if you have the virus and are then able to take action to reduce its spread. Rapid testing is free, quick and easy, with your result confirmed within 30 minutes. There are several ways you can get a rapid test. You can take a test at one of the rapid testing sites or pop-ups locally or your employer may be offering testing in the workplace. You can also collect tests to complete at home or order tests to be delivered to your home. Secondary school pupils are also being asked to take a twice-weekly test. You can find out more about all of the options at www.peterborough.gov.uk/rapidtesting

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Emily Smith, Consultant in Public Health for Peterborough City Council, said: “We want rapid testing to become a key part of everyday life for the time being, along with the ongoing vaccine programme. Both will play a crucial role in getting back to a more normal way of life. “We would encourage residents and businesses to play your part and ask people who visit your home or your customers whether they test twice a week - don't be afraid to ask or mention rapid testing and how it can help keep us all safe in conversation.

“It’s important to stress that negative tests aren’t a free pass to return to normal...” “It’s important to stress that negative tests aren’t a free pass to return to normal– you should still follow the national guidelines. Even if you have been vaccinated you should still take regular rapid tests and stick to the rules to help keep yourself and everyone safe.”

If you take a rapid test and get a positive result you and your household will need to self-isolate and book a PCR test to confirm the result. Help is at hand for anyone struggling to self-isolate. People who need to self-isolate, but don’t feel able to for financial reasons, are able to apply for £500 from either the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme or a discretionary payment of the same value, both of which are run by the council. The Peterborough Coordination Hub also offers a range of practical support for people struggling to self-isolate. Staff can help with everyday tasks like organising shopping, collecting prescriptions or walking dogs. For information visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/selfisolationsupport

Rapid testing FAQs Who can be tested?

So what’s it like having a rapid test?

“I’ve since been testing twice a week and made it part of my regular routine, so it becomes second nature just like brushing my teeth.”

The process of taking a rapid test may seem a little daunting, especially to anyone who considers themselves fit and healthy or who isn’t used to using a swab.

He added: “I’m going out to pubs again and getting back to playing five-a-side football with my mates. Taking a rapid test twice a week gives me more confidence to do these things, knowing I’m helping to keep myself and others safe.

However, the good news is that taking a test is easy and painless. It can be done in the comfort of your own home. Peterborough City Council has also produced a short video showing exactly how to use a testing kit, which can be viewed on the council’s YouTube channel.

“I would urge anyone who hasn’t tested yet to start. Get tested in a way that suits you and make it a part of your regular routine.”

Lateral flow testing is currently being offered to anyone who doesn’t have virus symptoms, in a range of different settings. How accurate are lateral flow tests? Recent analysis by NHS Test and Trace shows lateral flow tests have a specificity of at least 99.9%. This means that for every 1,000 lateral flow tests carried out, there is fewer than one false positive result. What should I do if I test positive? You and anyone you live with will need to self-isolate. You should book a PCR test to confirm.

Resident Ken McErlain has been rapid testing for the past few months and described the process as easy to get used to.

What should I do if I test negative?

He said: “Initially the thought of taking a rapid test didn’t overly appeal to me. Like most people I’d stayed at home during lockdown and although I’m not squeamish I’m certainly not the biggest fan of sticking a swab up my nose!

What should I do if I have Covid symptoms?

“I ordered my first home testing kit and the first test that I took quickly allayed any of my initial apprehensions. “The instructions were easy to follow and the actual test, which only takes a couple of minutes and involves sticking a swab into your mouth and one nostril, was painless. “Getting a negative result was reassuring, although I know I still need to be careful and follow national guidance. Once you’ve registered it online you quickly get an email and text confirming it.

You must still take care and follow national guidance.

Free symptomatic PCR testing continues to be available to everyone. Please book a test on the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coron avirus-covid-19/) if you have symptoms. How often do I need to test? It is recommended people test twice a week, to give the best possible chance of detecting positive cases. Try and link it with activities you do each week like food shopping or putting your bins out, so that you remember.

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LET’S...

look after ourselves

#PlayYourPart - rapid test twice a week and say yes to the vaccine!

Week by week it's starting to feel like we're returning to a more normal way of life. We can go shopping, enjoy a drink at the pub, get our hair cut and spend time with the ones we love.

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The difference in a year is remarkable, but what’s not changed is that Covid is still in our communities. Getting back to a more normal way of life for good – without restrictions – really does depend on us all playing our part and the actions that we take. The more people we can get vaccinated – we need both doses to make it count – and rapid testing twice a week, the better chance we have of keeping Covid in check. So far more than a million Covid-19 jabs have been given out across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire and thousands more doses are being delivered every week.

Everyone who has so far said yes to the jab, is helping reduce the spread of Covid-19 and ensuring we can all return to a more normal way of life as quickly as possible.

upcoming walk-in tour dates for The Vaccinators, a new mobile vaccinator team that is powered by the local NHS to help us all get back to doing the things we love.

If you’re aged 18 or over and you’ve not had yours yet, join the millions across the UK who have and help us return to a more normal way of life as quickly as possible.

By the end of July, the government’s aim is that all adults will have had their first dose and everyone aged over 40 – and the clinically extremely vulnerable – will have been offered their second.

Dr Gary Howsam, chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The vaccination programme is progressing well across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, with more than a million COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered to date thanks to an incredible team effort. “I would like to personally thank each and every person involved in the programme including our vaccinators, GPs, Pharmacists, Hospital teams, CCG team, local authorities and the many, many volunteers it takes to run the programme across our area. It has been a tremendous team effort, and our focus remains on ensuring everyone is protected and that no one gets left behind. “There are plenty of opportunities available to help everyone in Peterborough get their vaccine, both at walk-in clinics and through bookable slots that can be arranged online or by calling 119. The COVID-19 vaccine is your best defence against the virus, so please do get vaccinated and remember to attend both your appointments as you need two doses for maximum protection.” Anyone aged 18 or over can now book a jab in England, either online or by calling 119. You can also visit a walk-in clinic without making an appointment. Visit www.thevaccinators.co.uk to find

The NHS currently offers the Pfizer/BioNTech, the Oxford/AstraZeneca and the Moderna Covid-19 vaccines. All vaccines have a really good safety record and have been tested on thousands of people of different ages, ethnic backgrounds and with different health conditions before being approved. Research has shown that the vaccines help: • reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19 • reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 • protect against COVID-19 variants The first vaccine dose should give you some protection from three or four weeks after you've had it. However, you need two doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection. The Covid-19 vaccine is both safe and effective and having both doses of the vaccine will give you the best protection against Covid-19 and help us to start enjoying life again. So please ‘Join the Thousands’ of Peterborough residents who have already said “yes” to the jab – when you get that text, book your appointment.

What vaccine will I get? Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are giving out vaccines made by PfizerBioNtech, Oxford-AstraZeneca, and Moderna. People who are under 40 years old or pregnant will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine rather than the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Booking an appointment is easy. There are 3 ways to get a Covid-19 vaccine if you're 18 years old and over: 1. You can book online via the NHS booking service at www.nhs.uk/ conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ for appointments at a vaccination centre or a pharmacy 2. Look out in local press, social media and on www.cambridgeshire andpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk website for local walk-in and pop-up clinics in your area

Photo: Joe Dent (theposh.com)

3. Wait to be contacted by your GP surgery and book your appointments with them The currently available vaccines are given in two doses. You usually have the second dose 8 to 12 weeks after the first dose.

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Sarah Slack

Ross Noble Brings New Show to Peterborough! Comedy fans will be delighted to hear that they’ll have something amazing to look forward to for 2022, as cult comedian Ross Noble has announced a brand new tour ‘Humournoid’, which includes a date at the New Theatre Peterborough. Performing on Thursday February 10, 2022, I’d love to say I found out about his latest tour through a press release or insider scoop, but no readers, I found out from a poster placed on a window near Rivergate Arcade that I spotted on my way to work, but as someone who’s been a fan of Ross Noble for nearly ten years now, oh was I grateful to see it! For readers who are unfamiliar with Ross’ work, he is widely regarded as one of the UK’s hardest-working, most loved, and most successful comedians of the past 20 years. This is all helped by his rigorous touring schedule, which includes 16 previous nationwide tours and six smash-hit Australian tours, as well as his various TV appearances on shows such as QI, Have I Got News for You, and The Graham Norton Show. In addition to this Ross has previously released seven top selling DVDs and has performed as far afield as Singapore, Hong Kong, Montreal and Budapest, all of which has helped to establish Ross as a household name, which is not bad given his humble roots in Cramlington! Not just content with being a comedy legend however, Ross has also recently shown off his acting chops thanks to his critically acclaimed performance as Igor in Mel Brooks’ West End revival of monster hit musical Young Frankenstein at London’s Garrick Theatre. Given all of his comedy credentials it is therefore very likely that his one night in

Sarah’s been a scout for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards for 10 years, has written for Chortle, Funny Women and British Comedy Guide, and has been the panel co-ordinator for the Leicester Comedy Awards.

Peterborough next year will sell out quickly, so make sure you don’t miss out by contacting the New Theatre on 01733 852992 or by visiting their website at www.newtheatre-peterborough.com.

some great names in comedy to its stage (the New Theatre also happened to be where I saw my last comedy gig of 2020 after seeing the phenomenal Stewart Lee back in February).

Iron Horse Comedy Night Returns

I’m glad to report however that the New Theatre is due to re-open in August 2021 and they’re coming back with a bang due to an impressive line-up of rescheduled and new comedy shows, including the theatre’s first mini-comedy festival!

For our readers in Market Deeping (or those who fancy a trip out of town) you’ll be pleased to know that the Iron Horse Ranch House has recently relaunched their popular comedy night, and their latest evening is due to take place at the end of July. In coordination with Funhouse Comedy Clubs, the popular restaurant will be hosting its latest comedy night on Wednesday July 28 at 7.30pm. The evening will be headlined by circuit favourite Patrick Monahan, who previously won the ITV comedy competition show ‘Show Me the Funny’ back in 2011, alongside Ryan McDonnell, Patrick Draper and MC Tony Cowards. For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.funhousecomedy.co.uk.

Sunday August 29

New Theatre Comedy Festival (Day 1) Join the New Theatre over the August bank holiday weekend for the first night of the theatre’s first ever mini-comedy festival featuring Daliso Chaponda as MC, who’s best known for appearing on Britain’s Got Talent back in 2017. He’ll be joined by festival favourite and award-winning comedian Barbara Nice as well as headliner Mark Watson, who’s previously appeared on Taskmaster, Mock the Week and Live At The Apollo.

Lightbox Laughs The laughs are set to return to the Lightbox Café on Bridge Street in the centre of Peterborough courtesy of Funhouse Comedy Club.

Monday August 30

New Theatre Comedy Festival (Day 2)

For more information and bookings head to www.funhousecomedy.co.uk.

To finish off the theatre’s first mini-comedy festival Monday night’s line-up will be headlined by Andrew Maxwell, who’s best known for his regular appearances on Radio 4 as well as being the voice of MTV’s hit show Ex on the Beach. He’ll be joined by the amazing Luisa Omielan, who’s the first British comedian to ever receive a BAFTA Breakthrough Award for comedy, alongside circuit favourites Justin Moorhouse and Hal Cruttenden.

Comedy Festival at the New Theatre

There’s so much good comedy to come with Frank Skinner, John Bishop, Daniel Sloss, Lost Voice Guy, and Sandi Toksvig all scheduled in – read my preview on www.espmag.co.uk.

The new season of comedy nights kicks off on Thursday September 30 with Andrew Bird, Mandy Muden and Jamie D’Souza on the comedy bill, while your compere for the night is Paul Revill. Tickets will be £10 in advance unless otherwise stated with doors opening at 7pm and the stand up starting at 8.15pm.

After only opening back in 2017 it was such a shame when the New Theatre closed its doors last year, especially as it was becoming an established venue for both its musical and theatrical offerings, but also for bringing

For more information and to book tickets for any of these shows at the New Theatre, call the theatre’s box office on 01733 852992 or visit their website, www.newtheatrepeterborough.com.

Need to know where the laughs are at? Check out the comedy gig listings on

> www.espmag.co.uk < 52

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The Cresset is the home of live comedy! fter a successful return from lockdown earlier this year, The Cresset are certainly going from strength to strength when it comes to their comedy offerings for the rest of 2021 and early 2022. Not only are they showcasing rescheduled gigs from 2020, but they’ve also booked a line-up of impressive names with brand new tours to perform over the next year, including Nish Kumar, Ed Gamble and The Horne Section. Alongside its longrunning monthly club there are plenty of shows available for local comedy enthusiasts to enjoy.

Tim Vine as Plastic Elvis

Josh Widdicombe

> Wednesday September 29

The guy everyone can do an impression of (myself included) is back with a brand-new stand-up tour which promises a very funny night of grumbles and jokes in which Josh will finally tackle the hot comedy topics of advent calendars, pesto and the closing time of his local park. Widdicombe is best known for the twice BAFTA nominated and award-winning show The Last Leg, as well as his own sitcom Josh and appearances on QI, Have I Got News For You and Taskmaster.

I was gutted to miss out on tickets to see this festival favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe back in 2019, however luckily Tim Vine is bringing his unique tribute to the legendary Elvis Presley to venues across the country, which includes a rescheduled performance at The Cresset. Whilst known for his infamous one-liners, Tim Vine will be changing his schtick to hit the stage as Plastic Elvis and perform some of the rock’n’roll icon’s greatest songs live whilst backed by an incredible five-piece band.

Nish Kumar > Sunday February 20

It’s great to see so many have rescheduled their dates for Peterborough and Penny Hansen, Head of Cresset Commercial Activities told me the comedians just love the venue – “John Bishop told me once it’s because of the auditorium – with the layout as it is there are no pillars, no balcony, no orchestra pit between them and the audience, so they can see every face in the crowd and that helps build the relationship between performer and audience. Also we’re really nice! We’ve got a great operations and technical team who love what they do so visiting acts always get a good welcome at The Cresset.” Sarah Slack

The Horne Section > Monday October 18

David Baddiel > Wednesday September 15

Russell Howard > Sunday July 25 - Tuesday July 27 Following the critically acclaimed sold out arena leg of this tour pre2020, Russell Howard returns to touring with his biggest globespanning stand-up tour to date. Performing across three separate dates at The Cresset, his new show Respite will see him bring the same energy to crowds that he brings to his popular TV shows, as he tries to make sense of a world that’s spinning out of control.

Following his five-star Oliviernominated hit My Family: Not The Sitcom, David Baddiel comes back with his rescheduled one-man show, Trolls: Not The Dolls. This show will focus on how David’s always seen online trolls as hecklers, and if a comedian gets heckled, it’s their duty not to ignore the heckler, but to wittily put them down. Containing stories of the dark, terrible and hysterically absurd cyber-paths interacting with trolls has led him down; David’s show promises a hilarious comedic journey into our culture’s most dank virtual underground.

> Sunday February 13

Headed by Taskmaster favourite ‘little Alex Horne’, The Horne Section have had their own TV special at the London Palladium, they have an iTunes-chart-topping podcast and now they’re touring the country in a brand new tour for 2021. Featuring five outstanding musicians and one non-musical stand up, the show promises standup, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about.

Milton Jones > Tuesday October 26 Complete with his unique style and eccentric shirts, household favourite and one-liner king Milton Jones will reveal the truth behind having once been an international spy during this latest show, and then being given a somewhat disappointing new identity which forced him to appear on Mock The Week (BBC Two), Live At The Apollo (BBC One), Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC One) and even headline on Dave’s One Night Stand (Dave).

Best known for being the host of the Mash Report and for being booed off stage at a charity event for making Brexit jokes back in 2019, Nish will be performing his latest show Control to The Cresset at the beginning of next year. Described as the “smartest, and often silliest, political comic we’ve got” by The Guardian, any fans of satire or sharp political comedy will not want to miss out on tickets for Nish’s new show.

Ed Gamble > Thursday March 24 After a sell-out tour of his house during lockdown in 2020 (extended into 2021 due to popular demand), Ed Gamble is charged up and ready to perform his brand new tour Electric in 2022. Ed is co-host of the award-winning mega-hit podcast Off Menu with James Acaster, Taskmaster champion, and has his own special, Blood Sugar, available worldwide on Amazon Prime. He’s also been seen and heard on Mock the Week (BBC2), Live At The Apollo (BBC), and Sunday mornings on Radio X alongside Matthew Crosby.

For more information and to book tickets for any of these shows, contact The Cresset’s box office on 01733 265705, or visit their website at www.cresset.co.uk.

Gavin Miller

LET’S...

go to the movies

Peterborough’s longest serving film critic with a passion for movies.

THE SUICIDE SQUAD Released: July 30. Cast: John Cena, Idris Elba, Margot Robbie. Director: James Gunn Highly-acclaimed Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn now looks to sprinkle the same blockbuster magic over DC Comics’ own superhero ensemble franchise – The Suicide Squad. In this semi-reboot of the underwhelming 2016 John Ayer-helmed original, we see returnees in the form of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag, Jai Courtenay’s Captain Boomerang and Viola Davis’ ruthless

government agent Amanda Waller. With Will Smith’s Deadshot sitting this one out, his void has quickly been filled by Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and John Cena’s Peacemaker – who is coincidentally getting his own spin-off TV series – with fan favourite characters such as King Shark (voiced by Sylvester Stallone) also being added to this highly-anticipated sequel. Ironically this may not have materialised had Disney not fired Gunn for an historical tweet – then re-hiring him for a third Galaxy film scheduled to hit in May 2023 – but Warner Bros capitalised on the situation, and hopes the helmer takes this DC squad into the same stratosphere he did with his Guardians gang…

VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE

NO TIME TO DIE

Released: September 15

After multiple high-profile delays dating back to the start of the Covid pandemic – it was initially meant to be released in April 2020 – we should finally (fingers-crossed) get to see Daniel Craig’s final bow as legendary British Secret Service agent James ‘007’ Bond.

Released: September 30

This blockbuster Marvel sequel to Sony’s Spider-Man Universe spin-off sees Tom Hardy’s anti-hero title character face his ultimate nemesis in the form of Carnage. With investigative journalist Eddie Brock struggling to adjust to life as the host of the alien symbiote Venom – which grants him super-human powers and transforms him into a lethal vigilante – he attempts to reignite his career by interviewing Woody Harrelson’s serial killer Cletus Kasady. But when Kasady inadvertently becomes the host of another symbiote, Carnage, he escapes prison after a failed execution – and quite literally causes carnage…

SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY Released: July 16 After a quarter of a century, this generation’s most-decorated basketball player LeBron James takes over the reins from the legendary Michael Jordan in this part live-action, part-animated Looney Tunesinspired sequel. James teams up with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and co to take on The Goon Squad (portrayed by some of the NBA’s highest profile male/female stars) – after being trapped in a virtual universe with his young son.

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Bond’s tranquil life after leaving active duty is short-lived when he’s lured back by his old CIA agent friend Felix Leiter, which leads him on the trail of mysterious villain Safin (Bohemian Rhapsody’s Best Actor Oscar winner Rami Malek) – in a plot that involves his current flame, Lea Seydoux’s Madeleine Swann.

OLD Released: July 23 An intriguing premise runs through the latest mystery-thriller from the mind of The Sixth Sense’s M Night Shyamalan. A family on a tropical holiday soon discover the secluded beach they’re relaxing on for a few hours is somehow causing them to age rapidly – reducing their lives into a single day. British actor Rufus Sewell (A Knight’s Tale), Alex Wolff (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) and Eliza Scanlen (Little Women) star.

JUNGLE CRUISE Released: July 30 Dwayne Johnson headlines the latest Disney theme park rideturned-into a movie – hoping to follow a Pirates of the Caribbean-esque model. At the turn of the twentieth century, Johnson’s riverboat captain Frank Wolff takes Emily Blunt’s (A Quiet Place) British scientist on a mission into the jungle to find the healing powers-possessing Tree of Life – and tackle wild animals, the hot environment and a rival expedition in the process.

STILLWATER Released: August 6 Matt Damon’s Oklahoma-based oil worker learns that his estranged daughter (Zombieland’s Abigail Breslin) has been accused of a murder that she didn’t commit while studying in France. Completely out of his depth, he must battle language barriers, cultural differences and a complex legal system – and must decide how far he’s willing to go to clear her name in this crimedrama from the Oscar-winning writer of Spotlight.

FREE GUY Released: August 13 This sci-fi action-comedy sees Ryan Reynolds’ (Deadpool) friendly unassuming bank teller Guy suddenly realise he’s an NPC (Non Playable Character) inside a brutal open-world video game. But when he becomes aware, Guy takes steps to turn himself into the hero – creating a race against time to save the game before developers shut it down. Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer and Get Out’s Lil Rel Howery join the zany ride.

DON’T BREATHE 2 Released: August 13 In this bloody horror sequel, Stephen Lang’s (Avatar) ‘The Blind Man’ brings out his monstrously psychotic personality once again – even if it’s for more honourable reasons after his ‘adopted’ daughter is kidnapped. Also watch out for the Jordan Peele-influenced remake of Candyman (August 27) also hitting the big screen this month, starring Aquaman’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and the iconic Tony Todd returning as the title character.

Due to the effects of the pandemic, film release dates are subject to change, but were correct at the time of going to press.

SNAKE EYES Released: August 13 The added moniker of GI Joe Origins may have been removed from the title – but this prequel story (and reboot of the franchise) portrays the early days of the legendary fan favourite character. Crazy Rich Asians’ star Henry Golding plays the headliner – a mysterious lone fighter trained by an ancient ninja clan. But when his past secrets are revealed and his loyalties tested – he takes the path to becoming the famous GI Joe hero.

SHANG-CHI & THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS Released: September 3 He may be one of the lesser-known Marvel superheroes, but there’s plenty of buzz for Phase Four’s second movie (hot on the heels of July’s Black Widow) – especially as it intertwines the events of TV series WandaVision and the forthcoming Dr Strange sequel. When Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is drawn into the clandestine Ten Rings organisation, he is forced to confront the past he left behind. Tony Leung and Awkwafina co-star.

For all the latest ESP film reviews visit

> www.espmag.co.uk <

Peterborough’s bottle shop stocking a wide range of beers from Belgium, Germany, Norway and the USA. • Peruse the fridges and take some beers away or enjoy a drink on site • Expert advice available • Join our Connoisseurs Club with tastings of rare beers. First event July 21st - tickets available at the shop Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 midday

Bottle and Board

11 Wentworth Street, Peterborough PE1 1DH

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Rob Bull

LET’S...

go to a gig

A talented Peterborough musician reporting on the city’s best gigs, bands and venues for ESP

some excellent live music, it's undoubtedly one of my ‘happy places’. On one visit I caught the very talented Matt Howard who’s repertoire was varied and lengthy. Covering everything from Ed Sheeran and Elton John to Sam Fender and Jake Bugg, mixed in with a few wild cards and requests from the audience thrown in for good measure, Matt caries them all well with accomplished guitar playing and a strong vocal ability.

The Ploughman’s Music and Beer Festival

Central Park Music Festival Central Park will become a beacon of live music catering for every taste in August as Academy Events host ‘two days of non-stop live entertainment for the people of Peterborough, by the people of Peterborough’ with the Central Park Music Festival 2021. It will be staged on the weekend of August 21 and 22 and will feature an eclectic mix of local performers, artists and bands. Opening with Proms in the Park, headlined on the Saturday afternoon by Classical Reflection, the fantastic Peterborough twin singers who’ve not only featured on The Voice UK but have performed numerous times at The Royal Albert Hall and even sang the national anthem before the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

Although it is sad news that the Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival will not be going ahead again this year, it’s not stopped lots of local venues from turning this summer into a celebration of beers, ales, ciders and of course, music.

VIP Day tickets for the event start at £15 and numbers are limited so be sure to visit www.academyeventsltd.co.uk to secure yours.

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You can find out more about Matt Howard via his Facebook page, likewise with Charters Bar Peterborough or visit www.Charters-Bar.com. Check out who’s playing next in our ESP Gig Guide.

The Ploughman in Werrington will be honouring the traditional date of the Peterborough Beer Festival and will host its own celebration across the August bank holiday weekend, running from Thursday August 26 to Monday August 30. The twice Peterborough CAMRA pub of the year has close links to all things real ale, but is also heavily involved with the local music scene and even in and out of lockdowns has managed to keep musicians busy with gigs. So it's only logical that local bands should feature heavily as part of their festival. Children of The Revolution will kick the music off on the Friday night, Another Girl Another Planet on the Saturday evening and 23 Reasons will round off the live performances on Sunday. The BBQ will be cooking throughout to keep hungry punters well fed, and from personal past experience the range and variety of beer will be like nowhere else in town this summer.

The Saturday evening will bring hot holiday night vibes to Peterborough as Ibiza in the Park rounds off the opening day, and DJ Nick T will headline a packed evening. Sunday will be the turn of the bands as Nicole Lawrence tops the bill at Bands in the Park, but there is also a full programme of excellent live music with no less than ten performances across the day.

Charters itself is undergoing an impressive redevelopment with their beer garden increasing in size this summer. As a musician who also enjoys regularly performing at the venue it excites me to see the work so far and imagine what it will be like once completed.

Charters Beer Garden Gigs I must admit, there are worse ways to spend your time than sitting in the Charters beer garden on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Good beer flowing, some great food being served up and

Music And Tacos At The Ostrich The Ostrich Inn, situated on North Street, Peterborough, is a long-time supporter of all things music and the arts. They kick off their own four day festival on Thursday August 4. Running until Sunday evening they will host eight performances including well known local bands Frankly My Dear, The Money Shot, Children of the Revolution as well as the always excellent Palmy Ukulele Band. There’ll be acoustic sets too from Johnny Quinn and Salmon Dave, two acts that always deliver performances to entertain the masses. The music will be well accompanied by a massive selection of beers, ciders, wines and gins whilst food will be readily available through Tacos and Flip Flops, a pop-up vegan kitchen that provides some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten.

Acoustic Vibes at The Ostrich Outdoor stage brings the music to the Iron Horse Ranch House Some great things have been happening in Market Deeping during the past year. Despite restrictions and lockdowns, the Iron Horse Ranch House has been developing its extensive outdoor space to create a community event and entertainment area that’s resulted in another outstanding gig venue for the greater Peterborough area. Since its inception, the American themed bar and restaurant has always promoted local live music, but like many, felt the need to turn their attention to outdoor space in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The owners have constructed an impressive outdoor stage as well as comfortable all weather seating for those in attendance. Test events last summer proved a massive success with great feedback from artists and spectators alike and this summer they’re looking forward to hosting top acts from the Peterborough area including Austin Gold and The Houndogs. They also hope to attract touring bands to the venue in the future, along with the introduction of more unique types of entertainment such as drag nights, theatre and comedy evenings. On top of their own events the facility is also open to the whole community for weddings, parties or any variety of private functions with the aim of being a venue where all are welcome and one that will surely be an asset to the whole city. See the ESP Gig Guide and What’s On diary online for all of their upcoming events.

As well as its first annual beer festival this summer, The Ostrich Inn will continue to host an original music night once a month throughout the summer months. The always popular acoustic sessions have been running for a number of years now and generally feature three or four solo performers playing self penned original tracks. It’s a great opportunity for seasoned musicians to get paid work for original material but also for younger or less experienced songwriters on the circuit to have the opportunity to perform. Dave James Smith, lead singer of Austin Gold, headlined the June acoustic night and told me, ''The venue is great for live music, with specific nights to offer diverse acts, they have always supported the performers. It’s extremely difficult to find paid gigs for original music anywhere, so to have the guys at The Ostrich offering regular slots for amateur and established artists is an asset to the Peterborough music scene.” The July show was headlined by Matty Haynes, who hails from Nottingham, but is an increasingly regular performer on our local scene. He's a loop pedal specialist with powerful well constructed songs and one to keep an eye out for. The August date for the next acoustic night is booked for August 19 with a line up to be confirmed.

Velocity Walk Tall As their name suggests, Velocity show no signs of slowing down and have hit the ground running coming into gig season. As you'll see from the ESP Gig Guide (here in the mag and online) they have an impressive number of local gigs that will keep them busy well into next year. Lead singer Ricky Worraker brought one gig in particular to my attention – The Post Office Club on July 24 – because the band will be walking to it from Crowland! They’re hoping to raise money and awareness for the anti-domestic abuse charity Living Keys. The band has close links to the organisation, so have decided to don tutu's and pink t-shirts and trek ten miles to their gig. They'll be carrying donation buckets collecting cash along the way and the Post Office Club will be holding a raffle on the night with all proceeds going to Living Keys. All at ESP wish the band luck and we look forward to hearing about how it went. I just hope they've found some roadies, ten miles is a long way to carry your gear.

For all the latest band news and gig listings head to

> www.espmag.co.uk <

www.espmag.co.uk

GIGGUIDE *Gigs are subject to change – always check before you head out! SAT JULY 17 SPIKE ROM THE QUIREBOYS Ticketed The Met Lounge Bridge Street

CARPARK RENDEZVOUZ (Inside) 9pm - 11.30pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

VELOCITY The Bell Deeping St James

TALLAWAH The Brewery Tap Westgate

JUNK PUPPETS The Burghley Burghley Road

DEAD HORSE The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

SUN JULY 18 CANDY TWIST The Ploughman Werrington

SUMMER BREEZE 3pm The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

TWO FOR THE ROAD 3pm The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

PAGAN

(Outside) 3pm - 5pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

JORDON POOLE

HIGH ROLLERS

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

The Ploughman Werrington

CLARKSDALE CONTRACT The Burghley Burghley Road

THE NUGGETS Charters Town Bridge

ACOUSTIC SESSION

PORKY PIG The Ostrich North Street

SUNDAY SESSIONS: THE ROSE HAUNTS

NOVASTATUS + KEEP THIS UP + SLEEPS COUSIN + PINK KUT (Ticketed) The Met Lounge Bridge Street

4pm The Ostrich North Street

RESONATE REUNION 3pm The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

CANDY TWIST The Ostrich North Street

SAT JULY 24 ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET

The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

FRI JULY 30 CITIZEN SMITH The Crown Lincoln Road

VELOCITY

MIGHTY AND THE HIGH

The Post Office Club Peterborough

The Bluebell Werrington

MON JULY 19 SARA ASHLEY The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

TUES JULY 20 OPEN MIC NIGHT The Boat Inn Whittlesey

GRAHAM CLEAVER OPEN MIC The Bull Newborough

MIGHTY AND THE HIGH The Burghley Burghley Road

TIGER CLUB

WED JULY 21 PAGAN The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Brewery Tap Westgate

WHISKY BAR ACOUSTIC SESSION The Boat Inn Whittlesey

CLARKSDALE CONTRACT The Ostrich North Street

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

SAT JULY 31

FRI JULY 23

SUN JULY 25

CAR PARK RENDEZVOUS

CAUSTIC LIGHTS

The Crown Lincoln Road

THE ZEPHYRS

The Ploughman Werrington

The Blue Bell Werrington

(2pm-5pm) The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

TOTALLY TRIBUTE LIVE BANDS

www.espmag.co.uk

JOHN QUINN

THE MONEY SHOT

FRANKLY MY DEAR

The Burghley Burghley Road

THE FUTUREHEADS (Ticketed) The Met Lounge Bridge Street

23 REASONS The Ostrich North Street

7pm 9.30pm The Ostrich North Street Peterborough

SALMON DAVE The Ploughman Werrington

ANDY HUGHES The Peacock London Road Peterborough

CANDY TWIST

(Ticketed) East of England Arena Peterborough

THE DEPS 1pm

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE 6pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

THE LENNY STONE BAND 3pm Charters Town Bridge

REN HARVIEU (Ticketed) The Met Lounge Bridge Street

CAUSTIC LIGHTS The Crown Lincoln Road

SALMON DAVE 4pm

3pm The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

THE MONEY SHOT 9.30pm The Ostrich North Street

OPEN MIC NIGHT

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE

HUSH The Riverside Bar Sutton Bridge

MON AUG 2 MARTIN JOHN The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

TUES AUG 3 GMAN’S OPEN ACOUSTIC SESSION The Old Copper Kettle Crowland

THE ATOMICS + DJ

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Ostrich North Street

WAKE

3pm The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

The Ploughman Werrington

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

THE GLORIOUS ONE EYES CATS (Outside) 7.30pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

CITIZEN SMITH The Ploughman Werrington

THE TOURETTES The Burghley Burghley Road

SUN AUG 8 SUNDAY SESSIONS: DIVISION ACOUSTIC DUO (Outside) 3pm - 5pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

THE NUGGETS

BLACKOUT UK

The Burghley Burghley Road

3pm Charters Town Bridge

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

HEAD IN THE SAND FOLK 1pm

PALMY UKELELE BAND 5pm The Ostrich North Street

ROB ‘N’ DAVE DUO

The Woolpack Stanground

SUN AUG 15 SUNDAY SESSIONS: UPRISING REGGAE BAND

The Speakeasy (At Last Tearooms) Werrington

(Outside) 3pm - 5pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

MON AUG 9

GO WITH THE FLOW

CJ HATT

The Ploughman Werrington

The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

WED AUG 11 ZEB ROOTZ The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

THURS AUG 12

6TH AVENUE

6pm The Brewery Tap Westgate

VELVET ACOUSTIC

SAT AUG 7

3.30pm

THUR AUG 5

The Crown Lincoln Road

Coyotes Bar & Grill New Road

COSMIC RODNEY

(Ticketed) East of England Arena Peterborough

For the latest gigs visit 58

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

SUNDAY SESSIONS: MEG MACPARTLIN

(Outside) 7.30pm 10pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

MUSIC & MOTORS LIVE BANDS

CAUSTIC LIGHTS

IRON FIST

PORKY PIG

The Pizza Parlour & Music Café Cowgate

2pm (Outside) Falcon Hotel Whittlesey

(Outside) 3pm - 5pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

RETROLUX

The Crown Lincoln Road

The Burghley Burghley Road

CECIL FARAYI

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

The Bluebell Werrington

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE

SUN AUG 1

TRUE 90S

The Ostrich North Street

VELOCITY

FRI AUG 6

HAYLEY DI RITTO

WED JULY 28

BENT BACK TUPLIPS

(Outside) 7.30pm, £7.50 a ticket Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

MON JULY 26

The Crown Lincoln Road The Anchor Inn Sutton

AUSTIN GOLD

PLEAZER + SPHERICAL The Ostrich North Street

FRI AUG 13 CANDY TWIST The Crown Lincoln Road

BROADCASTERS The Ostrich North Street

JAMIE WALTON The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

VELOCITY Lakeside Bar and Grill Tallington

DIVISION The PiIzza Parlour and Music Café Cowgate

MOTOR CITY VIPERS 3pm Charters Town Bridge

HUSH The Seven Wives St Ives

THURS AUG 19 ORIGINAL ACOUSTIC ACTS The Ostrich North Street

FRI AUG 20 KICK BACK The Crown Lincoln Road

BLACK ROSE The Ostrich North Street

RAMSHACKLE SRENADE The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

SAT AUG 14

VELOCITY

REPOSE

House of Feasts Eye

The Crown Lincoln Road

VELOCITY The Ostrich North Street

SAT AUG 21 BACK STREET The Crown Lincoln Road

RAMSHACKLE SERENADE

KICKBACK

(Inside) 9pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

THE EXPLETIVES

THE MIGHTY AND THE HIGH The Yard of Ale Oundle Road Peterborough

The Ostrich North Street The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

LET THERE B/DC (Outside) 7.30pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

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If you want to get your gigs in ESP for free, e-mail:

GIGS@ESPMAG.CO.UK

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE

VOODOO HAZE BAND

SUN AUG 29

The Ploughman Werrington

GROOVE CARTELL

(Inside) 9pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

CROWN FAMILY FUN DAY CAUSTIC LIGHTS

The Burghley Burghley Road

THE 707

The Crown Lincoln Road

SUN AUG 22

The Ostrich North Street Peterborough

SUNDAY SESSIONS: THE HOUNDOGS

SUNDAY SESSIONS: PAGAN GOULD

THE PORTLAND + LIVEWIRE

(Outside) 4pm - 7pm £10 a ticket Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

(Outside) 3pm - 5pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

(Ticketed) The Met Lounge Bridge Street

ANDY HUGHES

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

The Willow Café Central Park Peterborough

THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN The Ploughman Werrington

HIGH ROLLERS 3pm Charters Town Birdge

The Ploughman Werrington

THE GANGSTERS The Brewery Tap Westgate

OUTLAW EAGLES The Burghley Burghley Road

SAT AUG 28

ACOUSTIC SESSION 4pm The Ostrich North Street

THE SMYTHS (Ticketed) The Met Lounge Bridge Street

JESSIE’S GHOST The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

23 REASONS The Ploughman Werrington

JOHNNY QUINN 4pm The Ostrich North Street Peterborough

GROOVE CARTELL 3pm Charters Town Bridge

MON AUG 30

STEALER The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

THE 707 Langtoft Festival 3.30pm Langtoft Sports Pavilion PE6 9NB

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING CARPETS

8pm Blue Boar Eye

(Ticketed) St. John’s Church City Centre

START WITH SILENCE The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

(Ticketed) The Met Lounge Bridge Street

CITIZEN SMITH

DIVISION

ONE EYED CATS

SUN SEPT 12

The Burghley Burghley Road

JOHN QUINN + BIT O’LENNON At Last Gin Bar Werrington

SUNDAY SESSIONS: DAN KNIGHT (Outside) 3pm - 5pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

SUN SEPT 5

OUTLAW EAGLES

FEET TO FIRE

3pm Charters Bar Town Bridge

1pm

3RD AND CHURCH

FRI SEPT 17

The Peacock London Road

3pm (Outside) Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

FRI SEPT 3

VELOCITY

SUNDAY SESSIONS: FREE 2 DECIDE ACOUSTIC EVENT

(Ticketed) The Met Lounge Bridge Street

The Burghley Burghley Road

TIGER CLUB The Crown Lincoln Road

3pm Charters Bar Town Bridge

THE FAMOUS UNKNOWNS

THUR SEPT 30

The Crown Lincoln Road

JESSIE'S GHOST (Inside) 9pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

FRANKLY MY DEAR The Burghley Burghley Road

VELOCITY Coyotes Bar & Grill New Road

THE ENDEAVOUR

VELOCITY

SHALAMAR (Ticketed) Boston Gliderdrome Lincs

FYA REGGAE

JOE DRURY ACOUSTIC

(Ticketed) The Met Lounge Bridge Street

The Speakeasy At Last Tearooms Werrington

SAT SEPT 25

RACING THE WORLD

SWEET REVENGE

The Crown Lincoln Road

(Inside) 9pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

MOLLY’S CHAMBER

ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET

TIGER CLUB

The Ploughman Werrington

BLACK DOG MURPHY The Ostrich North Street

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road The Burghley Burghley Road

SAT SEPT 4

RAMSHACKLE SERENADE

UPRISING REGGAE BAND

The Ostrich North Street

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

LIVE BAND

SAT SEPT 18

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

JUNK PUPPETS The Cock Inn Werrington

THE EXPLETIVES

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

The Crown Lincoln Road

Blue Bell Werrington

CITIZEN SMITH The Crown Lincoln Road

SUNDAY SESSIONS: CROSSING THE TRACKS

FRI SEP 24

The Burghley Burghley Road

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

SUN SEPT 26

(Outside) 3pm - 5pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

The Crown Lincoln Road (Inside) 9pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

Fletton Club Fletton

LONESOME + CALL TO THE FAITHFUL

(Outside) 3pm - 5pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

REVOLVER

THE MIGHTY AND THE HIGH

SUN SEPT 19

LET THERE B/DC

LEE MAJOR

HOWARD HEWETT (SHALAMAR)

(Inside) 9pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

JESSIE’S GHOST

XX X11

Lakeside Bar and Grill Tallington

THE TOUR*ETTES

FRI SEPT 10

FRI AUG 27

JUNK PUPPETS

The Crown Lincoln Road

(Inside) 9pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

The Crown Lincoln Road

THE MONEY SHOT

The Nag’s Head Bourne

2012 The Crown Lincoln Road

ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET

MEG MCPARTLIN

The Yard of Ale Oundle Road

THURS AUG 26 GMAN’S OPEN MIC

SAT SEP 11

OSTRICH ORIGINAL ACOUSTIC NIGHT (LINE UP TBC) The Ostrich North Street

FRI OCT 1 CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Burghley Burghley Road

FRI OCT 8

THE SHERLOCKS + VIGILANTES + IDOLISING NOVA (Ticketed) The Met Lounge Bridge Street

THE ATOMICS + DJ The Crown Lincoln Road

DOUBLE BARREL REGGAE & SKA BAND (Outside) 7.30pm Iron Horse Ranch House Market Deeping

FRI OCT 15 CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION Yard of Ale Oundle Road

SUN OCT 24

ACES AND 8’S

SOUND INJECTORS

The Burghley Burghley Road

SHAKATAK

The Burghley Burghley Road

THE NUGGETS

(Ticketed) The Key Theatre Peterborough

The Ploughman Werrington

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