PETERBOROUGH FESTIVAL GETS UNDERWAY

This year’s Peterborough Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever, so, whatever your taste in music, art, culture and entertainment, there’s bound to be something for your and your friends and family to enjoy.

The Festival, which is organised by Vivacity Culture and Leisure on behalf of Peterborough City Council, takes place from 25 June – 10 July.

The Festival kicks off for 2011 with the Heritage weekend, held in the historic heart of the city centre and the stunning surroundings of the Cathedral precincts. In 2010 this was one of the Festival’s most popular events and this year it promises a living history extravaganza for all to enjoy with over 300 costumed re-enactors representing everything from the Romans to World War II – unlike anything else in the city!  A packed programme over the weekend of June 25 – 26 will include live period music, falconry displays, a local history fair and spectacular battle and arena displays.

Renowned historian and broadcaster Dr David Starkey, who recently featured on the Channel 4 Series Jamie’s Dream School, will be giving a fascinating talk exploring the story of Henry VIII and his Six Wives to be held in the Cathedral on the evening of Saturday June 25.

New for 2011, Festival Plus takes place daily from June 27 – July 8, bringing dance, film, literature, theatre and more to venues across Peterborough.  Highlights include Peterborough Mask Theatre’s open-air performances of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and the Reveller’s production of Ben Jonson’s The Alchemist.

Cathedral Square will be taken over by the Architects of Air Levity III – a breathtaking sculpture of radiant light and colour (sponsored by Perkins).

It’ll be open to the public daily from Friday July 1 to Monday July 4, from 11am – 5pm with admission £2.

Peterborough Film Society will be putting on three nights of documentaries at the John Clare Theatre, and the Key Theatre will play host to a range of Festival performances including previous Poet Laureate of Peterborough, Mark Grist, multi award-winning drag artist, Sam Thackray, and a revival of Eastern Angles’ Our Nobby.

The Festival finale, Central Park weekend, takes place over July 9  – 10 and promises a magical mix of entertainment which will appeal to all ages and tastes!

Join the opening celebration of the Mayor’s Parade, which will create a carnival throughout the city before arriving at Central Park at midday to kick off a full weekend of music and live performance.

Saturday’s main stage headline act is The Magic Numbers, who are set to wow the crowds with their unique mix of perfect pop and heart-wrenching soul and country folk. The ESP Dance Crew will be on stage just prior to them at 6.30pm. Sunday sees indie rock gods, the Futureheads in action.  If classical is more your thing, then don’t miss the renowned Orchestra Da Camera, who’ll be joined on stage by top West End performers, to bring the Festival to a resounding end!

Alongside the Main Stage, the Acoustic tent features a full programme of emerging talent such as the Sargasso Trio and James Christie.

New for this year is Live Art:  Artists from across the world will be putting on an amazing programme of Street Arts throughout the finale weekend, including The Gaiety Engine, the world’s last remaining Victorian freakshow, and family friendly Mu Teatro, with their unique brand of clowning.

The 2011 Festival will be supported by £50,000 funding from the Arts Council, with the aim of growing the Peterborough Festival into a world class platform for artists and provide a strong arts focus for the city.

The full programme of acts is available in the 2011 Festival brochure, available from libraries, the Key Theatre and other venues across the city.  Or you can download a copy from www.vivacity-peterborough.com , where you’ll find all the latest Festival news and updates.

Ticketed events are now on sale from the Key Theatre Box Office: 01733 207239.