Festival funding pressures prompts donation plea

Organisers of a community festival are urging visitors to consider making a donation to ensure the event stays free to attend in the future.

About 20,000 people are expected to attend Peterborough Celebrates at Nene Park, when the festival returns for its fifth year from 16 to 17 May.

The event is funded by Nene Park Trust, along with sponsorships from local businesses. A spokesperson for the trust said the festival remained free to attend "as part of its core ethos", but rising costs were making it increasingly challenging to sustain.

"It's very expensive to put on a festival of this scale," they said.

"We are a charity and while we are committed to keeping it free, we do rely on the generosity of visitors and supporters."

The event was launched in 2021 and was initially funded through grants from the Arts Council and corporate sponsorships.

However, organisers said this year has seen a noticeable drop in sponsorship from businesses, reflecting wider economic pressures.

The trust also relies on income from on-site parking and events such as Foodie Fridays and the Winter Festival, which helps fund Peterborough Celebrates and also contributes towards maintenance of the park.

"It's a sign of the times - many organisations are feeling the pinch, and that has had an impact on the level of support available," the spokesperson added.

Despite the financial challenges, organisers say they have been encouraged by strong community backing and a high number of volunteers taking part.

This year, the festival's theme is titled "A Page in Peterborough's Story", with schools and community groups invited to share their stories of what the city means to them.

Dozens of diverse food and drink vendors are also expected to be on site, alongside a bar run by Peterborough-based business The Blind Tiger.

A Nene Trust spokesperson added that the festival "will continue to highlight the city's diversity" and bring people of different backgrounds together.

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