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In 1961, Acker Bilk’s hit single ‘Stranger on the Shore’ was
the first-ever to be simultaneously number one in the UK and the USA
and in 2004 he was honoured with an MBE for his services to the
music industry.
“Last year, a record number of
community groups and schools took part in the festival,” said Joe
Ballard, festival and events manager for the city council. “This
year we’re aiming to ensure Peterborough residents are again at the
heart of our programme of events and activities. Their feedback
through our audience survey will play an important part in deciding
the theme and line-up for this year’s festival.
“Acker Bilk’s involvement is
fantastic for the city and whether you’re a jazz fan or not, Central
Park on Saturday 28 June promises to be something special. There
will be a host of unmissable attractions and performances throughout
the week and we will be announcing details of those in the coming
weeks and months.”
The Peterborough Festival will run
from Saturday 28 June to Sunday 6 July and will begin with the
ever-popular Mayor’s Festival Parade, which will lead into a
fun-filled community orientated afternoon in Central Park followed
by Acker Bilk’s free concert in the evening.
The following day activities will
focus on the community once more and a free concert in the evening
courtesy of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. An
internationally renowned orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic has
toured more than 30 countries in the past five years including
playing a concert for the late Pope John Paul II in the Vatican.
A range of events and activities
will take place during the week reflecting differing interests
across the arts. They will include the fantastic Space4 Shorts Film
Festival and an entertaining Lunchtime Music Programme before the
festival concludes with its Embankment Weekend on Saturday and
Sunday, 5 and 6 July.
“I hope Peterborough residents are
looking forward to this year’s festival as much as I am,” said
Councillor Matthew Lee, Cabinet member for Community Services at the
city council. “Last year’s event was a huge success and I am keen to
build on that for this year and am sure the packed programme of
events and activities will have something for everybody.
“There were 115 different community
groups and schools involved in last year’s festival and 85 per cent
of attendees rated it as either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. These are
impressive statistics and I hope even more people, community groups
and schools will get involved this year.
“Peterborough Festival should
provide a platform for the arts, showcase local talent and always
entertain. I am convinced we have the right mix to make this a
festival to remember and look forward to nine days of excellent
entertainment. “
Community groups, schools,
businesses and local artists are all welcome to get involved in
Peterborough Festival 2008. For further information, call the arts
and events team on (01733) 207200 or email
festival@peterborough.gov.uk
March 2008 -
Peterborough UK Community Website
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