There are days when cultural heritage is not simply something we remember or preserve, but something we experience together. Days when music crosses language barriers, strangers become friends through dance, and traditions passed down through generations find new life in the heart of our communities.
Sunday, 7 June 2026, was one of those days.
For the second consecutive year, the European Cultural Heritage Festival transformed Peterborough's Stanley Park into a colourful celebration of Europe's living traditions. Organised jointly by ZI Foundation and Little Bulgaria UK CIO, the festival brought together communities from across the United Kingdom and Europe for a remarkable day of music, dance, traditional costumes, food, crafts and friendship. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in September 2025, the festival once again demonstrated what can happen when communities come together, not simply to showcase their own heritage, but to discover and celebrate that of their neighbours.
With 22 performing groups and artists, 42 bazaar stallholders and 25 dedicated volunteers, the festival reflected something special about Peterborough itself: the many communities who have made the city their home, each bringing traditions worth sharing. Yet the true success of the festival was not measured in numbers. It was visible in the smiles, the friendships, the shared dances and the enthusiasm of people who simply did not want the celebration to end.
The celebrations began in the historic surroundings of Peterborough Cathedral Square, where performers, musicians, dancers and community representatives gathered in traditional costumes, proudly displaying national flags and beautifully embroidered garments. The square filled with colour as participants greeted one another, admired each other's costumes and prepared for the day ahead. There was a wonderful sense of anticipation as people from different countries, speaking different languages and carrying traditions shaped by generations of history, came together for a shared celebration.









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The morning gathering was followed by a colourful procession through Peterborough city centre towards Stanley Park. With flags waving and traditional costumes bringing colour to the streets, the procession offered residents and visitors a glimpse of the celebrations awaiting them. It has become a distinctive part of the festival, taking Europe's cultural heritage beyond the stage and into the heart of the city.
As participants arrived at Stanley Park, the excitement continued to build. What had begun as a colourful gathering was about to become a full day of music, dancing and shared experiences.
The stirring sound of Scottish bagpipes and drums from Bomber County Pipes & Drums opened the festival programme, bringing a powerful sense of occasion to Stanley Park. What followed was a journey through Europe's musical and artistic traditions, with 21 more performing groups and artists sharing folk dances, traditional songs and live music with an enthusiastic audience.
The Bulgarian performances brought the unmistakable sound of the "kaba gaida" (Bulgarian bagpipe), played by Stanislav Dimov, alongside the singing of Rosi Piano & Vocal and the lively rhythms of Folk Dance Formation 'Bulgaria' Midlands UK.
Greek dancers from Cambridge and London shared the energy of traditional and Pontic Greek dancing, while Latvian performers brought a lively combination of children's dances, folk music and singing, coordinated with the support of the Peterborough Latvian Family Association. Lithuania's folk dancers from Boston shared their traditions, and the Romanian performances combined colourful dancing with memorable singing, including the remarkable voice of Petra Kevin-Nikolas.
Our Ukrainian friends brought an inspiring variety of music, choral singing and traditional dancing, with children and young performers proudly sharing their cultural heritage. The Italian musicians added another dimension to the programme, while the Roma Alliance Impact Dance Team celebrated the expressive energy of Roma dance and tradition.
Throughout the day, traditional costumes, distinctive musical styles and the enthusiasm of the performers gave each culture its own voice. Together, they created a celebration that was as varied as it was welcoming.
One of the festival's defining features is that visitors are encouraged to do more than watch. Each participating community is invited to share something of its traditions through simple dance steps, songs or other opportunities for audience participation. Performers are also encouraged to support one another throughout the day, celebrating other communities' traditions with the same enthusiasm they bring to their own.
And this year, that spirit was everywhere. Visitors joined traditional dances, performers from different countries danced together, and people who had never tried these steps before found themselves moving to unfamiliar rhythms. There were smiles, laughter, applause and plenty of enthusiastic attempts to follow the dancers. Dance circles grew as more people joined in, families danced together, and people from different backgrounds shared moments that needed no translation.
The audience did not simply watch Europe celebrating its heritage. They became part of the celebration.
Seeing performers join one another's dances was especially rewarding. People who had arrived wearing different national costumes and carrying different flags found themselves moving together to the same music, learning unfamiliar steps and enjoying one another's company. These were the moments that captured what the festival had set out to achieve: not simply presenting traditions, but creating opportunities to experience and celebrate them together.
Sometimes, all it takes is a melody, a smile and an invitation to join the dance.
While music and dancing filled the stage, the European Cultural Heritage Festival Bazaar was buzzing with activity. Its 42 stallholders offered traditional food, homemade treats, handmade crafts, jewellery, embroidery, gifts and cultural products, while community organisations and charities introduced visitors to their work and causes.
Visitors could taste unfamiliar dishes, admire traditional craftsmanship and discover the stories behind handmade products. The bazaar was also a place for conversation, where stallholders shared their creativity, traditions and knowledge with people from different backgrounds. For small businesses, independent makers and community organisations, it provided a valuable opportunity to connect with new audiences.
Our heartfelt thanks to all 42 stallholders who helped create such a lively and welcoming atmosphere. You made the bazaar an essential part of the festival's cultural experience.
We were deeply honoured to welcome distinguished guests representing civic leadership, public service and international diplomacy, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Kingdom, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the Leader of Peterborough City Council and the Deputy Mayor of Peterborough.
Their presence was more than ceremonial. Bulgaria’s Ambassador, Tihomir Stoytchev, and his wife joined members of the Bulgarian community in a traditional horo, alongside Mihail Stoyanov from Little Bulgaria UK. It was a particularly lovely moment, capturing the spirit of a festival where everyone was encouraged to take part rather than simply observe.
The festival also reflects the strength of collaboration between community organisations. Little Bulgaria UK, based in Cambridge, and ZI Foundation, based in Peterborough, share a commitment to cultural preservation, community participation and mutual understanding. Together with organisations from across the United Kingdom, we are proud to have created an occasion that brings people together through their shared appreciation of cultural heritage.
Behind the colourful performances and joyful atmosphere was an enormous amount of preparation, cooperation and dedication. For two charities organising an event of this scale, the generosity of volunteers, partners and supporters is invaluable.
This year, 25 volunteers from different communities and countries gave their time and energy to help make the festival possible. They welcomed visitors, supported performers and stallholders, guided participants and handled the countless practical details that kept everything running smoothly. Some worked visibly throughout the day, while others contributed quietly behind the scenes. Every helping hand mattered.
A special thank you goes to City Councillor Alex Rafiq, representing Paston and Walton, who joined our volunteers and actively helped during the festival. His involvement was a wonderful example of how local representatives can support their communities through practical participation. We are equally grateful to our fantastic host, Kev Lawrence, whose warmth, professionalism and seemingly endless energy helped guide a programme that turned out to be rather longer than originally planned!
The festival belongs to everyone who contributes to bringing it to life.
As the afternoon progressed, the enthusiasm showed no signs of fading. With so many performers sharing their traditions and audiences enjoying every opportunity to participate, the stage programme continued almost an hour beyond its scheduled finishing time. Yet even when the final performances ended, the celebration was far from over. The festival DJ took over, and people remained in Stanley Park for another hour and a half, dancing, enjoying the music and spending time together. Families, friends, performers and visitors continued celebrating long after the official programme had concluded. There was no need to encourage people to stay. They simply wanted to.
It brought back memories of our inaugural festival in September 2025, when the dancing continued despite the afternoon rain. Different circumstances, but the same wonderful reluctance to let the celebration end.
Sometimes the clearest sign of a successful celebration is that nobody wants it to end.
For Little Bulgaria UK CIO, the European Cultural Heritage Festival represents an important extension of our charitable mission to preserve and promote Bulgarian language, culture, folklore and traditions, particularly among younger generations growing up in the United Kingdom. We believe that preserving our own cultural identity and celebrating the heritage of others are not separate ambitions. They strengthen one another.
For communities living away from their countries of origin, music, dance and customs carry memories of home, family and shared history. Seeing those traditions celebrated publicly gives children an opportunity to feel proud of their heritage, while sharing them with others creates understanding and friendships that can continue long after the festival has ended.
Following two successful editions, we are proud of what the partnership between Little Bulgaria UK and ZI Foundation has achieved. We hope the festival will continue to welcome new communities, traditions and friendships, remaining a place where everyone feels proud of their heritage and curious about that of their neighbours.
Cultural heritage is not something that belongs only to the past. It lives in the songs we sing, the dances we share, the stories we tell our children and the friendships we build with one another.
And on 7 June 2026, in Peterborough, those traditions came together to create something truly memorable.
The European Cultural Heritage Festival 2026 was the result of an extraordinary collective effort. We would like to recognise everyone who contributed to the celebration — from the performers and stallholders to the volunteers, sponsors, distinguished guests, media partners and visitors who brought the festival to life.
Our heartfelt thanks to all 22 performing groups and artists who shared their talent and cultural heritage:
Special thanks to the Peterborough Latvian Family Association for coordinating the Latvian performances, and to Petra Kevin-Nikolas for her remarkable vocal contribution to the Romanian programme.
Thank you for the dedication and pride you bring to preserving and sharing your traditions. Your performances and willingness to celebrate one another's heritage are at the heart of this festival.
We were deeply honoured to welcome:
Thank you for joining our celebration and recognising the importance of cultural heritage and community cooperation.
Our sincere gratitude to the organisations and businesses whose support helped make the festival possible:
Your generosity means a great deal to the communities who come together through this event.
Our sincere thanks to the media organisations, journalists, photographers and videographers who helped document the festival and share its story with wider audiences:
Thank you for capturing the colour, movement, emotions and memorable moments of the day. Your photographs and videos will help preserve these memories for years to come.
The European Cultural Heritage Festival 2026 also received welcome coverage in British and Bulgarian media. Reports published around the event helped introduce the procession, performances and the work of Peterborough’s international communities to wider audiences. We are grateful to the journalists and publications who shared the story of this community-led celebration.
Coverage of the festival:
Earlier coverage:
A heartfelt thank you to our 25 dedicated volunteers, whose generosity and hard work made an invaluable contribution to the festival. Special thanks to Councillor Alex Rafiq for volunteering on the day, and to our host, Kev Lawrence, for guiding the programme with warmth and professionalism. We are equally grateful to everyone involved in organising and coordinating the event behind the scenes.
Finally, thank you to every visitor who came to Stanley Park, applauded the performers, explored the bazaar, joined the dances and helped create such a joyful atmosphere. You turned a cultural festival into a genuine celebration of friendship and belonging.
We invite you to explore the photographs and videos shared on the European Cultural Heritage Festival Facebook page, revisit your favourite moments and share your memories with friends and family.
Europe's traditions are alive — and in Peterborough, we celebrate them together! ❤️
With heartfelt gratitude,
Little Bulgaria UK CIO & ZI Foundation
Organisers of the European Cultural Heritage Festival 2026
We’re still carrying the rhythm of that day in our hearts. Together with the ZI Foundation, we turned Stanley Park, Peterborough into a living kaleidoscope of colour, music and friendships. The first edition of the European Cultural Heritage Festival brought together thousands of residents and visitors, reminding us why we preserve traditions and build bridges between communities.
The morning started in front of Peterborough Cathedral—a place that carries its own spirit of history and community. All ensembles, flag bearers and volunteers gathered there. The square filled with colour: national costumes, flags, garlands, embroidered aprons and smiles. As the last groups arrived, musicians warmed up with short tunes, dancers exchanged steps and tips, and children curiously examined our outfits and embroidery.








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We took a big group photo—a moment that captured in a single frame people from eight countries who came to share their culture. It was more than a photo session: it was a promise of a day filled with friendship and respect. With groups arranged by country, flags and name boards up front, we caught that “ready to set off” energy—the little thrill that makes your heart beat in time with the drums.

After the photo session, we set off on the procession. Led by the flags and the rhythm of live music, we left the cathedral and headed along the city’s central streets toward the park. The route was chosen to pass through the busiest areas, where residents and visitors could see us and join in. Shopkeepers stepped out to wave, passers-by took photos, and children walked alongside us. With every street we crossed, the music grew more assured, the circles of dancers grew wider, and the feeling that the whole city was “breathing” in the same rhythm only intensified.








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When the procession entered Stanley Park, it naturally flowed into the audience and opened the stage programme—as if the city itself had carried the festival into the park.
Across a six-hour programme, 21 ensembles from 8 countries delivered 67 performances of folk dance and song. True to the spirit of the festival, each country invited the audience to try its own steps, joining one big circle—much like the traditional Bulgarian horo. 💃🕺 When the afternoon rain arrived, nobody gave up: the music continued, performers and audience stayed together, and the smiles never faded.
As representatives of the Bulgarian community in the United Kingdom, we are proud that we presented Bulgaria as we carry it—with song, with dance and with open arms. The Bulgarian performers lit up the stage and our hearts, and the closing “Momchilovsko Horo,” with all Bulgarian groups shoulder to shoulder, turned the park into a magical community.
Our friends also shone: from Greece (Sevasteia London and Dance Greek Cambridge), Poland (Sikorski Polonez Dance Group Glasgow), Hungary (Judith Oberleitner), Slovakia (Kukuriatko), Latvia (Kastanītis, Zīlaine, Harmonija, Raksta), Lithuania (Raskila, Sparnai) and Ukraine (Sunflowers Choir, St Mary’s Ukrainian School – Northampton, Vishni, Maryna, Rina and Andrii Pliushko).

















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We extend special thanks to the Bulgarian performers who made us proud:
Alongside the stage programme, the bazaar buzzed all day—62 stalls offering embroidery and textiles, handmade jewellery, candles and woodcraft, cultural information stands and charity causes, plus irresistible flavours from the participating countries. It was the kind of place where craftspeople tell the stories behind their work, children discover new tastes, and strangers become friends over a homemade treat.








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Among our official guests we welcomed Combined Authority Mayor Paul Bristow, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mike Greene, the Mayor of Peterborough Cllr Judy Fox, Lord Jackson of Peterborough, H.E. Mr Tihomir Stoychev—Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria—and the Ambassador of Latvia. Their presence underscored the festival’s mission: to showcase the richness of Europe’s heritage and strengthen ties across the region.



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We are especially grateful to our international team of volunteers, who greeted visitors with a smile, guided performers and traders, and helped first-time “dancers” find their confidence. Without them, we wouldn’t have had that special sense of ease that makes a celebration truly joyful.
Special thanks as well to the photographers and media partners for the professional coverage: M&S Foto, BG BEN, AlbinoArt.org и BG VOICE UK.
And last—but never least—thank you, our audience. You turned Stanley Park into a sea of smiles, flags and dance circles! Here are our favourite audience moments—from first steps to full-on rain-dancing. Huge thanks for the energy and kindness you brought—you made this festival 💔









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Our mission is to preserve and share Bulgarian culture while creating spaces for meeting, respect and learning. The festival showed that when we open the circle to cultures close to Bulgaria’s, children learn their first steps, families find a common language through music and song, and our society becomes even more vibrant and connected.
We’re sharing the speech of our dear friends and colleagues from the ZI Foundation—Dr Ivelina Banyalieva:
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Good afternoon, everyone! This festival isn’t just about music, food and dance. It’s about people. At the Zi Foundation, we’ve always believed that heritage isn’t something to be kept hidden in books—it’s something we should live, share and celebrate together. This day would not have been possible without our partners—our dear friends from Little Bulgaria. Thank you for walking alongside us. I also want to thank members of the community from across Europe who joined us: from Lithuania, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Poland and Ukraine. Your energy, your dedication, your traditions—these are what make this day come alive. Today, in Stanley Park, there are no borders. When a Polish melody meets a Greek dance; when a Bulgarian piece of embroidery is admired by a Latvian friend; when a child from Peterborough tries Lithuanian food for the first time—something magical happens. We realise something powerful: we are many nations, but we share one community. Today, Peterborough becomes Europe. And Europe becomes a family. So let’s dance together. Because the story we’re writing today is bigger than any one country. It’s a story of respect, joy and belonging. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here, and thank you for turning this dream into reality. |
What a day—what a whirlwind of emotion—at the Bulgarian folklore festival “Cambridge Sings and Dances”! 🇧🇬
More than 2,000 people filled the green lawns at Nuns Way in Cambridge with smiles, folk costumes, dancing and Bulgarian spirit. Honestly, we didn’t expect it to be this big—or this busy! It was hot, we all caught a tan, and the ice-cream van sold over 900 ice creams! 🌞
The festival ran for a full eight hours—two hours longer than planned—because… people simply didn’t want to leave!
The programme was richer than ever: 40+ performances by 20 singing and dance ensembles from across the UK, including six children’s groups whose genuine talent and enthusiasm showed that the future of Bulgarian traditions and culture in Britain is in excellent hands. We danced, we sang, and we enjoyed every step, every costume and every smile. 🌞
The unexpected—but wonderful—bagpipe performance by Martin Argirov electrified the audience, and his duet with Anna Simeonova became one of the day’s highlights: a harmony of voice, sound and dance that moved us all. What an exceptional duo!
And of course, what’s a festival without a procession carrying a 40-metre Bulgarian flag to the rhythm of the “Dunavsko Horo”? Hundreds of dancers joined in, led by our honoured guests—an unforgettable sight!
We also held a tug-of-war competition.
Women’s costume contest winners:
First place went to Monika from Pendara Jewellery – Гиздилница Пендара; second place to Gabriela from Milenia ART. Congratulations!
H.E. Mr Tihomir Stoychev, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Kingdom, highlighted Bulgaria’s ancient history as one of Europe’s oldest states—one that has never changed its name—and praised the vibrant Bulgarian community in Cambridge for preserving and sharing its cultural heritage. He also thanked Little Bulgaria for its tireless work promoting Bulgarian culture among compatriots and the British public.
Cllr Daina Pounds, Mayor of Cambridge, expressed her delight with the festival’s arts and crafts bazaar, calling it “inspiring” and in line with her vision to encourage creativity and craftsmanship across the city.
Mr Paul Bristow, Mayor of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, surprised the audience with a warm “Dobăr den, Bălgari!” (in Bulgarian) and shared moving memories of his visit to Bulgaria—especially Karlovo, the birthplace of Vasil Levski. He noted that Levski remains an inspiration to all who value freedom and justice, and spoke with a smile about Bulgarian hospitality: “The food was wonderful, the wine exceptional, and the welcome even better.” Whether with banitsa or Shopska salad and a glass of rakia, he felt right at home. “Thank you for sharing your culture and community with us—you enrich our cities with energy, traditions and friendship.”
Ms Ivanka Slavcheva from the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, who travelled specially from Bulgaria for the festival, presented a congratulatory letter from the agency’s Executive Director, Rayna Mandzhukova, expressing gratitude to Little Bulgaria for its dedicated work in preserving Bulgarian spirit and cultural identity in the UK. 🙏
The festival was covered by Cambridge Independent, BG BEN, BG Voice UK и Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).
You can find the full photo albums on our Facebook page:
With our deepest gratitude,
The Little Bulgaria UK team
At the initiative of The Little Bulgaria, this weekend the city of Cambridge welcomed the writer Velka Veleva – a contemporary storyteller inspired by Bulgarian traditions, everyday life, and values.
She met with students and parents from the two Bulgarian Sunday schools in the city – "Vasil Levski" and "St. Ivan Rilski". In a warm and informal atmosphere, she shared her work and encouraged the children to connect with their roots through the magic of literature.
Velka Veleva is the author of the books "Love in Those Times" and "Life in Those Times", which preserve stories of family memory, customs, and the way of life of Bulgarians from the recent past. Her children’s book "Magical World" includes original fairy tales with meaningful lessons and her own hand-drawn illustrations. It is a beloved read for both the youngest readers and those who have grown to rediscover the value of fairy tales.
The team of The Little Bulgaria extends heartfelt thanks to Velka Veleva for her inspiring visit and for giving the Bulgarian children in Cambridge the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of literature through her eyes. We also thank the leadership teams of both schools for their support, cooperation, and hospitality, which made this event possible.
If you would like to purchase books by Velka Veleva, please get in touch – copies are limited.
Watch a video from the visit to the Bulgarian Sunday School "Vasil Levski":
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1330655508270018
Join Velka Veleva’s Facebook group: "Вели Велева -Поезия"
(For poetry, updates, and more about her work)
Link to the post on our Facebook page: Facebook post
Dear Friends,
On December 8, 2024, we hosted a pre-Christmas celebration titled "Winter is Coming!" that brought together over 200 of our fellow Bulgarians and international friends of Bulgaria.
The festivities began with a story about Koledarstvo—one of the most cherished and authentic Bulgarian traditions, symbolizing health, prosperity, and well-being. The talented students from the Bulgarian Sunday School "St. Ivan Rilski" in Cambridge, led by Yana Vlaeva, performed songs that filled everyone’s hearts with joy and pride in Bulgarian heritage. A special highlight was Yana Vlaeva herself, enchanting the audience with her mesmerizing voice and performance.
The hall was alive with the energy and rhythms of Bulgarian folk music, and the dances were led by our well-known folk dance clubs. Our friends from New Zealand, Japan, and Palestine added a unique flair to the evening by performing Bulgarian songs accompanied by the traditional tupan and tambura. The lively dances and festive spirit united everyone in the magic of the celebration.


One of the evening's most entertaining moments was the "Baklava of the Year" contest, which tested the judges’ taste buds to their limits. Each baklava presented was a true masterpiece, making the decision nearly impossible. The competition ended with not one but two second-place winners!
The children’s corner provided a fun space for the youngest attendees to play while the rest of us danced traditional horo. The magical guest of the evening—Santa Claus—delighted the little ones with sweet treats, making their holiday even more memorable.
As tradition dictates, everyone brought homemade dishes and drinks to share, creating a table that not only showcased the richness of Bulgarian cuisine but also symbolized the unity of our community in Cambridge.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined and made this event so special. Your support and presence reaffirm our mission to preserve and promote Bulgarian culture and traditions, even far from home.
We eagerly look forward to celebrating future occasions with you. Happy holidays and a joyful New Year!
Warm regards,
The Team of the "Little Bulgaria" Initiative
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