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 representing the United Kingdom and Scotland, Bulgaria, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Ukraine, Italy and the Roma community, alongside 42 bazaar stallholders and 25 dedicated volunteers, Stanley Park became a meeting place of cultures, generations and traditions. 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.
From Cathedral Square to Stanley Park – A colourful beginning
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.
A stage filled with the music, voices and dances of Europe
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.
When the audience became part of the celebration
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.
Beyond the stage – A festival bazaar full of flavours and discoveries
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.
Distinguished guests and community recognition
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 meant a great deal to the participating communities. For people who have made the United Kingdom their home while maintaining strong connections with their countries of origin, seeing their traditions celebrated and recognised in public life is deeply encouraging.
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.
The people behind the festival – A celebration built by communities
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.
A celebration nobody wanted to end
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 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.
Sometimes the clearest sign of a successful celebration is that nobody wants it to end.
More than a festival – Keeping Europe's living traditions alive
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.
With heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the festival possible
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 performing groups and artists
Our heartfelt thanks to all 22 performing groups and artists who shared their talent and cultural heritage:
- 🏴 Bomber County Pipes & Drums (United Kingdom / Scotland)
- 🇧🇬 Stanislav Dimov (Bulgaria)
- 🇧🇬 Rosi Piano & Vocal (Bulgaria)
- 🇧🇬 Folk Dance Formation 'Bulgaria' Midlands UK (Bulgaria)
- 🇬🇷 Choropatimata – Cambridge Greek Dancing (Greece)
- 🇬🇷 Sevasteia – Pontic Greek Society of London (Greece)
- 🇱🇻 Bērnu deju kopa "Kastanītis" (Latvia)
- 🇱🇻 Singing Friends Group "Spiets" (Bee Swarm) (Latvia)
- 🇱🇻 Latvian dance group "Virpulis" (Latvia)
- 🇱🇻 Vokālā studija "Harmonija" (Latvia)
- 🇱🇹 Boston's Folk Dance Group "RŪTA" – Boston Culture Group UK / Boston Lithuanian Community UK (Lithuania)
- 🇷🇴 Mugurasii UK (Romania)
- 🇷🇴 Carpat UK (Romania)
- 🇺🇦 Ukrainian Ensemble "Sunflowers" (Ukraine)
- 🇺🇦 Ukrainian Choir "Sunflowers" (Ukraine)
- 🇺🇦 St Mary's Ukrainian School – Northampton (Ukraine)
- 🇺🇦 Dance Group "Ukrainian Blossoms" (Ukraine)
- 🇺🇦 Folk Dance Group "Vyshni" (Ukraine)
- 🇺🇦 Andrii Pliushko (Ukraine)
- 🇮🇹 Fen Camerata Cambridge (Italy)
- 🇮🇹 Isabel & Piero D'Angelico (Italy)
- 🌍 Roma Alliance Impact Dance Team (Roma community)
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.
Our distinguished guests
We were deeply honoured to welcome:
- Julie Spence OBE CStJ QPM – Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire
- His Excellency Tihomir Stoytchev – Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Kingdom
- Paul Bristow – Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
- Councillor Dr Shabina Qayyum – Leader of Peterborough City Council
- Councillor Andrew Bond – Deputy Mayor of Peterborough
Thank you for joining our celebration and recognising the importance of cultural heritage and community cooperation.
Our sponsors
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 media partners, photographers and videographers
We are deeply grateful to:
- BG VOICE UK
- M&S Foto Photography
- Albina Leicester
- NicholasPhoto
- Gediminas Vilkelis
- Daiva Leimontaite
- Dee Trajdos
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.
Our volunteers and festival team
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.
And to everyone who celebrated with us
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