Treasured Craft Fair Returns to Queensgate This Summer Holiday
Queensgate Shopping Centre is thrilled to welcome back the much-loved Treasured Craft Fair on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August.
Held in the North Square, this vibrant two-day event will showcase a curated selection of the region’s finest makers, bakers, and artists. Shoppers can browse a variety of handcrafted goods, including unique jewellery, botanical terrariums, vegan bakes, and one-of-a-kind artwork, perfect for gifts or a personal treat.
Meet the stalls:
- Eco Treasures
- Dippy Dolphin
- PH Craft Creations
- Sleeping Cat Wax Melts
- Peachy Boo Crafts
- Those Cookies Dough
- Eterna Permanent Jewellery
- Gemilys
- Curious Stars
- Shans Fine Lines
- Not your Nana's Crochet
- Christopher Abrams Art
- 3D Gift Company
- Macaron Magic Delights
- For the Love of Cake
- Dawns Adoorables
- Tiddly Stars
- Handmade by Merks
- Pet Supply Den
- Melties
- Shans Fine Lines
A spokesperson for Queensgate Shopping Centre said: “It’s always such a joy to host the Treasured Craft Fairs at Queensgate. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support independent businesses while finding something truly special, that you know has been crafted with the utmost care.”
So, whether you're hunting for a thoughtful gift, discovering something new, or simply enjoying a leisurely browse, the Treasured Craft Fair promises a delightful experience for all.
Event Details: Dates: Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 August Location: North Square, Queensgate Shopping Centre Time: From 10am onwards
This summer Queensgate Shopping Centre is set for a baa-rilliant adventure as Shaun the Sheep takes over the city with a series of fun-filled family events running through 31 August. From the colourful Find the Flock trail of 12 giant Shaun statues to the hilarious Farmathlon Live! farmyard sports at Peterborough Cathedral, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Families can also explore the city through the interactive Fun with the Flock A.R. Trail, unlocking animations and silly challenges via the dedicated app. And don’t miss the quirky Vegetable Orchestra at Queensgate Shopping Centre on 2 and 23 August central square– where visitors can make music with real veggies and meet Shaun himself!
For more information about Queensgate Shopping Centre and upcoming events, visit: www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk
Free school uniforms available through council event at Queensgate
Parents and pupils looking for school uniforms for the autumn term and beyond can get their essentials and clothing for free at an event in the Queensgate Shopping Centre next month.
The Free School Uniform Event has been designed to help Peterborough residents tackle the cost of living, while also highlighting how we can reduce textile waste.
Clothes for both primary and secondary schools can be exchanged on the day, which will be held on 1 August from 11am to 4pm near the Superdry store.
The event has been organised by Peterborough City Council's Recycling Education team and Peterborough Youth Council, with support from Peterborough Family Hubs.
It will also feature waste and recycling games, upcycling and crafts.
The National Literacy Trust will be attending from 1pm, while Up the Garden Bath will be participating with their Goal2Grow initiative where fans can exchange pre-loved football shirts from their favourite teams.
Youth MP Danielle Daboh has been working with the Youth Council on ways to help families cope with the cost of living crisis.
She said: “The event is championing re-using school uniform and also helping to alleviate the stress for families during the back-to-school period.
“It’s also about signposting the environmental effects and economic benefits of events such as these, and hopefully we can do more in the future.”
Peterborough City Council cabinet member for Children’s Services Councillor Katy Cole said: “Working in education and being a parent myself I am well aware of the cost of uniforms and how quickly youngsters grow out of them.
“Hopefully this can be an event that helps cut down on their costs in time for September, while also benefitting the environment at the same time.”
At the Household Recycling Centre in Fengate, Peterborough residents can also drop off clothes and home textiles for repurposing, which is preferable to throwing clothing or textile waste into the general waste or recycling bin.
The Salvation Army clothing bank will take clothing, bed linen, tea towels and towels for recycling. regardless of their condition. Duvet inserts, pillows, and cushions are not accepted.
There is also a ‘Wear again’ clothes and shoes bank, which will accept used clothes and shoes in good condition only.
For more information please contact communications@peterborough.gov.uk.
Lovisa Sparkles at Queensgate with New Store Opening on 10 July
Global fashion jewellery brand Lovisa has brought its signature sparkle to Peterborough with the opening of its new store at Queensgate Shopping Centre on Thursday 10 July.
Known for its trend-driven and affordable jewellery, Lovisa offers a wide range of statement earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, body jewellery, and hair accessories. Whether shoppers are after bold seasonal pieces or timeless classics, the brand has become a go-to destination for style-conscious individuals looking to elevate their look without the luxury price tag.
To celebrate the opening, Lovisa offered free ear-piercing to all customers, along with a gift with purchase (GWP) for young children receiving piercings on the day. A variety of in-store promotions were also available, including a 4 for £10 multi-earring offer and 3 for £18 on waterproof, PVD-plated earrings.
Founded in Australia in 2010, Lovisa now operates over 800 stores across 40+ countries, with a growing presence on the UK high street. The brand’s arrival at Queensgate enhances the centre’s evolving retail mix, providing even more choice for fashion and accessories lovers.
A spokesperson for Queensgate Shopping Centre said: “We were thrilled to celebrate the opening of Lovisa with our customers on Thursday 10 July. The event was buzzing with excitement as shoppers took advantage of the free ear-piercing, special promotions, and explored Lovisa’s vibrant collections. Lovisa’s fast-fashion jewellery is hugely popular with all ages, and their arrival has brought fresh and exciting energy to Queensgate’s retail mix. Whether it’s a last-minute accessory for a night out or a special gift, Lovisa offers great value and brilliant variety.”
The new store is located in East Square opposite Krispy Kreme, perfectly positioned for shoppers to browse the latest seasonal styles and must-have accessories. With on-trend collections updated frequently, there’s always something new to discover at Lovisa.
For more information about Queensgate Shopping Centre and upcoming events, visit:
www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk
Queensgate goes baaaa-my and renames Westgate Arcade for summer campaign
One of Peterborough’s most iconic shopping destinations is undergoing a ewe-nique transformation this summer as Westgate Arcade is temporarily renamed Sheepgate Arcade in honour of the Shaun the Sheep campaign sweeping across the city.
The rebrand marks the launch of Independent Retail Month at Queensgate Shopping Centre and supports the wider Peterborough Presents Shaun the Sheep campaign, turning the historic arcade into a flocking fantastic hub of family fun and independent spirit.
From early July and throughout the school holidays, visitors to Sheepgate Arcade can enjoy a series of sheep-themed surprises, immersive installations, and family-friendly events designed to bring joy, community spirit, and celebration to the heart of the city.
Verity Swinscoe–Wigmore, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator at Queensgate said:
“Sheepgate Arcade is a celebration of all things independent, creative, and community-driven. It’s a joyful way to support our local traders, entertain families this summer, and tie in with the fantastic Shaun the Sheep trail taking over the city. We’re incredibly proud to be a part of it.”
Shear Joy! It’s a Shaun the Sheep Summer in Peterborough
Get ready for a baa-rilliant summer adventure the whole family will love — Shaun the Sheep is coming to Peterborough from 28 July to 31 August, and ewe won’t want to miss a single moment of the fun.
Highlights of the Shaun the Sheep Summer
12 Super-Silly Shauns – Find the Flock Trail
Explore a city-wide sculpture trail featuring 12 larger-than-life Shaun the Sheep sculptures – including at Queensgate Shopping Centre and Peterborough Cathedral. Each Shaun is uniquely designed by artists from around the globe. Can ewe find them all?
Fun with the Flock: AR Trail
Download the ‘Fun with the Flock’ app to unlock 9 digital trail markers across Peterborough – including Queensgate, the Cathedral, the Lido, and more. Take selfies, meet the characters, and complete silly challenges with Shaun and friends.
Shaun the Sheep: Farmathlon Live at Peterborough Cathedral
29 July – 2 August & 19 – 23 August
Join Shaun and the gang for the wackiest sheep sports day ever! Events include:
• The Marrow-thon – can ewe go the distance?
• Egg 100 Metres – don’t crack under pressure!
• The Sty Jump – bounce like a baa-llooning sheep
• Herd-les – limbo low under the woolly bar
Shaun’s Vegetable Orchestra at Queensgate
Saturday 2 & 23 August
Yes, you really can make music with vegetables. Join Shaun’s veggie-loving band for a laugh-out-loud jam session with carrots, courgettes, and more.
Snap, Share & Win
Take selfies with the flock, play musical stat-ewes, and help Bitzer round up the gang. Complete the trail for a Shaun the Sheep sticker and a chance to win great prizes from Queensgate. Shaun himself will also be making surprise appearances for photos and hugs.
Tickets to the many events can be purchased here: www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/summer-exhibition/shaun-the-sheep/
For more details on the Sheepgate events and offers, visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk or follow @Queensgate_PB on social media.
Vintage Treasures Take Over Queensgate for ONE Day Only
A Vintage Clothing Pop-Up Shop is coming to Queensgate on Saturday 19 July, for ONE DAY only, taking place in the former Next unit.
Swipe Vintage Pop-up Shop offers a fun, affordable, and sustainable way to shop thousands of one-of-a-kind vintage and pre-loved items. With over 10,000 unique pieces available, visitors can expect everything from ‘60s skirts to early 2000s sportswear, all priced by weight at just £20 per kilo.
From branded denim and designer sportswear to colourful blouses, leather jackets, and handbags, the rails will be packed with hidden gems. Shoppers can expect well-loved labels like Nike, Levi’s, Ralph Lauren, Converse, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, and many more. Every item is second-hand, giving you the chance to refresh your wardrobe the eco-friendly way.
“We wanted to bring a fun pop-up event to Queensgate Shopping Centre that makes sustainable fashion fun, accessible, and completely unique,” says Verity, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator at Queensgate Shopping Centre. “It’s about giving clothes a second life, celebrating individual style, and helping reduce fashion waste in a way that feels exciting and inclusive.”
On arrival, visitors will receive a clear bag and can browse freely, mixing and matching items from the rails. Once they’ve found their haul, purchases are weighed and priced accordingly, and there’s no pressure to spend. Prices start from as little as £1, and items are weighed to the nearest 0.05kg. Best of all, heavier pieces such as leather jackets and winter coats are capped at just £20.
The event takes place inside the former Next unit on Saturday 19 July, so whether you're hunting down a rare ‘90s windbreaker, stocking up on festival fits, or simply looking for a more sustainable way to shop, the Swipe Vintage Pop-Up is your must-visit event of the summer.
Event Details:
Location: Former Next Unit, Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough
Date: Saturday 19th July
Time: 10am – 5pm
Entry: Free
Visit https://queensgate-shopping.co.uk/ for more information.
Queensgate Shopping Centre to Host ‘Rum 7 Beats’
Queensgate Shopping Centre is set to come alive with the vibrant sounds of reggae, ska, punk, and more as it welcomes the highly anticipated ‘Rum 7 Beats’ event on April 12, 2025.
Organised by RB7 Arts Centre CIC in collaboration with Charters, this exciting fundraising event will take place from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the RB7 Art Centre, located in the lower mall of Queensgate Shopping Centre.
‘Rum 7 Beats’ features live DJ sets spinning Reggae, Northern Soul, Ska, Punk, Indie, and more, creating an electrifying atmosphere for music lovers of all backgrounds. Guests can also enjoy a licensed bar, exclusive record sales, and a charity raffle, with all proceeds supporting RB7 Art Centre CIC’s mission to take art on the road and bring creativity to the wider community.
“We are thrilled to host ‘Rum 7 Beats’ at Queensgate Shopping Centre,” said Verity Swinscoe – Wigmore, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator of Queensgate Shopping Centre. “This event is not only a fantastic opportunity for music lovers to come together but also a meaningful way to support the RB7 Art Centre and its inspiring work in the arts community.”
The event is open to all, and attendees are encouraged to bring their energy and passion for music as they dance, mingle, and support a great cause.
For more information about Queensgate Shopping Centre and upcoming events, visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk
Hop into Easter Fun at Queensgate with The Great Bunny Trail!
Queensgate Shopping Centre is bringing egg-citing family fun this Easter with The Great Bunny Trail—an interactive, adventure-filled event running throughout the Easter holidays. With giant bunny rings, creative workshops, and exciting activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Join The Great Bunny Trail!
From Monday 7 April, families are invited to take part in The Great Bunny Trail challenge. 5 Giant bunnies will be scattered around the shopping centre, inviting children and parents alike to embark on a fun-filled search. Pick up a trail map, find them all, and win a special Easter prize! PLUS, there are 5 additional bunnies hidden across Peterborough City landmarks – find all 10 to be entered into an even bigger prize.
Crafts & Workshops for All
Queensgate is also hosting a variety of creative workshops to keep little ones entertained over the holidays.
- Tuesdays & Thursdays – Get crafty with fun and engaging arts and crafts sessions.
- Mondays & Fridays – LUSH will host hands-on workshops, giving visitors the chance to create their own bath products.
- Plus, exciting activities from RB7 Art Centre CIC, Up The Garden Bath, Søstrene Grene, and more will add to the Easter excitement!
“This Easter, Queensgate Shopping Centre is the ultimate destination for families looking to enjoy fun-filled activities,” said Verity Swinscoe-Wigmore, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator. “With The Great Bunny Trail, creative workshops, and fantastic activities, we’re excited to bring the community together for a joyful and engaging holiday experience.”
Plus, this Easter Putt & Play are offering incredible 50% off when you play before 11am – book now using code BUNNY50. And don’t forget the biggest newcomer to Queensgate – the ODEON Luxe. Snow White is now showing, alongside Sylvanian Families: The Movie this April. A Minecraft Movie, plus Death of a Unicorn, Sinners, Drop, and The Amateur are also coming soon. Enjoy family tickets from £14.90 and £1 parking for 3.5 hours this Easter!
Plan Your Visit
Make sure to hop down to Queensgate this Easter and take part in all the egg-citing activities on offer. For more information about Queensgate Shopping Centre and upcoming events, visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk
Pandora Peterborough set for stunning refurb at Queensgate
Pandora, the world-renowned jewellery brand, is set to undergo an exciting refurbishment at its Queensgate Shopping Centre store, reaffirming its commitment to both the centre and its loyal customers.
The store will temporarily close on Sunday, 6 April, to allow for a complete transformation, before reopening with a fresh new look on Monday, 12 May.
The refurbishment promises a stunning new design, enhancing the customer experience and providing a more immersive and modern shopping environment. Pandora fans can look forward to an elegant, contemporary space where they can discover the brand’s latest collections, iconic charms, and timeless jewellery pieces.
A spokesperson for Queensgate Shopping Centre commented: “Pandora is one of our most loved brands, and we are thrilled to see this investment into a refreshed store that will elevate the shopping experience for our visitors. This exciting transformation highlights Pandora’s dedication to its customers and its continued commitment to Queensgate. We can’t wait to welcome the new-look store in May.”
Craft and Chocolate – The only correct way to spend Easter!
Easter is that much-anticipated long weekend people look forward to as soon as the new year begins. A perfect four-day break to relax and spend quality time with friends and family!
A weekend full of Easter Egg hunts, trials, craft activities and baking are the only right way to enjoy Easter to it's fullest.
Let’s take a look as some of the craft activities that you can do during the four-day break, and the best news is you can get everything from Queensgate Shopping Centre!
DIY Easter Bunny Jars
How many of us have empty jam or Nutella jars sat round at home? Yep, me too. Why not create them into fun Easter themed jars. You won’t event need many materials to create this craft activity.
Pompoms £1.64 Sostrene Grene
Jars with Lid – 4 pack £8.56 Sostrene Grene
Feathers £1.04 Sostrene Grene
Acrylic Paint £4.50 Flying Tiger
Let your kids go eggs-tra wild with their unique designs! They don’t have to stick to just an Easter Bunny. They can create and design anything their imagination dreams up. Plus, it’s a fun activity for the whole family! Adults can join in on the creativity with a friendly painting competition, decorating glass jars with Easter bunnies, flowers, or any festive design.
Decorate your own Easter Egg
This DIY Easter Egg pack from either Flying Tiger or Sostrene Grene are perfect for keeping all the cousins entertained. It’s a simple and easy activity to set up while the adults fire up the BBQ. Children can use felt-tip pens or paint (depending on the mess level you're willing to clean up).
DIY decorative Easter eggs - 4 pcs £3.50 Flying Tiger
DIY decorative eggs £1.98 Sostrene Grene
Paper plate Easter Chick
Create your own Easter Chick, you can use materials like yellow paper plates, orange and black paper for the beak and eyes, glue, scissors, and optional feathers to make a cute, easy Easter chick. However, for a more intricate and fun project, Sostrene Grene offers a detailed guide on how to create your very own crepe paper Easter chicks. With crepe paper, you can craft little chicks with a more textured, colourful look, adding a bit of creativity to your holiday decorations.
Carrot shaped paper plates - 8 pcs £2.50 Flying Tiger
Dual tip felt markers £5.00 Flying Tiger
Googly Eyes £1.89 Sostrene Grene
Now time for what you have all been waiting for…Chocolate!
No Easter celebration is complete without chocolate eggs and bunnies! If you're looking to mix some creativity with your chocolate cravings, why not try making the viral Easter Egg cheesecake that took TikTok by storm during lockdown? It's a fun activity for you and your kids to enjoy together, or if your teenage daughter is hosting a girls' night, this could be the perfect treat to have them make as a group.
Here are a few of our picks for Easter Eggs that you can get from Queensgate Shopping Centre:
Extra-Thick Easter Egg – Milk to Caramel £34.95 Hotel Chocolat
40% Milk Chocolate Easter Egg 150g £11.95 Hotel Chocolat
Easter eggs with filling in egg tray £3.50 Flying Tiger
Lindor Chocolate Egg 183g £6.99 TKMaxx
Mini milk chocolate eggs with popping candy £1.50 Flying Tiger
Chocolate Pen Pals £11.95 Hotel Chocolat
Egg on Toast Milk Chocolate Lick - Easter Lolly £2.95 Hotel Chocolat
Pistachio Chocolate Bunny Selector £5.45 Hotel Chocolat
Easter is all about celebrating with loved ones, indulging in delicious chocolate, and getting creative with fun craft activities. Whether you're decorating Easter eggs, making adorable bunny jars, or making an Easter Egg cheesecake, there’s no better way to make the most of this festive long weekend.
And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Queensgate’s Easter holiday events!
Discover what Queensgate Shopping Centre shops have to offer: https://www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk/
*Stock subject to availability
Youngsters invited to recycling themed event
Youngsters are invited to take part in recycling-themed fun and games as part of a special event in Peterborough city centre.
The council, in conjunction with the Queensgate Shopping Centre, is organising the ‘Spring Recycling Trail’ on Saturday 5 April from 11am – 2pm, taking place in Queensgate in the square next to the former John Lewis store.
The event is aimed at raising awareness of recycling for families ahead of the school Easter holidays and admission is free.
Activities include a search around the city centre for the nine letters of the word recycling, with participants receiving a paper bag with pencil, map and bee rubber. There will also be colouring activities and word searches as well as a bean bag bin sorting game.
Participants can also win prizes including Odeon cinema tickets, Putt and Play tickets, Lush goodies and a garden centre voucher.
Cllr Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Our recycling team are fully committed to raising awareness of recycling and proper litter disposal, especially among children so that they pick up good habits at an early age.
“This event promises to be a fun-filled occasion for all the family and we hope to see many people come along and enjoy themselves.”
Verity Swinscoe-Wigmore, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator for the Queensgate Shopping Centre, said: "Queensgate is delighted to support this fantastic initiative, helping to educate and inspire young people about the importance of recycling in a fun and engaging way. We look forward to welcoming families to the centre for an event that not only raises awareness but also offers great activities and prizes for everyone to enjoy.”