The summer holidays are in full swing! Family days out, sunny afternoons, and those long-awaited breaks from the normal routine. But before you know it, September will come knocking, and that means one thing only: back-to-school shopping.

Queensgate understand the struggle of back-to-school shopping, which is why we have done the research for you and created this guide so you can take back to school shopping with you, and not miss a thing!

From perfectly fitted school shoes to must-have backpacks and uniform essentials, you can tick off the entire checklist in one smooth trip… you’ll even have time for a sweet treat before you head home.

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

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.

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

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 19^th July
Time: 10am – 5pm
Entry: Free

Visit https://queensgate-shopping.co.uk/ for more information.

On the Wednesday 11 June 2025, SPARX, a new charity shop in Queensgate Shopping Centre (located in the former Argos Unit on the upper mall), have joined forces with the Amir Khan Academy under the umbrella of Top Yard School of Boxing, is thrilled to announce the opening of a new boxing facility

Top Yard School of Boxing, an England Boxing-affiliated amateur club, has been a pillar of the community for over nine years. Founded with a mission to inspire fitness, build confidence, and offer young people a positive outlet. With 5 National Champions and over 20 Box Cup champions, the club has earned a reputation for excellence both in and out of the ring.

This new venture in collaboration with SPARX charity enables the club to expand its reach, delivering more sessions and high-quality coaching to a broader audience. The facility will cater to everyone, from competitive boxers and fitness enthusiasts to those interested in self-defence, female-only classes, and even over-50s programs.

“We’re not just building fighters, we’re building confidence, discipline, and stronger communities,” said a spokesperson from Top Yard School of Boxing. “Boxing teaches discipline, self-defence, gives you purpose in life and keeps you off the streets.”

Verity Swinscoe - Wigmore Marketing and Events Co-ordinator at Queensgate Shopping Centre, added, “We’re proud to support this partnership, which brings such a valuable resource to our community. It’s fantastic to see the Queensgate space being used to promote health, wellbeing, and positive opportunities for people of all ages.”

Classes will run daily, with a variety of options available to cater for all fitness levels. More information about session times and programs can be found on the club’s social media platforms: Facebook & Instagram: @Topyardschoolofboxing Peterborough

The collaboration between SPARX and Top Yard is about more than just boxing, it's about creating opportunities, providing mentorship, and empowering the next generation to lead healthier, more focused lives.

For more information about Queensgate Shopping Centre and upcoming events, visit:

www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk

Queensgate Shopping Centre is celebrating the success of its recent sustainability-focused campaign, ‘From Waste to Wonder’, which attracted hundreds of families and visitors throughout May half term, from Monday 26 May to Saturday 1 June.

The week-long initiative brought together families, young eco-warriors, and the wider community to embrace creativity, recycling, and environmental awareness in a fun and engaging way. With a packed schedule of interactive workshops, educational installations, and hands-on eco activities, the campaign inspired visitors of all ages to rethink waste and explore sustainable living.

Throughout the week, the ReCycle Point (a dynamic, interactive drop-off installation) encouraged families to donate clean recyclables such as cans, bottles, egg cartons, and cereal boxes. These everyday items were creatively transformed into eco-friendly workshop materials, offering children a hands-on lesson in reimagining waste as something wonderful.

“We were thrilled by the response from the community and the creativity we saw throughout the week,” said Verity Swinscoe-Wigmore, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator at Queensgate Shopping Centre. “From planting herb gardens to spinning the Wheel of Waste, families embraced every opportunity to learn and play with purpose. It was a fantastic celebration of sustainable living.”

‘From Waste to Wonder’ proved that small, mindful actions can create a lasting impact. The campaign showcased the power of community in building a greener future.

For more information about Queensgate Shopping Centre and upcoming events, visit:
www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk