European Culture and Heritage Festival 2025

Published: 14 September 2025

We are still feeling the echo of drums, the swirl of colours and the warmth of one truly unforgettable day. Together with our partners and friends from Little Bulgaria UK, the Zi Foundation helped transform Stanley Park, Peterborough into a celebration of unity, culture and European friendship.
The first edition of the European Cultural Heritage Festival welcomed thousands of visitors and performers, proving that when communities come together, heritage becomes a living, shared experience.

A meaningful beginning: gathering at the cathedral

The day began at the historic Peterborough Cathedral, where ensembles, volunteers, flag bearers and guests arrived in a vibrant wave of colours. The square filled with embroidered costumes, traditional instruments, flags and smiling faces.
After a joyful morning warm-up, we gathered for a large group photo that united eight countries in one frame—a symbolic beginning to a day built on respect, friendship and cultural pride.

The procession through Peterborough

Led by flags and live music, the procession moved through the city centre, drawing the interest of residents and passers-by.
Shopkeepers waved, families joined stretches of the walk, and the rhythm of Europe filled the streets.
By the time the procession entered Stanley Park, it felt as though the city itself had carried the festival forward.

The stage and the international bazaar

During a lively six-hour programme, 21 ensembles from eight countries delivered 67 unique performances—a vibrant mosaic of European tradition.
Audiences were invited to join dance circles, try new steps and celebrate folk traditions together.
Not even the afternoon rain could stop the joy—performers and spectators danced through it, turning the moment into a highlight of the day.

The international bazaar buzzed with handmade crafts, embroidery, traditional foods, artisan goods and cultural stands. Each stall offered a story, a conversation and often—new friendships.

Our European friends

We were honoured to welcome performers and cultural groups from:
Greece, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine, all bringing the richness of their traditions to the stage.

Their participation demonstrated how heritage strengthens connection and mutual appreciation across borders.

Special guests and official supporters

We were deeply honoured by the presence of distinguished guests, whose support highlighted the value of cultural exchange and community cohesion:

Paul Bristow, Mayor of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

Mike Greene, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire

Cllr Judy Fox, Mayor of Peterborough

Lord Jackson of Peterborough

H.E. Mr Tihomir Stoychev, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria

The Ambassador of Latvia to the United Kingdom

Their attendance honoured the festival’s mission to strengthen relationships between European communities living in the UK.

A huge thank you to our volunteers

Our international volunteer team guided performers, welcomed guests and created the warm, inclusive atmosphere that defined the day. Their dedication and kindness made the festival run smoothly from start to finish.

Media & photography partners

Thank you to our official media and photography partners:
M&S Foto, BG BEN, AlbinoArt.org, BG VOICE UK
for capturing the magic of the day and helping share our story with a wider audience.

And lastly — our audience

You filled Stanley Park with movement, energy and joy.
From your first steps to the unforgettable rain dances, you transformed the festival into a celebration of life and community.
Your presence didn’t just complete the festival — you made the festival.

Why this day matters to the Zi Foundation

At the Zi Foundation, we believe culture must be lived, shared and experienced together.
This festival proved that when traditions come together openly, children learn with curiosity, communities connect deeply, and understanding grows naturally.

The day also reflected the shared vision of our founders:
Mr Zillur Hussain MBE and Dr Ivelina Banyalieva, whose combined dedication to cultural unity, community wellbeing and international friendship guides the mission of the Zi Foundation.
Their ongoing work strengthens the bonds between diverse communities across the UK and abroad.

As part of the programme, Dr Banyalieva delivered a message that encapsulated the spirit of the festival:

Speech by Dr Ivelina Banyalieva

Co-founder of the Zi Foundation

Good afternoon, everyone!
As someone born in Bulgaria, I can’t express how proud I feel to stand here today in Peterborough—my new home—surrounded by so many colours, voices and traditions of Europe.

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.

Looking ahead

The European Cultural Heritage Festival 2025 showed what is possible when cultures meet with openness and generosity.
This is only the beginning — and the Zi Foundation looks forward to creating many more spaces where traditions, diversity and community thrive together.

With gratitude,
The Zi Foundation Team