Peterborough Celebrates, Report and Rhythmanalysis

This report presents an evaluation of the 2023 Peterborough Celebrates Festival using the framework of rhythmanalysis. Commissioned to examine audience engagement and spatial use at Ferry Meadows, the study combines time-lapse videography, quantitative audience measurement, and qualitative interviews. It explores how large-scale outdoor cultural events shape patterns of movement, participation, and social interaction, with particular attention to diversity, community engagement, and the use of public green space.

The report analyses audience behaviour and spatial dynamics at the festival, documenting 31,417 audience engagements across the three-day event . This figure significantly exceeds what traditional counting methods would capture, demonstrating the value of rhythmanalysis for understanding outdoor audiences.

Key findings include:

Audience engagement was concentrated on Saturday, which accounted for 63 percent of activity, with Sunday contributing 35 percent and Friday evening a small proportion .
The most engaged site was the Field of Colour installation, followed by the Main Stage and other performance areas, indicating the importance of participatory and continuously accessible installations .
Audience behaviour was relatively stable compared to similar festivals, with lower levels of short-term “sampling” than typically observed in urban events.
The open, circular layout of the site encouraged slow movement, exploration, and prolonged stays, often centred around family and friendship groups.
The festival demonstrated strong levels of cultural diversity in both programming and audiences, supported by interview data highlighting local pride in Peterborough’s multicultural identity.
Qualitative findings emphasise the importance of the natural setting at Ferry Meadows, which contributed to feelings of safety, wellbeing, and community. The event fostered a relaxed and sociable atmosphere, supported by light-touch management and favourable weather conditions.

The report concludes that the festival was highly successful in attracting large and diverse audiences, activating public space, and supporting community cohesion. It identifies areas for future development, including improved marketing, better data collection on audience diversity, and careful consideration of how to balance growth with the preservation of the site’s character.