Allama Iqbal Festival 2026

2026 – Full Programme

Thurs 5th November: Chand Ali Khan Qawwal + Party

Join us for a musical night of community performances, headlined by Qawwal superstar Chand Ali Khan, accompanied by his talented Party! Tickets £11.

Saturday 7 November: Family Fun Day at the Allama Iqbal Community Centre

Featuring the premier of a brand new short animation, created by the centre’s youth club Youth Connect, led by artist Kevin Isiah ImageNation 54. Also expect some free creative hands-on workshops, and the return of the popular multi-lingual poetry open mic. More details coming soon – check back here or The Allama Iqbal Centre’s facebook page to get the latest updates. Free & no need to book.

Monday 9 November: Allama Iqbal’s birthday. More info coming soon!

Tuesday 10 November: Lunchtime Talks – Navigating Iqbal

Join us at ARU Peterborough for a lunchtime mini talks, performances & lectures from a variety of members from the community, sharing their personal journeys and insights into Iqbal’s poetry & philosophy. Free, booking essential.

A group of 12 individuals involved in the Allama Iqbal project. 7 are stood and for are kneeling.

About Allama Iqbal and our 2025 programme

Allama Iqbal (1877 -1938) was a philosopher and poet, recognised as the national poet of Pakistan. His poetry, written in Punjabi, Farsi, Urdu, English, explores themes of community, nature, social justice, khudi (self-realisation), imagination, and spirituality.

You can read more about Iqbal, and our programme for 2025 on our Allama Iqbal Project – Year 1 page. There is also a free downloadable PDF made by our community panel Numra which tells you more about Allama Iqbal’s life and legacy.

chand ali khan singing into the microphone. His eyes are closed and his hands are outstretched, palms upwards. He is wearing traditional shalwar kameez.

Chand Ali Khan Qawwal + Party

Thurs 5 Nov 2026 Celebrate the poetry and life of Allama Iqbal through Qawwali and musical performances. Headlined by the formidable Chand Ali Khan Qawwal & Party.

3 images of a South Asian Homestead which will be used to inspire as part of an Art Installation. on the left is a cooking pot on a real fire, in the middle is a courtyard full of harvested hay/straw, and on the right is a large pestle and mortar being used by a man sitting on the floor.

Kashmiri Gharbaar Installation

11th - 12th September Kashmiri Gharbaar is an insight into the daily life of Kashmiri & Pakistani furnishings, customs and traditions. Installation designed and curated by Robina Akhtar, supported by Peterborough Presents.

Large paper lantern structure in the shape of the "eye monster". The lantern is white and is lit from within with fairly lights. There is smoke coming from it's chimney on it's back. It's on a trailer.

Lantern Parade drop-in workshop with Light Whale International and Peterborough Presents

26th September Lantern Parade drop-in workshop with Light Whale International and Peterborough Presents Join this special workshop led by the team who produces the Eye Lantern Parade. It's a drop-in session where you can make a lantern, make a badge or do some creative doodling whilst having a brew. The…

Welland Makers – Crafty Meet-ups

Monthly starting Thurs 10th September 2026 Join these FREE creative afternoons where you make, create, and chat. Welland Makers will be hosted by the team of ...

Make a Lantern Display – For The Eye Village Lantern Parade! For 12-16 year olds.

26th - 29th October During October Half term, young people are invited to work together to create lanterns in safe, creative, and laid-back sessions. Workshops are beginner friendly

The Allama Iqbal Project – Year 1

Allama Iqbal Project - Autumn and Winter 2025, was the first ever citywide celebration of Allama Iqbal, bringing together schools, elders, residents, and community organisations to take part in performances, workshops, and exhibitions inspired by Iqbal.

Two people stand in the Hundred Years of Protest Room, looking up at the t-shirts which are hanging from the ceiling and along the walls.

Reasonable Adjustments 2.0

In 2025 Reasonable Adjustments (RAD) 2.0 was our project designed with and for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent (DDN) communities, marking the 30th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act.

A group of people stood in an exhibition space. The three people on the left are giving a speech about the artworks in the exhibition. Kirsty (far left) is BSL intepreting, Sarah (middle, green t-shirt) is giving a speech, and Fae (right, white t-shirt with black sleeves) looks at Sarah as she is speaking. Behind them, the artworks drape from the ceiling to the floor; large fabric artworks in blues.

Opportunity: Independent Chair 2026-29

It's an exciting time for Peterborough Presents. We are looking for an exceptional individual who can fulfil the role of independent chair for our consortium as we embark on Phase 4 of our programme (2026-29).