Lullaby for Peterborough
In short
‘Lullaby for Peterborough’, was a project created in partnership with Murmuration Arts and new /soon-to-be mothers from across Peterborough. Together they created a specially written lullaby for their babies. Settle down with your little one and watch the film. You can even join in. Just download the words to the lullaby below
Covid lockdowns were hard for everyone. In early 2021, research and conversations with partners was telling us that new parents were being majorly affected, with mums experiencing high rates of isolation, poor mental health and other social factors. Becoming a new mum is a time when the support of family, friends and other mums is critical, providing top tips, respite and just social time with other adults. Many of the usual network groups and support weren’t available during the pandemic so Peterborough Presents teamed up with Murmuration Arts to try and find creative ways to support new parents. Friends from CPSL Mind were on hand to offer advice and support to any mums that might be struggling during the pandemic.
Lullaby for Peterborough started as a series of online workshops with mums from across Peterborough exploring wellbeing through singing & song-writing. It’s known that singing can help develop strong bonds and have a strong positive impact on wellbeing for both the mum and the baby. Over a period of 6 weeks, both in Spring and Autumn 2021, mums met on zoom, sang together, shared stories of their births, talked about how their babies were developing and about places they liked to visit with their little ones. One mum taught the other mums how to use British Sign Language to perform Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Laura and Marion from Murmuration Arts worked with the mums to develop their stories into lines for a new lullaby they could sing to their new borns. They also created some ‘affirmations’ – something to start they day on a positive note. These were printed up and posted to all participants.
As well as getting creative, singing and song writing, the workshops allowed new mums to meet and share experiences. They learned and shared self-care techniques, thinking about places they could go near to where they live to feel calm, happy, and peaceful, a place of nature or peacefulness, or starting the day with an affirmation or some gratitude.
In June 2021 we held a small online party for the mums and tots involved, sharing a sneak preview of the lullaby that was in production. Party packs were circulated to all the families involved which provided party decorations, snacks and messages of wellbeing.
Workshops continued online in Autumn 2021 to create a fully developed ‘Lullaby for Peterborough’.
Lullaby for Peterborough Premiere
Lullaby for Peterborough, performed by 3 singers in harmony, was premiered at a special afternoon at the MiniVine on Bridge St, Peterborough in October 2021. Mums, Dads and Grandparents from across the city attended with their babies and little ones and joined in the singing and dancing. The film above shows extracts of the event, shots on locations around Peterborough and additional shots of the mums who took part with their little ones.
Lullaby for Peterborough was co-written in collaboration with local Peterborough Mothers Annabel Lloyd, Hannah Smith, Bex Bridges, Kursty Morrison and composer Laura Wright.
Workshop facilitators: Laura Wright, Luan Taylor and Marion Duggan
Singers: Cate Ferris, Faye Houston, Laura Luard.
Videography: Rosie Powell
“One mother was pregnant in the earlier stages of the programme. She told us her baby had moved in her belly when we were all singing the song ‘Banaha’ together. The same mother could not be with her baby for the first hour after giving birth, during this hour, in the hospital, his Daddy sang to him the song she had been learning in our sessions. The baby seemed to respond to the song and recognise it. This mother brought her newborn – at 4 days old – to the Zoom session, these moments were all very special”
I really enjoyed working with Marion, Laura and all the other mothers as part of the Lullaby for Peterborough event. They were very warm, welcoming and the event was an inclusive and encouraging environment to be able to open up and, importantly, have fun and celebrate the creative work produced by it.
Other Projects
Well if you found that fascinating come check out what else we've done!
Sneak Beak- Spread Your Wings
Sat, 29 April, 2023
Get an insider’s view at this painting day, pop in and watch artists turn designs from across the city into a flock of giant birds.
Spread Your Wings
Peterborough Presents, alongside Orton Makers and artist Rose Croft are producing another project with a lot of local flavour & pride for Peterborough Celebrates in May.
We are asking groups, schools and individuals to help us design and make Ostrich sized birds that represent their sense of pride & show off their creativity. This flock will then be installed at Peterborough Celebrates festival which praises and shines a light on what is great about the city.
Spread Your Wings – Design competition
Spread Your Wings: Design CompetitionThe projectThis competition is part of our Spread Your Wings project. We will be working with groups from across the city to create large...