City centre lit up for Lithuanian Independence Day

More than 100 people attended the community events, which took place over two days

A Lithuanian community living in Peterborough has celebrated the country’s independence day.

The occasion, which is commemorated on 11 March, was marked by an 18-car convoy, a concert, a prayer service at Peterborough Cathedral and the city centre was lit up in the colours of the country's flag.

Judita Gru from the Lighthouse organisation, which works with the Lithuanian community in the city, called it “an emotional event” that was celebrated over two days.

Snieguolė Maliavskaja, a Lithuanian community leader in the city, said she was “proud of the community” for coming together.

An 18-car convoy was driven around the city with Lithuanian flags to mark the day

Peterborough has a significant Lithuanian community in the city. According to data published by the Home Office in 2023, the number of Peterborough residents born in Lithuania rose from about 3,700 in 2011 (2% of the local population) to about 7,900 in 2021 (3.6%).

• Lithuania country profile

This was the first time an event of this kind had been held by the Lithuanian community living in the city. They described it as a “significant” moment.

The number of residents in Peterborough born in Lithuania was about 7,900 in 2021

Ms Gru, who moved to Peterborough in 2009 following the economic crisis in the Baltic region, said she has “loved” being part of Peterborough’s diverse society.

“It was a lovely celebration with a beautiful prayer service at the cathedral led by the Very Revd Chris Dalliston, followed by the celebrations.

"Peterborough City Council kindly lit up Bridge Street in the colours of the Lithuanian flag on 10 March until midnight,” Ms Gru said.

“Marking the independence day is very emotional for me. It brought back the memories and tears we lived through fighting for our freedom.

"We are seeing it with Ukraine now and it makes us realise how much our freedom means to us,” she added.

Peterborough Cathedral was decorated with flowers in Lithuanian colours for the prayer service

Ms Maliavskaja, who has lived in Peterborough since 2016, has been involved in community integration projects and has worked alongside Peterborough City Council and other community organisations.

She helped organise the car convoy and a mini concert and exhibition of Lithuanian arts and crafts in Nene Park, Peterborough.

“Peterborough is now home but Lithuania is in my heart and it was lovely to mark the day with my fellow Lithuanians.

“It was a successful event and I am grateful to everyone who helped us make it possible including the council, Cambridgeshire Police and Nene Park,” she said.

The trees on Bridge Street were lit up by the council in Lithuanian flag colours