Allama Iqbal Project 2025

Throughout Autumn and Winter 2025, we embarked on a new creative project in partnership with Gladstone Connect Ltd, Pakistan Community Association of Peterborough, The National Literacy Trust, Salaam Radio, The Beeches Primary, and Gladstone Park Academy. The project took inspiration from the life and poetry of Allama Iqbal. We had an artist residency, schools workshops, a radio series, and a qawwali performance.

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.

From school kids to elders, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it was the first time we’ve ever included birds of prey in a creative activity, and that was a huge highlight for many!

After an overwhelmingly successful Allama Iqbal Weekend, marking the poets birthday with activities and performances, we are now working with our community panel to create an annual celebration for Sir Iqbal every November.