A Festive Day of Sewing, Community & Giving
Join us on Sunday 13th December 2026 for a very special Charity Sewing Bee, bringing together sewing enthusiasts, friends, family, local businesses and volunteers for a festive afternoon of creativity, friendly competition and Christmas cheer — all in support of Peterborough Foodbank.
More than just a sewing event, this is a chance for our community to come together, have fun and give back. With contestants, spectators, volunteers, local businesses and generous supporters all playing their part, every contribution helps us raise more for a good cause.
Expect Christmas music, sewing, tea and cake, hot chocolate and plenty of festive merriment — all wrapped up in a very special day of sewing for our local community.
How to get involved
Become a Contestant
Book a contestant place and join 24 other sewists for an afternoon of sewing, creativity and friendly competition.
You’ll be given a pattern challenge on the day (don't worry, it's very simple!) and will have a set amount of time to complete and decorate your project.
All you’ll need to bring is your sewing skills, creativity and sewing machine!
Contestant places are limited to 25.
How to get involved
Come and Support
Not a sewist? No problem. Our Party Tickets are for friends, family and supporters who want to come along and enjoy the atmosphere while watching the challenge unfold.
You'll be able to cheer on the contestants, enjoy festive refreshments and treats, soak up the Christmas atmosphere and be part of the fun. It's a chance to see the sewing challenge from the other side — without having to worry about threading a machine!
How to get involved
Volunteer at the Event
We're looking for volunteers to help with everything from setting up and welcoming guests to contestant support, refreshments, donations and clearing up at the end of the day.
You don't need to be a sewing expert — just willing to lend a hand and join in with the festive fun. If you'd like to volunteer your time, we'd love to hear from you.
We have limited places, so please don’t be disappointed if we’re unable to offer you a role. There will be future events to get involved with.
How to get involved
Local Business Sponsorship
We are inviting local businesses to get involved by supporting the event through sponsorship, donations, prizes, materials and refreshments.
Your support could help us provide prizes for our contestants, provide refreshments, create our festive event atmosphere or raise even more money for Peterborough Foodbank.
In return, our business sponsors will receive promotional opportunities across our event marketing and social media, helping us to showcase the local businesses that are supporting this community fundraiser.
How to get involved
Donations
We're particularly grateful for donations of:
-
Stocking fillers
-
Refreshments and treats
-
Christmas-themed sewing materials and haberdashery
-
Raffle or fundraising prizes
-
Monetary donations
-
Food donations for the Foodbank
Whether you're part of the Laura Rae community or not, we are grateful for every donation can help us raise more for the charity.
How to get involved
Support Peterborough Foodbank
Our chosen charity is the Peterborough Foodbank, supporting local people who are facing hardship and struggling to afford essentials.
We're proud to use our sewing community to raise money and awareness for a cause that makes a real difference to people in our local area.
Every ticket, donation, sponsorship and contribution helps us work towards our fundraising goal.
Together, we can turn a day of sewing into support for people who need it most.
