Peterlee 75 Documentary

This short documentary celebrates 75 years of the town of Peterlee in County Durham—one of the last post-war new towns in the UK, built on social ideals and a desire for better living conditions in the North East. Commissioned as part of the Peterlee 75 celebrations, the film documents a year-long creative and heritage project that began with an exhibition (The Place To Be) exploring the origins of the town, followed by Living Memory, where residents shared stories and photographs reflecting on their lives in Peterlee. At the heart of the film are the young people who took part in school-based songwriting workshops led by professional musicians from across the region. With no previous songwriting experience, children created songs about their hometown, its streets, and their dreams—culminating in an energetic, emotional performance at Festival 75, a town-wide event celebrating Peterlee’s legacy and future. The film features moving reflections from residents, teachers, and artists, as well as footage of performances, school workshops, exhibitions, and urban design sessions (Garden City Futures), all of which reveal the enduring creativity and community pride within the town. This project empowered young people to express themselves through music and design, gave older residents a platform to share memories, and created a shared space for intergenerational dialogue. It also leaves a lasting legacy: new music equipment for schools, a local history group, exhibitions, and a generation of children who now believe that creativity and community matter—and that their voices have value. Featuring original songs written and performed by schoolchildren, appearances by musicians including Kathryn Williams, and scenes of community celebration, Peterlee 75 is a heartfelt tribute to a proud town that continues to evolve, connect, and inspire. 🎬 Filmed and edited by Alan Fentiman 📍 Location: Peterlee, County Durham 🎥 Camera: Panasonic GH6, DJI Osmo Pocket 3, iPhone 15 Pro 🎤 Interviews, events, and workshops captured on location 🎼 Original music performed live by children and musicians 💡 Commissioned for the Peterlee 75 celebrations 🔗 www.alanfentiman.co.uk