More than one thousand people enjoyed live music and powerful speeches at a city centre event aiming to raise awareness of knife crime.

Lives over Knives was also aimed at promoting positive opportunities and activities for young people.

It was organised by Black History Month, supported by Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire Constabulary and funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Fund.

It arose following the recent tragedy of a young person from the city losing their life as a result of knife crime; Joyce Osei-Poku addressed the crowd on Saturday, paying tribute to her son Kwabena (19) who was fatally stabbed in Northampton in April.

The event also featured readings and short inspirational talks from speakers including charity High Heritage – for whom Kwabena was a volunteer – Peterborough Youth MP Eva Woods, Peterborough's poet laureate Kat Beeton and fellow poet Charley Genever.

Notable speeches were given by superintendent James Sutherland, deputy lieutenant Rizwan Rahemtulla, Peterborough MP Paul Bristow and the mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Nick Sandford.

And there were performances from a range of local bands including Upon This Rock, and songs from Peterborough operatic star Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues.

Esther Baffa-Isaacs, cohesion and social Mobility Manager for Peterborough City Council, said: “This was an excellent event with a positive message for the young people of Peterborough.

“Thank you to everyone who participated and spoke or sang on-stage, and also to those who made this such a well-attended and powerful occasion.”