Events

The tour will take in at-risk heritage buildings in Preston city centre such as Arkwright House, The Old Dog, The Tithebarn, Lancastria House, Sheraton House, St Joseph's Orphanage, College House and the Harris Institute.

People who attend the tour will learn about the history of each building, in relation to Everyday Working Lives, be encouraged to document the buildings through photographs and learn about concerns and hopes for each building's future.

Heritage Open Days

Part of the Heritage Open Days free tours and events happening across the country.

Booking and pricing

Entry for the tour is completely free.

To book, email preservingprestonsheritage@gmail.com with the number of places required.

Places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, but a waiting list will be actioned if others drop out.

Head on down to Preston City Centre for a gathering of stalls like no other. Pick up delicious local goodies ranging from decadent cakes and handmade breads to an array of cheeses and locally distilled Gins.

As well as a mouth-watering assortment of foods, the market also hosts crafters of all varieties, making it the perfect place to pick up a treat for yourself or gifts for loved ones.

Don't miss the next market, complete with music and plenty of places to put your feet up and grab a drink when you're done.

This Makers Market continues to take place on the second Saturday of each month on the Flag Market. 

From 11am on Saturday 12th September 2026, you’re invited to speak to teams across Community Gateway, vote on important decisions, hear updates from our Leadership Team and more.

The event is completely free, and you’ll also have the opportunity to grab some free hot food and drink.

We get great feedback on this every year, so why not come along?

https://www.communitygateway.co.uk/annual-general-meeting-2026

See front of house and backstage, discovering the history of the building and how performances are created here today.

The Playhouse was built in 1847 as a Friends Meeting House, used by the Quakers for worship. It was described as 'a square, neat-looking, five-windowed building', though at that point it was accessed from Friargate through an alley. Its ceiling was built especially high to ensure 'purity of air' for the congregation, which must have helped its conversion to a theatre a hundred years later.

Preston Drama Club took over the building in 1949, created a more prominent entrance and foyer on Market Street West, and it has been a theatre ever since, with regular performances by local drama groups.

The Playhouse volunteers take you through the building, providing fascinating insights into its history, development and operation.

Heritage Open Days

Part of the Heritage Open Days free tours and events happening across the country.

Booking and pricing

Entry for the tour is completely free and there's no need to book.

The Caribbean community has contributed significantly to Preston's economic, cultural and sporting life over the past 60 years. Displays and activities reveal the ways the community made its mark, and how they brought the influences of many different Caribbean islands to the town.

See some of the archives and research of the Preston Black History Society, chat to members of the community about the objects on display, listen to the steel drums and maybe make music yourself.

Everyone is welcome - just drop in anytime during the event.

Heritage Open Days

Part of the Heritage Open Days free tours and events happening across the country.

Booking and pricing

Entry for the tour is completely free and there is no need to book.

There will be a wide range of styles and sizes available, plus price points to suit every pocket.

A small selection of shoes, bridesmaid, and mother-of-the-bride/groom dresses will also be available.

Saturday 19 (10am - 4pm) and Sunday 20 September (10am - 4pm).

No appointments are needed. There will be fitting rooms to try on your favourite dress.

We can take both cash and card payments. All money raised goes to hospice care in South Ribble, Preston and Chorley.

Booking and pricing

There is no need to book, and entry is free for the dress fair.

Encounter Festival is back for a day packed with engaging and amazing performances. Make sure not to miss out on the fun.

Bringing music, motion and magic to the streets of Preston. Including a spectacular fireworks display will light up the city as a celebration of an Encounter to remember.

Visitors can experience the immersive world of Hydropunk by Artizani, while Levantes Dance Theatre presents the uplifting outdoor performance HUG. Audiences can also enjoy the quirky antics of Ramshacklicious' Mr Burn, explore the interactive sound world of Noisy Noise, and discover the curious creatures of The Ugly Bugs Wingding by Enter Edem. Making appearances throughout the day and into the evening will be the spectacular Arachnobot by Tim Davies Design, roaming the city centre ahead of the evening celebrations.

Everyone is welcome as the city celebrates Preston's LGBTQ+ communities with live music, guest appearances, and a variety of information stands and stalls!

In previous years, Lancashire Police and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have been in attendance with custom Pride flag styled vehicles.

The parade also features cosplayers of various pop culture characters for you to get a photo opportunity with, so expect more this year!

Check out the Preston Pride's Got Talent event on 20 September to see some great performances before the main day.

Preston Pride is free to attend for everyone.

Feel free to register your interest on Facebook Events - Preston Pride 2026.

For stall booking enquiries please visit Preston Pride - Stall Bookings.

Head on down to Preston City Centre for a gathering of stalls like no other. Pick up delicious local goodies ranging from decadent cakes and handmade breads to an array of cheeses and locally distilled Gins.

As well as a mouth-watering assortment of foods, the market also hosts crafters of all varieties, making it the perfect place to pick up a treat for yourself or gifts for loved ones.

Don't miss the next market, complete with music and plenty of places to put your feet up and grab a drink when you're done.

This Makers Market takes place on the newly revitalised Friargate Brow, on the final Saturday of each month. 

Ran by St Catherine's Hospice. An informal group where anyone can come and chat, have a brew, and talk to others about their loss, whether their loved one has died recently or some time ago. It runs from 10:00-11:30 am on the first Thursday of the month.

There’s no need to book, and if you would like to bring a friend along for a bit of support then please do.

It’s not a counselling group and there’s no set structure to it, but anyone who wishes to introduce themselves and tell their story is welcome to; or if you would prefer to sit and listen that’s fine too.

Open every Tuesday morning 10 am-12 noon, The Community Pantry is intended to give relief to individuals/families who find themselves in immediate need and require assistance in providing basic food items for their household. 

Please contact the Parish Office for details. Tel. 01772 759274

Back by popular demand, Thrifty Kitchen is back, starting Friday 31st January.

These FREE one of cooking sessions run every Friday from 1-3:30pm, helping you learn new cooking skills in a welcoming group environment. Enjoy good food, have fun and socialise with others who all have the same interest of cooking.

All equipment and ingredients are provided.

Call 01772 760760 or call into reception to book a place.

Ingol Library digital skills sessions will run through a variety of subjects, from basic computer skills to shopping online and using health apps from the GP. All to make sure you feel comfortable and confident with computers and mobile devices.

Free and all are welcome.

Three sessions available
2 pm - 2.30 pm
2.45 pm – 3.15 pm
3.30 pm – 4.00 pm   

Book your place below:

https://www6.apps.lancashire.gov.uk/w/webpage/event-details?eventid=375025

Ribbleton Library are hosting a Cuppa & A Quiz session every second Friday of the month. Come along alone or bring a friend to challenge your knowledge on all sorts of subjects.

No need to book, just show up.

You'll get a free hot drink to enjoy whilst you are quizzing.

This is a social group that is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for adults with Autism, ADHD and disabilities.

Drop in or contact Emma first if you would like to know a bit more about the group before coming along: 07792 960899

Each September, thousands of volunteers across the country invite you to experience local history, architecture and culture, all for free.

Various buildings around the city centre will give you access and insight into their history, such as our very own Town Hall. There will also be guided walks around our lovely Winckley Square gardens with lots of history to see.

For further event details or to book a Preston Heritage Day event please visit Preston