Preston community events receive funding boost

Preston’s colourful calendar of community events will soon receive a further investment boost, as an uplift in funding has been confirmed.

The additional funding will support the development of community events, ensuring that long-standing cultural celebrations continue to take place throughout the city.

The ever-popular annual events, taking place in and around the city-centre, form part of Preston City Council’s cultural community wealth building programme.

Preston Caribbean Carnival | 24 May | Moor Park

Caribbean Carnival brings a vibrant, colourful procession through the city centre each year. Participants wear large costume pieces inspired by Caribbean culture, filling the streets with dancing and music along the way. The procession is followed by a Caribbean themed family fun day on Moor Park, featuring live performances, sound systems and Caribbean cuisine.

Preston Jazz and Improvisation Festival | 17 May - 6 June | Various Locations

Between May and June, music lovers can enjoy a world of excellent gigs, get involved in workshops and even perform, brought to you by Preston Jazz Fest. The main festival runs across three weeks, comprising around 55 events across 25 locations. Expect world-class artists from further afield, as well as some of Lancashire's best home-grown talent.

Preston City Mela | 13 June | Miller Park

This longstanding celebration of arts, music, dance, culture and heritage brings a touch of South Asia to the city centre. This fun and free event offers a variety of stalls, workshops and performances, there’s plenty to get stuck into whilst celebrating the story of South Asian communities in the North West.

Windrush Festival 78 | 21 June | Avenham and Miller Park

Bringing all the colour, good vibes and soulful music of the Caribbean, Windrush Festival celebrates the city's African-Caribbean and mixed-race community. Featuring live music and DJ sets, dancing, a live cricket match, a selection of non-food stalls, children's play area, and a wide selection of international cuisines.

Preston Pride | 26 September | Flag Market

Taking place every September, Preston Pride brings together the community of Preston and the North West for celebration and support of the city's LGBTQ community. Since the first Pride, in September 2012, the event continues to promote a culture of inclusivity and equality, welcoming all who wish to support and participate in these values and wave their flags in pride.

Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, said: “Each year, the spectacular array of events bring increased footfall to the city-centre. With further funding confirmed, it presents us with the fantastic opportunity to expand the reach of our cultural events programme and get even more people involved!”

“Further funding additionally strengthens our relationship with long-established Preston community groups. We can continue to work together to deliver a packed programme of exciting city events.”