Free arts and entertainment festival coming

Preston’s free festival of arts and culture, Encounter Festival has launched its programme for 2024.

Scheduled to take place in Preston city centre, on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September, this year’s festival promises an array of performances and activities designed to engage and inspire audiences of all ages. This includes a commissioned female-led brass band, BRAZEN, with extensive experience in National Orchestras, Championship Brass Bands, touring Jazz Bands, Street Bands and more. 

One of the standout events of the festival is the Torchlight Procession, featuring almost 500 professional artists, performers, and community participants. This large-scale event will illuminate Preston's streets, highlighting the talents and creativity of local and regional artists while also creating a spectacle of light and atmosphere in the city centre. 

Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said:

“Encounter Festival brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate arts and culture whilst nurturing creativity, ambition, and community spirit in Preston and beyond.  

“With its diverse programming and strong focus on local engagement, the festival is poised to continue its growth and success, providing unique artistic experiences and fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents and visitors alike. 

“It is exciting to see the festival develop and thrive year on year. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to our city this September." 

Since its inception in 2015, Encounter Festival has become a cornerstone of Preston’s cultural calendar, celebrated for bringing together communities through high-quality arts, culture, and performance with an emphasis on local talent and community involvement.

New for 2024 is a partnership with Lancashire based company, Imitating the Dog, who will be creating a trail of light pieces and stories in shop windows ready to delight audiences throughout the city centre. 

On the Sunday, Winckley Square will host performances, workshops, and activities designed to entertain and engage visitors of all ages. 

This year's festival is being partly funded using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) along with a grant from Arts Council England, plus other contributions. The line-up features brilliant acts such as WILD by MotionHouse, Family Catwalk Extravaganza by Ghetto Fabulous, Betty Brown Bags by Raggle Taggle Arts and Introducing PLOT17 by Apples and Snakes. Mughal Miniatures: Animal Paradise by Sonia Sabri Company, Everywhere's a Beach by Hikapee Theatre, Magical Story Jars and Skiband to name a few.  

For more information about Encounter Festival 2024 and the full programme of events, visit www.lancsencounter.co.uk.