Some of the performers at this year’s Preston Arts Festival

Preston’s arts renaissance continues on Thursday as the annual Preston Arts Festival returns.

A fortnight of events takes place across the city from barbershop choruses, martial arts and more in nearly 30 venues.

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Mike Cracknell, secretary of the Preston Arts Association, said he looked forward to welcoming people to a diverse range of events.

He said: “Just the first day of the festival continues an indication of the vast range of arts events you can attend to be entertained, enlightened or both.

“Or for the more adventurous there’s a chance to learn new skills.

“The festival events include performance events, theatre, cinema, talks, guided walks, workshops, exhibitions and fairs.

“We are grateful for the support from the Guild Hall and the new principal sponsor, the Cumberland Building Society which has enabled the festival to continue when a number of festivals have folded recently.”

The events run every night from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 18 October, a full programme can be seen on the Arts Festival website.

It is officially launched by Mayor of Preston councillor Margaret McManus in te Preston Minster on the afternoon of Sunday 4 October.

This will be followed by a free concert with music from the Red Rosettes ladies barbershop chorus, pianist Graham Jackson and the Preston Musical Comedy Show Choir.

Will you be going to any events during the Arts Festival? Are you performing? Let us know in the comments below