Craig Charles and MistaJam both played hour-long sets in Preston Pic: Paul Melling

More than 2,000 people showed up to celebrate Preston’s nightlife with a free DJ show on the Flag Market.

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Braving bitterly cold temperatures they were warmed by some classic funk and soul by BBC Radio 6 DJ Craig Charles from 9.30pm.

Rubbing his hands together for most of the set to try and generate some warmth he had the crowd, who filled around a third of the arena which had been set up, getting their groove on.

Charles was perched on the Harris Museum’s gantry which was lit purple by the organisers Preston’s Business Improvement District.

He was followed by BBC Radio One Xtra DJ, Mista Jam, who was dressed in a large red puffer jacket and said his fingers were ‘numb to the bone’ after playing his hour-long set.

Prestfest, as it was branded, is a regular event to show off Preston’s clubbing, music, pub and bar scene.

Related: See full pictures from PrestFest on the Flag Market

This was the first time the event had taken the form of an outdoor concert, with the events normally focused on being inside a number of the city bars and clubs.

Looking towards the DJ balcony at the Harris

Kevin Barrett, from BID Preston, said they were happy with the turnout given the timing of the event.

He said: “We’ve had all weathers trying to get the event set up during the Saturday, the team have worked through hail, snow, rain, sleet, you name it we’ve had it.

“I’m glad the weather has held up for the evening though.

“This event is a celebration of the city having held the Purple Flag status for a safe and fun night out.

“I know a lot of people will be asking ‘why do this in January?’ but it’s about creating events all year round in Preston.

“There’s already a lot of events happening during the Spring and Summer and our job is to get people out into the city centre and this event has done that. A lot of the bars and restaurants we work with are reporting they were busier tonight than they would be, and takings are up. So in terms of getting people out this event has done its job.”

Related: Prestfest and family events boost city centre visitor numbers

The crowds were also treated to a dazzling drumming display by an entertainment troupe called Spark, from Newcastle.

Lit up and dressed in bright white outfits the drummers really got the crowd going at the beginning and end of the two DJ sets.

Did you go to the event? What did you think? Let us know your views in the comments below