Things to do in Preston this August

Despite the predictions that our BBQ summer is going to become a drizzle summer there is still plenty of things to do and see during the next month in Preston.

There’s a host of events happening from the chance to see birds of prey, take a tour down Church Street, discover Preston’s Dickensian past and sample some Lancashire food and drink at a farmer’s market.

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You might have heard the ‘fact’ that Charles Dickens based his novel ‘Hard Times’ on Preston. There is a guided tour through Victorian Preston, taking in the sights of the city that were prominent during that time and looking for evidence of whether ‘Hard Times’ really was based on our city, or town as it was then. Meet at the Cenotaph on Wednesday 5th August at 2 PM.

Have a go at wellie wanging…

No, we’ve no idea what wellie wanging is either. It may have something to do with throwing a wellington boot as far as you possibly can. It’s the Big Beacon Fell Sports Day and that means loads of crazy activities to exhaust the kids during the day so you can enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, although we’re sure it’s good fun for adults too. It’s at Bowland Visitor Centre from 11 AM – 3 PM on Wednesday 5th August. It says tramper users please book, sadly we don’t know what a tramper is or what they are.

Take a tour of Church Street…

It’s a got a bad rep our Church Street, known as one of the most violent drunken corridors in the North West. But, surely it hasn’t always been like this? Find out more about Church Street, and don’t worry it’s a daytime tour – so meet at 2 PM at the Cenotaph on the Flag Market on Wednesday 5th August.

Try some traditional Lancashire food…

Preston Farmer’s Market is back in the city, taking over the outdoor covered market on Saturday 8th August from 9.30 AM – 2.30 PM. There will be loads of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, meats and they are all from local producers – so ditch your weekly supermarket shop and eat fresh for the week.

Celebrate the summer at a traditional fair…

The Wild Lancashire! Country Fair is coming to the Museum of Lancashire on Sunday 9th August It’s your chance to celebrate the summer as the hall, grounds and gardens are opened up for a range of activities. It’s £4 for adults, £2 for children and open from 10 AM – 4 PM.

Take a tour of Winckley Square…

It’s now the centre of a row over whether they should stick a fountain in the middle of it but Winckley Square is one of Preston’s most historic areas. Take a walk round it with a guide who will explain who once lived in these Victorian and Georgian houses (now inhabited by the Inland Revenue, accountants, lawyers and other people who take our money). Meet at the Cenotaph at 7 PM on Wednesday 12th August.

Invent a fairy tale, with your family…

Telling Tales at the Harris Museum teaches children how to create a fairy tale and use their family as the stars. All sounds a bit Tracey Beaker to us, but adults and children will work together to create their own story. It’s on Monday 17th August, from 10.30 AM – 12.30 PM. It’s suitable for children aged 5 and over and two children can attend with each adult. It’s £1. Booking is essential, contact the Harris Museum.

Enjoy some music in Avenham Park…

No, we don’t mean that Rock FM event. That’s miming to a backing track. Enjoy a Sunday afternoon concert band at the Avenham Park Pavillion from 2 – 4 PM.