Businesses from across Preston came together in the sunshine

Representatives from more than 80 businesses turned out in Winckley Square for a networking event.

Under blue skies and sunshine the event billed as the Winckley Square Business Hangout saw food, drink and business ideas exchanged.

Chef Paul Heathcote, who operates the Olive Press, said a few words at the start of the event saying how he felt very positive about the future of the Georgian Square.

Paul Heathcote addresses the Business Hangout gathering at the Winckley Weekender event

He hailed the beautiful surroundings and said the Saturday of the Weekender would see the food festival drawing in the crowds.

Kevin Barrett from organisers Preston Business Improvement District welcomed everyone to the event and reminded everyone although it was a chance to do business it was also a time to relax.

The Hangout event in Winckley Square

Plenty of businesses seemed to have knocked off at 4pm to slink off down to the Square and enjoy a drink and a complimentary hot dog from the Olive Press.

Washing lines were put up around the event for businesses to hang business cards and other promotional materials on – including a pair of pants in one case.

Swing your pants at the Hangout

Message in a bottle? no, on a line

The networking events are regularly organised Preston BID to get different businesses meeting up and swapping ideas, from solicitors to martial arts centres.

The event was part of the Winckley Square Weekender.

More pictures from Gill Lawson, CottonGilly on Flickr

Even more pictures from Tony Worrall on Flickr

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