Lancashire Encounter returns to Preston this month to celebrate the cultural diversity in the county with a variety of vibrant performances, music and art.

Following a test run festival in 2015, Preston City Council staged the first full-scale Lancashire Encounter Festival in 2016. The festival attracted 43,000 visitors and saw Preston illuminated with activities and creativity across the city.

This year’s biennial festival takes place on Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September. The weekend promises to be a memorable one, with local artists and performers sharing their talent with the crowds.

Read more: Road closures confirmed for Lancashire Encounter Festival parade

Check our guide to what’s happening on Friday 21 September

Show Us What You Love About Lancashire

Amy Dean’s community film demonstrates why people love Lancashire, through photographs and videos submitted by members of the public. The perfect homage to the county, it’s a chance to learn why others love Lancashire, and reflect upon all the reasons you do too. Prepare to be filled with a great sense of Lancashire pride.

When: 5.30pm and 7.35pm onwards
Where: The Harris Cafe
Cost: Free

The Commuters

The Commuters follows a group of friends battling bank balances, nightmare bosses and ill-fitting suits. As they search for work-life balance in an increasingly digital world, they ask the question, do we live to work or work to live? North West physical theatre company The Knotted Project use the words of real people, dynamic choreography and projection to deliver an original and humorous performance.

When: 6pm – 7.15pm
Where: The Harris Comics Gallery
Cost: Free, but booking is essential. Tickets via Eventbrite

Read more: Dilemmas of Millennials to be explored at Lancashire Encounter

Actual Reality Arcade

This life-sized interactive zone lets all ages take on the challenge of 12 classic arcade games. Experience piloting a spaceship in Defender, shooting aliens down in Space Invaders, building with giant Tetris blocks, attempting the Marble Madness run, and much more. Matthew Harrison’s Arcade is set to bring fun, laughter and nostalgic memories as some all-time favourite games are brought to life.

When: 6pm – 9pm
Where: Flag Market
Cost: Free

Virtual Reality Playground

Thrill Laboratory’s virtual reality playground is an action-packed adventure that uses the sensations of speed and weightlessness to take you back to childhood. Thrill Engineer Brendan Walker has created these virtual machines using his skills in aeronautical engineering, industrial design and digital art. One of the machines can be adapted for wheelchair users.

When: 6pm – 9pm
Where: Flag Market
Cost: Free

Choir on The Harris Balcony

Over 200 singers will perform to a crowd on the Flag Market. More Music Morecambe has worked with community choirs and singers to create new work Songs of Bread, Songs of Roses, which is is all about the things that feed the body and the soul. Lyrics feature the brilliance of barms and the fragrance of the Lancashire rose, in what’s described as a joyful choral experience.

When: 6.30pm – 6.55pm, 8.30pm – 8.55pm
Where: The Harris
Cost: Free

Westernised!

Westernised! is described as a rootin’ tootin’ good comedy. Written by Nathan Smith, it’s an award-winning slapstick comedy spoof that sees four wannabe storytellers join forces to tell the ultimate Wild West story. The show stars Benidorm’s Hannah Hobley and is set to live, original Country and Western songs. It also features vengeful natives, love struck prospectors and… a DeLorean.

When: 7.30pm – 8.10pm
Where: Media Factory, UCLan
Cost: £8 + 97p booking fee. Tickets via Eventbrite

‘BLOCK’

A collaboration by Motionhouse and NoFit State Circus, the ‘BLOCK’ performance is a fusion of dance and circus that takes place against the spectacular backdrop of Winckley Square Gardens. Watch as the daring performers move with and explore 20 oversized blocks, deconstructed and reformed into an infinite variety of shapes. It’s a show that will leave the audience gasping.

When: 7.30pm – 8.10pm
Where: Winckley Square Gardens
Cost: Free

Read more: What to see on the Saturday of Lancashire Encounter

Will you be going to Lancashire Encounter? Let us know in the comments below.