Lancashire Fringe Festival confirms full line-up for Preston city centre shows

Kate O’Brien performs in Catch 22 Years, which examines addiction in a unique and unexpected performance by the award-winning actress.

Comedy and entertainment normally reserved for the Edinburgh Fringe is set to begin a 10-night run in the city.

Lancashire Fringe Festival takes over venues across Preston city centre.

The brainchild of promoter Garry Cook it builds on the likes of performance poet Hollie McNish playing the Harris and other high-profile poetry and comedy shows.

Gary said: “The one-off shows I’ve been doing for the past year have gone down brilliantly with Preston audiences – everyone has loved them. And it’s the audiences who have turned up to these shows – some people come to every performance – who have helped make this festival possible. I can’t thank them enough.

“There are some absolutely stunning shows in the festival. It has taken a lot of work to get some of them here but I’m delighted with the line up, and hope the people if Preston and Lancashire will come and help make this festival a huge success so that we can carry on doing it for years to come.

“I want to encourage people who do not usually see this kind of performance to come to one or two shows and experience something remarkable. All these shows have been chosen not just because of their subject matter but because they deliver a message in a hugely engaging, entertaining and exciting way.

“Even if you think a show covers a topic that doesn’t interest you, you will be blown away by the visual storytelling techniques these artists use. There are some exceptional talents coming to Preston over these 10 days – it’s a wonderful opportunity for Lancashire people to see shows which usually only come to London or Edinburgh Fringe.

“If you turn up, you will experience something that will stay with them for the rest of your life.”