What’s on in Preston over May Bank Holiday weekend 2019

An aerial view of Hoghton Tower Pic: Skytech Imagery — Hoghton Tower will host a War of the Roses Weekend Pic: Skytech Imagery

It’s not long since Preston enjoyed the long Easter weekend with plenty of activities, most notably the record-breaking Easter egg rolling event.

We haven’t had to wait long for another extended break, as May Bank Holiday weekend approaches.

Here’s a selection of events that will help you make the most of the long weekend in and around Preston.

Friday 3 – Sunday 5 May

Beer, Wine and Gin Festival at Beer Brothers Brewery

Taking place at the Beer Brothers Brewery at Walton Summit Centre from 12pm (2pm on Sunday), this festival will feature 16 cask ales, nine craft beer lines, three craft ciders, and over 60 wines. There will also be live music.

Phill Leyland and David Reece set up their own brewing company in 2015 and have expanded rapidly — The Beer Brothers are hosting a free festival

Saturday 4 – Monday 6 May

Teddy Bears Picnic with Characters at Guy’s Thatched Hamlet

Kids can take their teddy bears to this event, which is on from 12pm to 5pm each day. There will be craft stalls, a farmers’ market, a BBQ, giant inflatables and rides, plus various children’s entertainers over the weekend.

Saturday 4 May

Scarecrow Festival at Brockholes

Head out on the reserve to follow the scarecrow trail from 11am. See how many you can find and have your photograph taken with them on the pram-friendly route. Kids’ craft activities will also be taking place.

Family Fun Day at The Sir Tom Finney

This Penwortham pub’s car park will be transformed from 12pm to 5pm with rides and activities including hook-a-duck and a NERF gun shooting range. There’ll also be slime and cake jar making, and craft stalls.

The Riot Act at The Harris

Two performances of this show, described as a mix of tragedy and humour, will take place at 1pm and 2.30pm. It tells the story of the 1842 protests of cotton workers, which led to the Lune Street riot and four deaths.

riot act statue — The statue outside the old Corn Exchange in memory of four cotton workers shot down by troops after the Riot Act was read on Saturday 13th August 1842. Picture credit: Tony Worrall

Sunday 5 May

Alice In Disco Wonderland Day Party at The Rabbit Hole at 1842

A brand new extended disco space will host various DJs playing a mix of house, disco and RnB. A BBQ by 1842’s chefs will run from when the event starts at 2pm, plus there will be an extra bar and full venue decoration.

Comedy Club at Vinyl Tap

This monthly comedy club takes place on the first Sunday of each month. On this occasion stand-in MC Tom Short will introduce comic talents from around the north west. It starts at 8pm but get there early to bag a seat.

Sunday 5 – Monday 6 May

War of the Roses Weekend at Hoghton Tower

The Sir John Saviles Household will be on site from 10am each day for encampment, living history, demonstrations, drills and more. It’s a popular social history event that raises funds for Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust.

Monday 6 May

Annual Fun Dog Show at Samlesbury Hall

Take your dogs along to this show to enter into competitions including Waggiest Tail, Dog Most Like Owner and Best Rescue Dog. There will also be pet stalls and food including wood-fired pizzas and home-baked waffles.

What will you be getting up to this May Bank Holiday weekend? Let us know in the comments below.