Looking for something to do this weekend? See our list below for what’s on in Preston.
Friday 24 January
Nature Tots
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston New Road, PR5 0AG
9.30am – 10.45am
This pre-school session aimed at ages 15 months to five years will get the little ones in touch with nature with some fun outdoor activities. Each session has a different theme and activities include nature art, story time, bug hunts, games, crafts and much more. £4 per child.
Snug Sofa Session: Ivan Campo
The Continental, South Meadow Lane, PR1 8JP
8pm – 11pm
Ivan Campo’s story began in 2000 when the trio met studying contemporary music at UCLan. Drawing from influences such as The Beatles, Marc Bolan and Nick Drake, the band has been crafting their sound of alternative folk-pop ever since. This intimate gig in the Snug is free.
Ska Face
Baker Street, Avenham Street, PR1 3BN
8pm – 11.30pm
The popular 10-piece Ska band from (ahem) Blackpool play classic Ska and 2 Tone from the likes of The Specials, Madness, The Selecter and more. With a combined age of over 450 years, Ska Face say they’re “old enough to know better but young enough not to care”. £3 on the door.
Saturday 25 January
Treemendous at Moor Park
Rosemary on the Park, Moor Park Avenue, PR6 1AU
10am – 12pm
Hosted by Friends of Moor Park and Preston City Council, this is an opportunity to help look after the young trees of Moor Park. Participants will be working alongside the Park Ranger and Arboriculturist. Good footwear is recommended at this free event.
Read more: New Moor Park cafe prepares for winter after successful summer launch
Chinese New Year at The Harris
The Harris, Market Square, PR1 2PP
11am – 3.30pm
Celebrate the year of the Rat with the UCLan Confucius Institute at this free action-packed, family-friendly day that includes Chinese puzzles, knot making, and a Lion Dance on the Flag Market. All activities are drop-in apart from the Tai Chi and Shaolin, which must be booked.
Piano Meet
The Music Cellar, Fox Street, PR1 2AB
1pm – 4pm
Piano Meet is for anyone who enjoys playing and listening to piano music. Those preparing for an exam or concert, or just wanting to share a new composition or favourite piano are welcome, and there’s no pressure to perform. The group meets once a month. Costs £5.
Burns Night Supper
The Green Man at Inglewhite, Silk Mill Lane, PR3 2LP
7pm – 11pm
This traditional Scottish evening will celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns. There will be a three-course Scottish-themed dinner priced at £21.95 per person, and the pub will be dressed for the occasion. To book, call 01995 643439 or email thegreenmaninglewhite@gmail.com.
Review: Karen gets her snout around The Green Man’s sprouts
The Spire at Night
St Walburge’s Church, Weston Street, PR2 2QE
7.30pm – 8.30pm
Each Saturday until 8 February, visitors can ascend the 94m high spire – the third tallest in the UK and the tallest on a parish church. The ascent will be followed by refreshments. E-tickets are £8.50, and booking is needed to help with maintenance of the spire.
Read more: St Walburge’s spire set to open to the public for spectacular evening views
Jake Heaton Band + support
The Continental, South Meadow Lane, PR1 8JP
8pm
This gig is a chance to see one of Lancashire’s most talented young performers playing a full-band set. Jake is a singer and guitarist with a playing style reminiscent of the likes of Richie Sambora. Tickets are £4 advance or £6 on the door.
Sunday 26 January
Social Run for Fun
Haslam Park, Bristow Avenue, PR2 1JE
9am
Organised by Fat Dad to Fit Dad, this two to three-mile leisurely jog around Haslam Park is open to dads and mums of all ages, shapes and sizes. There’s no experience necessary, as the jog will be taken at a relaxed pace. Everybody’s welcome, including children, and it’s free to join.
Bird Feeder Making
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston New Road, PR5 0AG
10am – 3pm
This regular craft session has changing nature or environmental themes throughout the year, but this weekend they’ll be making bird feeders to help keep our feathered friends going through the winter months. Priced at £3 per feeder, there’s no need to book.
Harris Open
The Harris, Market Square, PR1 2PP
11am – 4pm
It’s the final day of the Harris Open, a free annual exhibition that celebrates local artistic talent. This year, the work of over 320 Preston-based artists is on display including photography, sculptures, ceramics and textiles, plus digital and traditional painting.
Read more: Celebrating Preston’s artistic talent with the Harris Open
England Rugby Inner Warrior Camp
Preston Grasshoppers RFC, Lightfoot Green Lane, PR4 0AP
2pm – 3.30pm
Part of a nationwide campaign aimed at women, this session is designed to be fun while teaching some of the key skills and techniques used in rugby. It will take place outdoors in the fresh air and under professional instruction. It’s free to join the session.
Glow Party
RIVA Showbar, 35 Tithebarn Street, PR1 1DJ
3.30pm – 6pm
Taking place every Sunday afternoon, the Glow Party is billed as Preston’s biggest kids party. There’s inflatables, a glow disco, dance-along fun and music videos. Food is available and the bar is open for the adults. Tickets are £6.50 per child and £2.50 per adult on the door.
Free Parking
The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ
9pm – 11.30pm
The first 2020 edition of this monthly jazz fusion night with popular band Free Parking. Drummer Paul Burgess is about to embark on a two-month tour with 10cc, so this is the last chance to see him perform before he goes. It’s £3 on the door.
What are your plans for the weekend? Let us know in the comments.