Prestfest set to go ahead in 2021 bigger and better than ever

Organisers Preston BID have confirmed that Prestfest will take place on the Flag Market on Saturday, 14 August this year.

After being unable to go ahead in 2020, Prestfest will host big-name acts and have an expanded format.

Promoting Preston’s night time economy and the city’s Purple Flag award for a safe and vibrant night out, the event will see international performers take to the stage from 6.30pm – 11.30pm at the ticket only event.

Performers include world-renowned DJ and producer Todd Terry, Ibiza favourite, StoneBridge, house music pioneers, The Shapeshifters, supported by local DJs.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Prestfest 2019 was a great event for the city and saw record ticket sales which helped to further promote Preston’s outstanding leisure offer to a wider and varied audience.

“We want to see people back out, confidently, and safely, supporting and enjoying Preston’s venues.

“2020 was not a great year, and we’re determined to confidently encourage people back to experience our award-winning nightlife.

“The events planned for events this year create additional, exciting reasons to experience what Preston has to offer, which is a great deal.”

Prestfest will be even bigger and better in 2021

‘Prestfest’ is sponsored by Bar Pintxos – little piece of San Sebastián coming to the heart of Preston this summer.

In celebration of the Prestfest’s fifth anniversary, a daytime programme, ‘Prestfest for Families’ will take place on the same day and is free to attend from 12.30pm –4.00pm, and no tickets are required.

The full line up for this event is set to be revealed shortly, but will include live bands and well-known performers.

As well as ‘Prestfest’, and ‘Prestfest for Families’, Preston BID have confirmed their intention, subject to approval, to stage yet more events over the summer months.

Andrew Stringer, chair of BID’s City Centre’s Retail Forum said: “Prestfest is a great event for the city, and a daytime element seemed a natural progression.

“As with so many other places, Preston has experienced its challenges during the pandemic.

“Well-managed, safe events are an important element in encouraging visitors back into the city, plus, we all need something to look forward to, having missed out on a lot in 2020.”

All the events go through a rigorous planning process with safety of the utmost importance. Plans are presented to the authorities and are subject to the government’s national roadmap remaining on track.

Organisers have confirmed that all events will be staged in accordance with social distancing rules at the time of the event.

The popular Preston Makers Market is also set to return to the city centre, one Saturday each month from Saturday 8 May.

Makers Market Director, Vicky Crane, said: “We are delighted that this will be the first market since restrictions are relaxed, we have really missed Preston and the local community – we will be praying for lovely weather.

“It has been a tough time for our traders and for independent businesses in general and we can’t wait to relaunch and support them, and join the BID and Council in promoting loudly that Preston is open, in business, and vibrant.”

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