In a week where Covid restrictions have been eased slightly in line with the government roadmap, we’ve had plenty of news to bring to you from Preston.

It’s been perfect weather for reconnecting with loved ones and the sun was shining over Preston as non-essential retail and hospitality welcomed people back, but the prime minister has urged people to be responsible as pub beer gardens begin to reopen so the next phase of lockdown easing can go ahead as planned.

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Here’s five stories you may have missed during a week where you were probably out enjoying yourself!

First ever Preston Live Arts Festival to go ahead in late June

Preston City Council announced this week that they have been successful in securing a £841,647 grant from the DCMS Cultural Recovery Fund, and will soon be announcing a full line up for the brand new Preston Live Arts Festival which is due to take place in the city 21-30 June.

The festival will celebrate arts, culture, and homegrown talent in Preston.

Preston Live Arts Festival will be delivered by renowned theatre producers Selladoor Worldwide and will include family entertainment, live theatre, dance, music, contemporary art and comedy hosted at landmark venues across the city.

We don’t know about you, but we are very excited about this!

Read the full story here.

Preston councillor calling for street harassment to be made a crime

How safe would you feel walking back from the supermarket to your home? Recent surveys suggest two thirds of women and girls report they have faced street harassment in the UK.

This is a question Liberal Democrat councillor Debbie Shannon has recently put to Preston City Council members, using her voice to advocate for the ‘Our Streets Now’ campaign, a movement to end public sexual harassment across the UK by making it a criminal offence.

The definition of Street harassment is that of a continuum of behaviour ranging from honking horns, wolf whistling and cat calling to more serious incidents such as indecent exposure, stalking and actual sexualised or bodily violence.

The recipients of such abuse includes people of all genders, but women and girls are the most common victims.

Read the full story here.

Preston North End report racist comments left on social media to police

Preston North End Football Club released a statement on Tuesday (13 April) regarding racist comments which were left on social media.

The spokesperson said that the comments have been reported to the police.

The football club took a zero-tolerance approach to the racism, reminding supporters to contact police on 101 if they notice any more comments.

Fans tweeted their support, with @CraigBeingCraig saying: “No place for any of it. Our club doesn’t need bigoted idiots.”

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Read the full story here.

Month-long Ramadan celebrations taking place at Deepdale

Preston North End are celebrating the month of Ramadan by providing free fresh fruit, water and dates for those who are fasting.

A gazebo is being stationed at Deepdale each evening throughout the holy month of Islamic celebrations, which began on Tuesday 13 April.

Members of the community will be able to access goods from 6pm to 7.30pm every evening until Friday 7 May.

As well as the gazebo located outside the community offices on Alan Kelly Walk, there will be an additional stall in the Deepdale area at the junction between Holmrook Road and Castleton Road.

Representatives will be on site at the stalls, and will be able to signpost people to relevant organisations and support services if required.

Read the full story here.

Fulwood trio complete running and abs challenge each day in March for Rosemere

Three friends have managed to complete a month-long, crack of dawn charity challenge that has taken them the length and breadth of Preston.

At around 6.30am every day in March, Donna Finn, Sharron Mulvaney and Fay Morne have preceded a morning run with 100 stomach exercises – some days crunches, others sit-ups, planks and Russian twists.

And their daily work out has had the backdrop of a different Preston landmark each time, chosen in alphabetical order.

Read the full story here.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines