In a week where some of us may have been allowing ourselves to think about the festive season (who else thinks that the Aldi advert has basically won Christmas?!) there’s been lots of news to bring you from Preston.

Here are five stories you may have missed.

Advertisements

Preston City Council offering free car parking over the festive period

Preston City Council have taken to social media to let the community know about free car parking over the Christmas period.

The free parking will be at the following car parks:

• Penny Street
• Trinity Square
• Tenterfield Street

This is to encourage residents and people from further afield to do some Christmas shopping in Preston.

Read the full story here.

Keyworkers set to enjoy night of entertainment at Preston’s Riva Showbar

On Saturday, 13 November an event is being held for key workers at Riva Showbar in Preston.

This is the third attempt to host this event, but now everything is in place to make it happen.

Key workers and their plus one will be able to enjoy a fun evening of entertainment.

Read the full story here.

Excitement as extremely rare Belted Kingfisher spotted on River Ribble

An extremely rare Belted Kingfisher has been spotted on the River Ribble today (Monday 8 November).

Originating from Florida, the bird is only the fourth one to ever be spotted in the UK.

George Shannon, of Whittle-le-Woods, was fishing upstream from Brockholes near Red Scar when he spotted the incredible sight.

Read the full story here.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity to buy presents for all patients this Christmas

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity fundraising manager Roya Armstrong is counting the cash to start Christmas shopping, and with 764 to buy, she’s hoping locals will help her to get a head start on Santa this festive season.

Roya and her colleagues are hoping to buy presents for every single patient who will be spending their Christmas Day on a ward at Royal Preston or Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.

Advertisements

In previous years, the fundraisers have been able to accept toys and gifts bought by members of the public and dropped off at the charity office in the foyer of the Royal Preston Hospital.

Read the full story here.

Two Preston martial arts clubs putting on women’s self defence courses

Two Preston martial arts clubs are putting on women’s self defence courses during November.

Redkite Plus is holding a one-off event on Saturday 20 November at Everybody Fit, while Sukata Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is putting on a rolling six-week session for visually impaired women. Both courses will be dealing with fitness, general safety and legal advice. 

2021 has seen a string of high-profile attacks on women along with the growing use of syringes in a series of attacks in cities across the country, including Preston.

Read the full story here.

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines