The Lancashire Encounter arts festival is to celebrate local culture with a ‘packed programme’ when it returns to Preston this September.

Established in 2015 to honour the Preston Guild celebrations, Lancashire Encounter Festival will deliver ‘fascinating, profound and exciting performances and cultural experiences’ to Preston city centre from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 September 2022.

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The event will offer a family-oriented festival celebrating the county’s ‘diverse cultural offerings’ with high-profile arts, including events and workshops for all ages.

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Councillor Peter Kelly, the cabinet member for culture and art at Preston City Council, said: “When Lancashire Encounter began back in 2015, we aimed to capture and continue the passion, excitement and community spirit of the historic Preston Guild celebrations.

“We wanted to offer opportunities for lifelong connections and friendships, which is even more important post-lockdown.

“At this mid-way point between guild celebrations, Lancashire Encounter offers an opportunity for local community and arts groups to perform alongside other local, regional and national groups in this family-oriented festival.

“The Lancashire Encounter festival is a worthy legacy of Preston Guild.”

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Preston Guild’s celebrations are held every 20 years and date to when King Henry II gave the town its first royal charter in 1179.

The council said each guild has seen communities and individuals join together to celebrate this ‘notoriously proud and friendly city’, with 2022 being a mid-way point between two guild years and the next due in 2032.

Lancashire Encounter provides an opportunity to cultivate these connections, friendships and ‘fantastic city vibes’.

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The highlights include:

Friday 16 September: The MET Music Programme and launch event  – open-air performances and music

Saturday 17 September: Torchlight Procession  – a collection of local community groups come together to parade the city centre streets after dark.

It culminates on Preston bus station plaza with the projection of a live motion capture theatre piece based on the painting Dorette from The Harris collection.

Sunday 18 September: Family Picnic at Winckley Square – families can bring a packed lunch or sample some of Preston’s delights at a family picnic event on Winckley Square, with street theatre, Punch and Judy, Circus workshops and more.

For more information, visit – https://www.lancsencounter.co.uk/

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