Lancashire Encounter festival line-up revealed for Preston city centre

The Red Canopies were the main attraction of last year's Lancashire Encounter Pic: Tony Worrall — The Red Canopies were the main attraction of a previous Lancashire Encounter Pic: Tony Worrall

The organisers of the arts and culture festival Lancashire Encounter have announced the full line-up for a packed three-day city centre event.

From Friday, 16, to Sunday, 18 September 2022, Lancashire Encounter will offer a ‘fusion’ of dance, music, theatre and food to celebrate county culture, including a torchlight procession, Bangla folk art, a ‘gravity-defying urban astronaut’ and more.

The action, centring on Preston city centre, aims to attract thousands of people to celebrate the ‘inspiring’ creativity and diversity of Lancashire, with a packed timetable of events aimed at all ages, many free-of-charge, including a mixture of performances, workshops, film screenings and a family picnic.

Cllr Peter Kelly, the cabinet member for arts and culture, visitor and nighttime economy at Preston City Council, said: “The weekend promises to provide fun and thought-provoking performances for people of all ages.

“We’re delighted to unveil the packed schedule for this year’s Lancashire Encounter, which promises something for everyone and will hopefully see thousands of people visiting Preston.

“Whether you enjoy live dance and music performances, family workshops, street theatre or film, there is bound to be something for you to enjoy. Since the event started, we have seen it grow year on year, and we’re hoping the 2022 version is our best yet.

“We can’t wait to see Preston buzzing with life and alight with creativity.”

A performance at Lancashire Encounter Pic: Michael Porter Photography

Following launch speeches at the pop-up venue The MET, the festival begins with Gamcha, a fun comedy, music and dancing show that focuses on the journey of cloth from a Bangladeshi village to the UK, at Preston Covered Market on Friday, 16 September.

The event continues on Saturday with attractions spread across Winckley Square, Preston Bus Station, Orchard Street, the Flag Market and The MET.

The festival will offer performances by Preston People’s Choir and Blackburn People’s Choir, a street performance titled ‘Close Encounters’ and ‘FloooOOooote’, a collaboration of puppetry and flute music for those aged 0+.

Miss Baines performing at last year's Lancashire Encounter Pic: Tony Worrall — Miss Baines performing at Lancashire Encounter Pic: Tony Worrall

Dance group Step Hop House will demonstrate their talents before hosting two workshops for visitors – Ceilidh Jam and Street Dance the Maypole. Saturday will continue with a torchlit parade of music and dance weaving its way from Moor Park to the Bus Station Plaza.

On Sunday, 18 September, the activity will focus on Winckley Square, with highlights including a Punch and Judy performance, family picnic, workshop activities and a dance performance titled Black Victorians.

Other events for Sunday include an open mic afternoon and a screening of a Bollywood film before the event draws to a close at 5.15pm.

Held every two years, Lancashire Encounter was established in 2015 as a legacy of the Preston Guild celebrations, aiming to ‘cultivate friendships’ and ‘fantastic city vibes’.

Attendees can book tickets for some of the events on Eventbrite via the Lancashire Encounter website.

For more information, visit www.lancsencounter.co.uk

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