A stalwart of the local arts scene, Preston Arts Festival is back with a packed calendar featuring an evening with Christine Cherry a Preston-based ceramicist and finalist of the Great British Throwdown, an evening with popular local artist Shiryn Wynter, a film showing and Q&A with Millie Hine, art exhibitions, artist challenges, singing classes, music, dance, and more! Here is the lowdown…

PORTRAIT CHALLENGE – 20 local artists compete to win a £500.00 prize for painting a portrait in an afternoon. Come and watch while they work painting Neil Darby, Mayor of Preston and Dan Leung, Mayor’s Consort. Sponsored by the Harris Museum & Art Gallery and Preston City Council. Come along and choose your winner!

Saturday 15th April 12:30 – 16:30, Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Rd, PR1 1HT – Free Entry.

PRESTON CIRCLE DANCING – Join us in inspiring and uplifting dances from around the world. No partner needed. Dancing experience not essential.

Saturday 15th April 12:45 – 14:45, Galloway Hall, Brackenbury Rd, Fulwood, PR2 3BS. £5 (or pay what you can).

A SPRINGTIME CONCERT BY FRECKLETON BRASS BAND – The band, who regularly entertain each year with their sell-out Christmas Concert, is returning to The Playhouse for a Springtime Concert of music; some familiar and some new.

Saturday 15th April Doors: 18:45, Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, PR1 2HB

From £10.50. Click here to book or call the Box Office: 01772 252288

FESTIVAL LAUNCH WITH HAROLD SALISBURY, KTB VOICE & SOUTH RIBBLE STRINGS – Harold Salisbury – clarinet, saxophones, and flute playing with a guitarist and a bass player. In a long career, Harold has covered the full gamut of jazz. From New Orleans to Free Improvised Music and just about everything in between. New Orleans with Thomas Jefferson, Wingy Manone, and Nat Gonella. Mainstream with Pat Hawes and Al Fairweather at London’s 100 Club.

The KTB Voice is a female chamber choir based in Midge Hall, Leyland, whose repertoire ranges from traditional and contemporary classical works to musical theatre and rock arrangements.

South Ribble Strings are planning to play the Forest of Bowland Suite by Lakeland composer Christopher Gibbs.

Sunday 16th April Doors: 13:30, St. George’s Church, Preston.

Free Entry with retiring collection.

PRESTON THE JERUSALEM OF TEMPERANCE – GUIDED WALK WITH STEVE HARRISON – The Temperance Guided Walk was offered last year to commemorate the 190th Anniversary of the establishment of Preston as the ‘Jerusalem of Temperance’ in 1832. It was the anniversary of the ‘seven men of Preston’ signing the first total abstinence pledge, initiating the influential UK

Temperance movement. Preston was recognised in the 19^th and 20th centuries as ‘the birthplace of teetotalism’. This is another chance to join this guided walk. Last year the walk sold out very quickly so it is being offered again during the 2023 Arts Festival. The walk will start in front of the Blue Bell Pub in Church Street and visit locations in Preston city centre which played a pivotal role in the development of the Temperance movement.

Sunday 16th April 14:00 – 15:30, Meet in front of the Blue Bell pub on Church Street.

£4 (plus booking fee).

BEYOND YOUR DESIGN PLUS ONLY THE RIGHTEOUS PLUS GUESTS – Beyond Your Design are a three-piece melodic death metal/metalcore band from the East Midlands established in 2016. Beyond Your Designs reputation captures powerful riffs, thrashy drums, melodic hooks, snarling lead vocals and a meaningful message.

Sunday 16th April 19:00 – 23:30, The Ferret, 55 Fylde Road, Preston, PR1 2XQ

PORTRAIT CHALLENGE PRESENTATION & EXHIBITION OPENING – Join us for the unveiling of the finished portraits from the Arts Festival portrait challenge and the presentation to the winning artist. Food and drink are available to purchase, with music provided by the popular folk duo Trouble at’ Mill.

Monday 17th April 19:00, The Larder, 50 Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1DD

Free Entry.

PRESTON FOLK DANCE CLUB TASTER SESSION – Come & try different styles of English Folk Dancing. No experience or partner is required. Contact Lynn 01772 785362

Monday 17th April 19:30 – 21:45, Galloway Hall, Brackenbury Road, Preston, PR2 3BS

Free Entry and no pre-booking required.

20th CENTURY MUSICALS – PRESENTATION BY KATY BRADLEY – 20th Century Musicals: Delivered (and demonstrated) by Katy Bradley, you will learn just where and how the musical grew into its current form, including which composers influenced who from both London’s West End Theatres and across the pond from Broadway. Including songs from South Pacific, Les Misérables, Tell Me On A Sunday, and more.

Tuesday 18th April 19:00, Longton VM Bowling Club, Victory Lane (off School Lane) Longton, PR4 5DL.

Door entry fee £5

SHIRYN WYNTER – An artist from Penwortham who specialises in creating surreal, abstract storytelling pieces has caught the attention of some high-profile clients such as Kerry Katona, Dan Walker, Nadiya Bychkova, Sophie Willan, and Tamzin Outhwaite to name a few, with her uplifting, vibrant artwork. Shiryn has been asked to create a solo exhibition for Southport Flower Show for the second year running and was chosen to appear on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year.

Shiryn will be appearing for one night only, talking about her journey from the beginning to the present day, so there really will be something for everyone.

Tuesday 18th April 19:00, The Snug, The Continental, South Meadow Lane, PR1 8JP.

Free Entry. Some of Shiryn’s work will be on display, alongside a raffle to win an A4 print of Shiryn’s work with all proceeds given to charity. Follow Shiryn on Facebook and Instagram.

ADULTS POTTERY EVENING AT FIRED 4U – Join Jane to paint ready-made pottery or hand-build with clay

Wednesday 19th April 19:00 – 21:30,15-17 Hennel Ln, Walton-le-Dale, Preston PR5 4LA

Prices variable. Bookings are essential by calling 01772 203060 or online at www.fired4u.co.uk

EDITH RIGBY GUIDED WALK BY JUDY BEESTON (FRIENDS OF WINCKLEY SQUARE) – Edith Rigby, Preston’s most famous suffragette went to prison eight times to fight for votes for women. The tour takes 2 hours – you visit key locations in her life: where she was born, married, and lived. There is an opportunity to stop for tea or coffee during the Guided Walk.

Wednesday 19th April 10:00am, Meet in the centre of Winckley Square Gardens, Preston

£4 (plus booking fee). Click here to book your place!

SPILT & GUEST Unhinged and aggressive, SPILTs music throws you into a frantic dervish, a frenzied pulpit of sonic rage. Their music invites you into their strange world before it consumes you whole.

Wednesday 19th April 19:00 – 23:55, The Ferret, 55 Fylde Road, Preston, PR1 2XQ

£5.50.

LEYLAND BAND – The internationally renowned and award-winning Leyland brass band in concert. An independent band of some 30 musicians, their repertoire is extensive and broad to appeal to all tastes. Classical transcriptions, music from the shows, great marches, movie themes, popular songs and stunning solos all form part of the standard fare of Leyland’s appearances. Refreshments are available.

Thursday 20th April 20:00, Harrington Lecture Theatre, UCLan, Victoria St, PR1 7QS

£10.00 or £5.00 for students. For booking, click here.

SCANDALOUS LANCASHIRE: MAD, BAD & DANGEROUS TO KNOW – Join us for an afternoon of public readings and displays of artwork by local writers and artists on the theme of Scandalous Lancashire: ‘Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know’, spoken by Caroline Lamb of her lover, Lord Byron. The products of a creative writing and arts project, Vicci McCann, Senior Archivist, provided archive resources and hosts these events.

Friday 21st April 14:00 – 16:00, Lancashire Archive, Bow Lane, Preston.

Free Entry

FILM SHOWING AND Q&A WITH MILLIE HINE – Millie Hine is a 17-year-old, multi-award-winning screenwriter and director. Making her first film at age 12, Millie has always had a passion for bringing her characters and ideas to life. Entirely self-taught, Millie has used her spare time to continue creating, planning, and building the universes in which her next set of characters will find their adventure. Her first feature screenplay went on to win first place in the first film festival she entered, winning over screenplays that had received $2,000,000 in production deals while her latest film premiered in Times Square, New York in October 2022.

Saturday 22nd April 14:00, Newman College, Larkhill Road, Preston, PR1 4HD

Free Entry

WARTS AND ALL – AN ALTERNATIVE HISTORY OF OLIVER CROMWELL – Dean Taylor Productions has become the brand leader for the North of England. Touring theatre indoors and out, rain or shine! It has presented a variety of plays, including William Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, ‘The Merchant of Venice’ and ‘The Tempest’ around some of the most exclusive environs in the North. Now Dean Taylor Productions are back presenting a cabaret style performance of ‘Warts and All’ written by Dennis Crompton and Dean Taylor. A bar and food are available. Disabled and Free Parking.

Saturday 22nd April Doors: 18:30,The Harreaves Room, Mill Cafe, St Catherines Hospice

Lostock Hall, Preston, PR5 5XU.

£15 per person or £12 parties of four and over. You can book here online.

SABBOTAGE – BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTE BAND – Sabbotage arrived on the scene in November 2014. Formed from the ashes of the already established Sabbath Tribute Snowblind. Immediately it was obvious that this band would become the most authentic and by far the best Black Sabbath tribute in the UK.

All of the band are highly accomplished and experienced musicians sharing a great passion for early Black Sabbath in particular, which results in an unforgettable experience for all having the privilege to see them perform live.

Saturday 22nd April 19:00 – 23:55,The Continental, Sth Meadow Lane, Preston. PR1 8JP

£10 advanced, £12 on door. For booking click here.

ART EXHIBITION & PRESENTATION – A joint exhibition between 2 of Preston’s established arts groups, New Longton Artists and Preston Art Society. There will be presentation of trophies by the local well known artist Norman Long at 11am on Saturday 22nd. Light refreshments available. Free parking.

Saturday 22nd/Sunday 23rd April, 10:00 – 16:00, New Longton Village Hall, Boundary Close, PR4 4BD

Free Entry.

GHIBERTI’S GATES OF PARADISE – SPEAKER RICHARD CATMORE – The Arts Festival in 2022 welcomed back Richard Catmore. He delivered a talk on seven artists who, over the past 100 years, have used the North as inspiration for their work. This was a huge hit and Richard has agreed to return next year to talk about another interest of his: Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise, the doors of the Baptistry in Florence, which are generally regarded as a Renaissance Masterpiece. A fine cast of them are held in the Harris Museum, previously on the left as you enter the rotunda. How so? That’s part of Richard’s talk. A donation from ticket sales will be given to Richard’s chosen charity.

Tuesday 25th April 19:30, Upstairs at Stanley Arms, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1DA

£5.00 entry or you can also book here online.

POETRY EVENING – DAMSON POETS – Once a month Damson Poets entertains the public at The Continental pub on South Meadow Lane – Preston by inviting established poets to read their work to an engaging crowd.

All welcome. If you wish to perform, please arrive at 19.00 to register for a 5 minute slot. Event to commence at 19.30. The theme for the evening will be April.

Wednesday 26th April 19:00, The Continental, Sth Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JP.

Free Entry.

THE HALL PLAYERS PRESENT ‘GASLIGHT’ DIRECTED BY MAUREEN NICKSON – Gaslight is a psychological thriller, set in Victorian times; a dark tale of a marriage based on deceit and trickery.

Wednesday 26th – 29th April 19:30, Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, PR1 2HB.

Tickets: £11 Concessions £10. For booking click here.

A CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTINE CHERRY – Christine is a Preston-based ceramicist and finalist of the Great British Throwdown in 2022. The conversation will explore her work, career and TV experience. A donation from ticket sales will be given to St Catherine’s Hospice, Christine’s chosen charity.

Thursday 27th April 19:30, Upstairs at The Guild Ale House. 56 Lancaster Rd, PR1 1DD

£5 entry. Don’t miss out and book here now.

GNOD PLUS GUESTS – Beginning life as a shamanic drone ensemble, at times fitting up to 15 members on stage, these early rituals informed the core ideals that have come to define the group in their years of activity; community and trance-inducing repetition.

Gnod have taken their own unique place in truly independent music and charged it with a bludgeoning new edge that is as euphoric as it is nihilistic. It is one that stridently attests to the group’s spiritual centre, one of community that is inclusive and respectful of its audience yet will never placate to their expectations. Instead, Gnod offer a gateway to an aural black hole and along with a firm guiding hand, the opportunity to dive head and body first into a powerfully new psychedelic maelstrom full of possibilities.

Thursday 27th April 19:00 – 23:55, The Ferret, 55 Fylde Road. Preston, PR1 2XQ.

£13.20. To book click here.

FIND YOUR VOICE SINGING CLASSES WITH JOYCE TINDSLEY – ‘Do you enjoy singing? Would you like to improve your technique? Come and join a friendly group of singers and take part in an hour of vocal exercises, then sit back and enjoy their masterclass concert. Queries to jmtindsley@gmail.com.

Joyce is a singing teacher and vocal coach with over 30 years of experience, working with adults of all ages and abilities. She is constantly updating her teaching skills and at the moment is in her 3rd year of an MA in Vocal Pedagogy at the Voice Study Centre.

Friday 28th April 10:45 – 12:45, The Venue, Hoole Village Memorial Hall, PR4 5QU.

Free. No need to book, just turn up.

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT – KATY BRADLEY – A concert entitled Music of the Night featuring Katy Bradley (keys and vocal), Helen Latham (vocal), Michael Bilsbrough (vocal) with the KTB Music Theatre Chorus. MC Stephen Hall. See advert.

Friday 28th April 19:30, St. George’s Church, George’s Road, PR1 2NP

£10.00 entry or pay at the door.

LOCKSTEP WITH KEN NICOL – Preston’s own renowned folk music guitarist widely famous for playing with the Albion Band and Steeleye Span playing with his own band in his own city.

Ken is a highly acclaimed musician, singer, songwriter, producer, playwright and composer. Ken has been a member of Steeleye Span and The Albion Band and worked with artists ranging from Al Stewart to Phil Cool.

Playing with Ken in LOCKSTEP are: Paul Burgess (10CC) – drums, Norman Helm – bass, Wendy Ross – violin (Magna Carta).

Friday 28th April 20:00, The Continental, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JP

£11 (including booking fee). Click here to book.

PRESTON ORPHEUS CHOIR SPRING CONCERT

The concert programme features Gounod’s melodic and uplifting Messe Solennelle de Sainte Cécile and Schubert’s Mass in G. Musical Director Nathan Smith.

Saturday 29th April 19:30, St. Mary’s Church, Penwortham, PR1 0AH

Adults £12.00 in advance, £14.00 on the door. Under 18’s £5.00.

PRESTON MAYOR’S BALL & VIP DRINKS RECEPTION – The Mayor’s Coronation Ball. (a black tie event) Tickets are £45.00. Event starts at 7 pm in the Harrington Building, UCLAN. The Intact Choir will perform before the meal which starts approx. 7.45pm, followed by a raffle and auction, then live music entertainment from Callum Thomas and dancing for all until midnight. Prior to this, the event will start with a VIP Drinks Reception at 6.15pm, located on the rooftop terrace of the new UCLan Student Centre overlooking the city skyline. Live music entertainment here will be provided by Preston Arts Festival, namely Katy Bradley (keys/vocal), Michael Bilsbrough (vocal) and Michael Mayor (bass), and will form a part of the city’s arts festival. Attendance at this will be an additional £10.00

Saturday 29th April 18:15, Harrington Building, UCLan, Victoria Street, Preston, PR 7QS.

£45.00 (plus extra £10.00 if attending VIP drinks reception).

COMPANY OF VOYCES – ROBIN STOPFORD – A short concert given by ‘Company of Voyces’ featuring the work of women composers. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

Sunday 30th April 14:00, All Saints Church, New Longton.

Tickets: Adults £8 Children £2

For more information check out the new Preston Arts Festival website.

Facebook: @prestonartsfestival
Instagram: @prestonartsfestival
Twitter: @arts_preston

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