Hints have been dropped about what to expect for this year’s Lancashire Encounter Festival.

Preston city centre will be turned into a cultural paradise for three days in September.

The Encounter Festival has secured funding from Arts Council, Lancashire County Council and the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund to have the largest war chest yet for the festival.

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Working with the likes of Head For The Hills means the Encounter Festival is due to have the strongest programme yet for entertainment and events in the city between Friday 15 September to Sunday 17 September.

Preston City Council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure services councillor Peter Kelly said: “We’re extremely grateful for the generous funding received, which has been instrumental in ensuring the continued success and growth of the Encounter Festival. The support of Arts Council England, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Lancashire County Council exemplifies their commitment to fostering artistic excellence and creating an unforgettable cultural experience for all attendees.

“With this funding, Encounter Festival is poised to deliver a vibrant and inclusive celebration of Preston heritage, further solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar.”

The festival is due to take place across the Flag Market, Preston Markets, Preston Bus Station and many surrounding streets.

A torchlight procession will take place as usual on the Saturday evening and organisers have launched a crowdfunding appeal and call for community groups to get involved.

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Executive producer for the Encounter Festival Esther Ferry-Kennington said: “I’m so pleased to be given the opportunity to build on the programme and relationships developed so far for Preston through Encounter Festival. I hope our torchlight procession goes from strength to strength as we get closer to the next Guild in 2032, bringing together all of Preston’s communities for one almighty celebration.”

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