Preston Weekender is due to go ahead in 2024 after a series of setbacks including the Guild Hall having ‘crumbly concrete’ in roof panels.

The event is now due to take place on Saturday 4 May-Sunday 5 May 2024, which is Bank Holiday weekend.

It will be hosted at the Flag Market, as originally advertised, after organisers have not been able to secure an indoor venue.

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A spokesperson said: “Firstly, we appreciate people’s patience as we worked to secure an alternative venue, owing to the Guild Hall having RAAC issues, and whilst we liaised with numerous performers and suppliers to secure their availability.”

They added: “Despite out best efforts, we have been unable to secure an indoor venue, in the city centre that’s big enough to host these events. Remedial works on the Guild Hall are likely to take some time, therefore the Weekender will take place outdoors, on the Flag Market.”

They have asked anyone who is unable to attend the new dates to request a refund via the ticketing platform where the tickets were purchased.

The event was due to take place in summer 2023 but was pushed back to the Autumn and moved indoors at the Guild Hall.

However, this didn’t last long as the Guild Hall was subject to further inspections after concerns ‘crumbly concrete’ is within the roof of the buildings.

Preston City Council said there is believed to be the presence of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) in the roof panels of the venue complex.

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A spokesperson for Preston City Council said: “We are taking a cautious and ‘safety first’ approach by securing the Grand Hall and Charter Theatre auditoria, until specialist consultant structural engineers can carry out a more detailed inspection.

“Unfortunately, we understand that this may take some time, as the experts required to carry out this very particular type of work are naturally prioritising school inspections. As a responsible Council, the safety of the public and our colleagues must be our number one priority.

“The venues themselves are not currently in use, but we have been working inside both on a range of safety and associated works. A small number of future events were planned for this year, and we are in discussion with the organisers about these.

“The remainder of the Guild Hall, including the ground floor trading units and Harris Library remain open for business.”

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