Summer nights to see free live music under Preston Markets canopy

A band performing outside The Orchard under the Preston Markets canopy — One the of popular trial gigs that took place last year

Live music is coming to the Preston Markets canopy on Saturday nights this summer after a successful crowdfunder campaign.

Gary Quinn of The Orchard is behind the project, which comes in the wake of a number of successful trial events outside the craft beer bar last year. Featuring local musicians and a mixture of original music and covers, the paid gigs were free to access and attracted a wide audience.

Now the gigs are set to return after The Orchard’s Spacehive crowdfunder raised £3,783 to help with the cost of hiring bands.

Speaking to Blog Preston, Gary said: “We’d like to thank Lancashire County Council for their matching donation and Councillor Martyn Rawlinson for helping with the set up, but most of all we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated.

“The market is a fantastic space that can be used for all different types of events and hopefully we showcase this with what we put on. It’s such a unique space and every band we’ve had absolutely loves playing here. We have some amazing bands planned for this year, from classic rock, punk, ska, indie and everything in between.”

Gary added: “We’re calling on the people of Preston to come and show their support for live music like they have in the past. Hosting these events is a huge cost for such a small business like ours but with everyone’s support we hope to continue for many years.

“Once the cinema complex is open next year this part of the city can really take off. For now, we can’t wait for the events to begin – fingers crossed the sun will start shining.”

For updates, follow The Orchard on Facebook.

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This story was made possible by support from you, our readers ,and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an event or arts project in the city we should be covering, send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk.