A giant tent has gone up in part of the car park at Tesco in Blackpool Road.

Known as the MET (Mobile Event Tent) it is returning to Ribbleton for a second summer.

Hosting a variety of events – from film showings, to dance workshops, to cooking – the white tent is in its fifth run in the city.

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In Certain Places, Professor Charles Quick, one of the team behind the MET said they were returning to Ribbleton because of how accessible the site had been.

He said: “We had a fantastic time last summer, when it was Morrisons, and we’ve had great support from Tesco this year too.

“Part of the mission of the MET is to bring culture, events and arts experiences to communities who may not traditionally access them.

“What we do is put the programme of events in by asking those who live nearby, in Deepdale, Ribbleton, Brookfield, St Matthews, what it is they want to see and do. And then we go away and find people to put those events on. I think part of the attraction was there’s free parking, there’s good and multiple bus routes and for many people you could just walk here too.

“So last year we had an Abba tribute act on. People told us they wanted their kids to understand they were an actual band and not just linked to a film. A Saturday night and this place was full and everyone was having a great time dancing to Abba!”

Last summer’s MET in Ribbleton saw 1,500 people attend more than 40 events.

Professor Quick said: “This summer’s events will be just as eclectic, we’ve got how to cook with an air fyer demos, a silent disco, music composing, the Ribbleton Boys performing and lots more.

“Once people come inside the tent they are really taken aback and don’t want to leave. We get great sound in here, the proper floor comes out and we have this lovely artwork all the way around.”

The MET is on from Monday 8 July to Sunday 4 August, events are free but need to be booked on the Visit Preston website.

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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 arts project or event in the city we should be covering, send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk