How Ptown Collective is building community and bottling up big city energy in Preston

Ptown Collective litter pick near Newman College in March

A new group called Ptown Collective is creating connections in Preston through activity, music, food, art and culture.

Founded by 28-year-old Prestonian Gaby Ingham, the collective runs three events a month under the banners of something physical, something social, and something that gives back. So far, that’s included Jog Off Mondays, a Christmas singalong, al fresco drawing, hikes and litter picks

Gaby, who has spent her career in people-focused roles and currently works for a local mental health charity, told Blog Preston: “It’s all about building community, collaborating with independents, and bottling up big city energy and keeping it local.”

Gaby (on the left) founded Ptown Collective — Ptown Collective founder Gaby (on the left) with her friend Saskia at Hoppers

She adds: “I’ve seen how powerful real human connection can be for wellbeing, and I wanted to create something that makes it easier for people to find that.”

The group is mainly aimed at people in their 20s and 30s, but it’s open to anyone who can get behind the idea and who, in Gaby’s words, “isn’t a dick.”

The PTown Collective Christmas Do with Gaby in the centre

“Life in your 20s and 30s can be proper weird” says Gaby. “Friends move away, people settle down, work takes over… and suddenly you feel like you need to get off the beers, buy a whoop band, and do a half marathon.

“It’s true and if we’re going to deep it, connection is crucial – not just for fun but for your mental health. Lancashire has the second-highest suicide rate in the UK, and that’s not okay.

“We need spaces where people can show up as they are, feel part of something, and have a laugh while doing some good – for themselves, with others, and for others. The holy trinity! And it’s not intense; it’s relaxed, friendly, and naturally boosts your serotonin.”

While the idea of creating a community in Preston had been brewing for a while, the spark for Ptown Collection came while Gaby was out running with Red Rose Runners.

“I ended up chatting with a guy called Mick. His kids were grown up, and he filled his time with community stuff, just being sound and showing up.

“It made me think: what if there was something that brought men, women, everyone together under one roof? That morning, I went home and hyper focused on our aim, our mission, graphics, social calendar. After a few voice notes to my boyfriend and pals – who loved it – I set up the socials that evening and just went for it.”

Ptown Collective's March Ale Trails saw the group walk up Parlick Fell, before enjoying a Guinness at Owd Nells — Ptown Collective’s March Ale Trails saw the group walk up Parlick Fell, before enjoying a Guinness at Owd Nells

In the first five months, Ptown Collective’s Instagram attracted over 1,200 followers.

Gaby says highlights have included seeing people who came alone walk away with new mates, and getting messages after events from people saying how much they’ve enjoyed themselves.

“It makes it all worthwhile when you’re trying to balance full-time work, keep it fresh, and do it with zero funding!”

A key part of Ptown Collective’s ethos is working with local independents to keep money in the city and support the scene. They in turn continue to inspire Gaby.

“The craft ale scene is great – Winckley Street, Plug & Taps, Chain House, Crafty’s – they all support local creatives, showcase art, host pop-ups.

“Preston Beer Girls, Society1, and The Ferret have all been really inspiring. And Market Street West has that Northern Quarter vibe.”

Gaby adds: “Arts and culture in Preston is buzzing. There’s real talent and passion here, we just need more investment and support. Preston only gets £2 per person from the Arts Council compared to Manchester’s £52.

“We’re hoping to do our bit to close that gap by applying for funding, hosting events, and shouting about what’s already going on.”

Upcoming events include the Glory Days fundraiser for War Child UK on Thursday 17 April at ARTCH. Plans are also in the works for a yoga and brew morning in Avenham Park, a Yorkshire Three Peaks fundraiser, interactive games nights, more hikes, exhibitions, and music.

Long-term, Gaby hopes to grow Ptown Collective and maybe even have a space of its own.

“But mostly, my aim is to keep showing up, building community, and having fun doing it.

“Preston’s got warmth built in. The chats with strangers, the hellos in shops – we’re friendly people. We’re just tapping into what’s already there and building something that feels like home.”

To find out more, follow @_ptowncollective on Instagram. Events will be added to Blog Preston’s listings.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See more of what’s on in Preston

This story was made possible by 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, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.