‘Remarkable creative journey’ to end with outdoor exhibition revealing how people feel about Preston

First Impressions participants outside the Bus Station

A remarkable creative journey has unfolded in Preston over the past six weeks.

Brought together by a shared passion for their city, a diverse group of people who call Preston home took part in a storytelling and photography project that captured the essence of their lives and surroundings.

First Impressions – a collective portrait of Preston through the eyes of its people – has been facilitated by Dave Clayton from Wot Wud U Do and Garry Cook from Enjoy The Show.

The project invited local residents from diverse backgrounds to explore their relationship with the city, using the power of images and stories. Each participant brought their own unique perspective, resulting in a vibrant patchwork of lived experience, creative expression, and heartfelt reflection.

Dave from Wot Wud U Do said: “Over the six weeks, participants developed not only photography techniques but also storytelling skills, learning to frame their thoughts and emotions about the city through a visual lens.

“The result? A stunning collection of photographs that document the beauty, the challenges, and the spirit of Preston. From overlooked corners to moments of community, these images offer an honest and moving social commentary on the city and the people who make it special.”

An outdoor exhibition lasting several weeks will be held in Winckley Square Gardens, where the public are invited to experience the photographs up close, surrounded by the very environment that inspired many of the images.

Dave added: “We’re especially grateful to Friends of Winckley Square for their unwavering support throughout the project. Their involvement helped ensure the project was rooted in one of Preston’s most cherished green spaces – a place that has long been a meeting point for stories, history, and community.

“As the images go on display and conversations grow from them, we hope First Impressions continues to inspire others to look again at the places they live, to notice more deeply, and to share what they see.”

The First Impressions outdoor photography exhibition launches at 12.30pm on Saturday (12 April) when participants will present their work and their story of Preston.

This project was made possible through Crowdfund Lancashire, a Lancashire County Council initiative that supports grassroots creativity.

A year of culture: How your support helped Blog Preston deliver daily arts coverage

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