Source: City of Preston
Preston City Council is proud to reflect on a landmark year for the Cultural Services Team, with over 3 million people engaged in city-wide events. In 2024/25, the team delivered wide-ranging social and economic benefits through a vibrant programme of arts, events, and community engagement.
Preston City Council is proud to reflect on a landmark year for the Cultural Services Team, with over 3 million people engaged in city-wide events. In 2024/25, the team delivered wide-ranging social and economic benefits through a vibrant programme of arts, events, and community engagement.
Preston City Council’s ongoing commitment to the arts is evident through its support of diverse community-led festivals including Preston Caribbean Carnival, Windrush Festival, Preston City Mela, Preston City Wrestling, Preston Pride, and Preston Jazz and Improvisation Festival, as well as support of many artists and creatives, and community based activities including partnerships with schools, youth groups, and wellbeing organisations such as The Foxton Centre and Blue Flamingo Cafe. In a year marked by connection, creativity, and inclusion, Preston’s cultural sector reached new heights:
- Over 3 million people engaged in city-wide events
- 185 artists and creatives engaged
- 89 local events supported
- A city centre footfall increase of 1.46 million, compared to 2.5 million in 2023, contributing to £6.04 million in additional visitor spending
- 236 Harris volunteers contributed 1,549 hours of time
- 203 community activities hosted across the city
Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, said:
“Culture is the heartbeat of our city. This year’s successes show what’s possible when creativity is backed by community and commitment. From our nationally recognised festivals to grassroots workshops, Preston has embraced culture in all its forms. These achievements are a testament to the people of Preston: their passion, participation, and pride.”
Major Highlights Include:
BBC Radio 2 in the Park
BBC Radio 2 in the Park in September brought global acts like Sting, Pet Shop Boys and Sugababes to Moor Park, attracting 68,100 attendees and generating over £5 million in visitor spending. The event spotlighted Preston nationally, boosting the local economy and supporting over 2,100 jobs.
Encounter Festival
Encounter Festival explain what Encounter is cemented its status as a flagship event, uniting over 2,000 artists. Visitors described the festival as a ‘welcoming and inclusive space’ that brings communities together through shared experiences.
The MET
The MET supported dozens of creatives and became a space of community exchange. The MET has had a significant impact on the Preston community beyond its original objectives, serving as a dynamic space for social and cultural interaction. By bringing diverse events directly to the doorstep of key audience demographics – particularly those in lower socioeconomic backgrounds – has fostered stronger community ties.
The Guild Lounge
The Guild Lounge hosted thousands of visitors and the transformation into a 350-seat studio theatre saw 34 production companies supported, and 25 new roles created. Preston City Council remains committed to expanding cultural infrastructure and creating shared community spaces for year-round creative development.
View the full Cultural Services Report for 2024/25 (PDF, 23 MB).