We somehow always manage to pop this annual post out when the weather is glorious. Purely by chance! But, we've already started planning #Preston's festive event of the year. There are exciting and affordable opportunities for huge brand exposure by partnering with us on the city's Christmas Lights Switch on event, attended by thousands of people. If you'd like to get involved and maximise business awareness at a key time of year, get in touch. Email: [email protected]

Preston Weekender Delivers City Boost! Preston cemented its growing reputation as a destination for live events, following the resounding success of this year’s Preston Weekender, organised by Preston BID and Preston City Council. Drawing visitors from across the country, and beyond, the event transformed the city into a vibrant hub of music, culture, and entertainment. Hotels across the city were at capacity throughout the weekend, with many bars, restaurants, and venues, noting a surge in trade. For Saturday’s Cream gig, 43% of ticket holders came from Lancashire, with the event drawing in 57% of attendees from across the north west, the wider UK, and even Europe, with some guests flying in from Malta, Poland and Greece! Dance music icon Paul Oakenfold headlined alongside hit maker Joel Corry, who said: “It was an awesome night, I absolutely loved playing the gig”. Paul and Joel were very ably supported by Preston favourites, Brian Hudson and Jason Marx, and Cream's 'Kola'. Sunday’s gig was offered as a free event, for families across the city and beyond, featuring performances from the renowned Bjorn Again, and master magician & Britain’s Got Talent champ, Harry Moulding. Across the Weekender city centre footfall was up year on year, by 23%, also boosted by additional activity like the PNE home game, Canopy of Colour and pay weekend. Weekender attendees spent time enjoying Preston’s offer before and after the events, with the daytime gatherings and late-night headline shows showcasing Preston at its very best, welcoming and energetic. Cat Fin, owner of Preston’s renowned ‘Pintxos’, said: “The Preston Weekender shows that people can and will come into the city to spend money. “Operationally we change our vibe for the weekend, and this one was a huge success, not only for the city, but as an independent venue we had people visiting from across Lancashire for pre-event food and post-event drinks. “I grew up on Ibiza Cream Classics, so my father and I had a lovely little rave upstairs where we could see the headliners from our seat, because his knees aren't what they used to be!" Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the upgrade of the Saturday event, the programming, and the atmosphere across the city. Many visitors went on to highlight Preston’s accessibility, and the warm welcome from local businesses and residents. The Weekender attracted major artists and leading brands, further underlining Preston’s growing reputation on the events stage. High profile performances and branded activations helped elevate the event, bringing additional visibility and credibility to proud Preston. Mark Whittle from Preston BID, said: “This year’s Preston Weekender exceeded expectations. Seeing people travel from all over the UK to experience what the city has to offer is a huge bonus. The support from residents, visitors, local businesses, artists, and brand partners has been incredible. “With the backing of business, the wider city and the Council, we hope that in the not too distant future, that the Preston Weekender becomes an even bigger event; one that’s widely recognised and that brings even more people in to our great city.” Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive of Preston City Council said: “The 2026 edition of The Preston Weekender has been a powerful demonstration of what our city can achieve. The scale of attendance, an uplift in footfall, and the clear economic impact for local businesses, underline the importance of events like this to Preston’s continued growth. “We are incredibly proud of what has been delivered and excited about the opportunity to build on this success in the years ahead.” Local stakeholders echoed the sentiment, pointing to the economic and cultural impact of the event. With hotels brimming, venues seeing an uptick, and increased city centre footfall, the Weekender has delivered a measurable boost for Preston. Lauren Taylor, of Walker & Williams Aparthotels, said: “We saw a fantastic boost in trade during the Preston Weekender; with our No.10 boutique apartments booked out across the entire event. “The atmosphere across the city was incredible, with a real buzz that could be felt by visitors and businesses alike. Events like this not only drive strong occupancy and footfall, but also shine a spotlight on Preston as a vibrant, welcoming destination with much to offer. “The Weekender is a brilliant showcase of the city’s culture, hospitality and community spirit, and it plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and the wider visitor economy. “We’d love to see more events of this scale and ambition in the future, continuing to celebrate and highlight our brilliant city while attracting even more people to experience everything Preston has to offer.” As the event’s reputation continues to build, plans are already underway to grow the Weekender even further, with more city engagement, bigger audiences, and more renowned artists, in the years ahead.

Here's the stage times for Sunday's Family Fest event, part of the Preston Weekender! 🤩 Last couple of FREE tickets remaining: ThePrestonWeekender.com

Coming to the @PRWeekender? The city's got some brilliant pre and post party celebrations taking place, check them out - you'll be well looked after... make a weekend of it, you deserve it! tinyurl.com/PrestonsGotYou

PRESTON WEEKENDER SET FOR SELL-OUT SUCCESS AS SUNSHINE AND CITY-WIDE BUZZ BUILD Preston is preparing for an unforgettable Bank Holiday weekend as the highly anticipated Preston Weekender edges closer to a complete sell-out, with both flagship events drawing huge demand and nationwide attention. Tickets have been flying, and organisers have confirmed that capacity across the weekend is close to being reached. The surge in interest reflects not only the strength of the lineup, but the growing reputation of Preston as a must-visit destination for live events. Adding to the excitement, the weather is bringing an unexpected bonus: wall-to-wall sunshine. In a welcome twist, the weather is set to be unusually bright and warm, “untypically Preston-like”, with clear skies expected across both days, creating the perfect backdrop for a weekend of music, culture, and celebration. The city is already feeling the impact. Hotels are fully booked, local businesses are gearing up for a bumper bank holiday and visitors are travelling from across the UK to be part of the experience. International interest has also surged, with fans flying in from as far as Poland and Malta to catch legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold, who headlines alongside chart-topping favourite Joel Corry. Mark Whittle from Preston BID, organisers of the event, said: “Prestonians have given their backing to the Preston Weekender, helping the event to grow year on year. “This year, for the first time ever, it will be a guaranteed sell-out, with no tickets available on the gate. “As well as seeing so many people from the wider city eager to celebrate this brilliant weekend of live performances, we’re proud to be welcoming people from every corner of the UK, and further afield, so that they too can feel the warmth of a proper Preston welcome”. Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive at Preston City Council said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see the level of interest in The Preston Weekender, and with that comes a real opportunity for our city centre. We’re expecting a strong increase in footfall, which will benefit our shops, bars, and restaurants. We’d encourage attendees to explore, support local businesses, and make the most of everything Preston has to offer.” Saturday’s high energy atmosphere will set the tone, before the event transforms into a vibrant, family-friendly celebration on Sunday. The second day promises a packed programme featuring a diverse range of performances, with many local artists taking to the stage, alongside big names, showcasing the depth of talent that Preston has to offer. Paul Oakenfold, co-headliner of the Saturday event, said: “I’m really looking forward to heading up to Preston. Having done shows in every corner of the globe, I still recognise the warmth and welcome from northern audiences. “Playing the Weekender’s Cream event is a homecoming for me, I cannot wait to take to the stage and celebrate the power of music with a sold out crowd in Preston”. There is a real sense of anticipation building across the city. From music lovers to families, businesses to visitors, Preston is coming together to celebrate what promises to be a standout moment in the city’s cultural calendar. With sunshine on the horizon, a near sell-out crowd, and an electric lineup, the Preston Weekender is shaping up to be a defining event; one that highlights the very best of Preston and its growing status as a vibrant destination. ThePrestonWeekender.com