Britain's only large-scale mobile arts centre announces its 2026 programme
The MET – the UK's only fully mobile, modular arts centre – is returning to Larches and Savick this summer, bringing an exciting programme of 45 free and affordable events to St Bernard's Community Hub from 18 July to 15 August.
Following a hugely successful debut in 2022, The MET will once again transform a community hub car park into a vibrant cultural destination, giving residents access to theatre, live music, workshops, family activities, talks and wellbeing sessions – all within a 20-minute walk for most local people.
Designed to remove barriers to accessing arts and culture, The MET has been created with and for the local community, ensuring the programme reflects the interests, cultures and aspirations of those who live in Larches, Savick and the surrounding areas.
This year's programme offers something for everyone, from cultural celebrations from the community including Polish Day and Bollywood Night, community choirs and live music performances to creative workshops, history talks, family entertainment, circus skills, sustainability events.
Alongside the entertainment, the programme also features dedicated wellbeing events, veterans' activities, dementia-friendly sessions, neurodiverse experiences and opportunities to learn new skills.
Emma Caffrey, Community Coordinator and local resident said: "The MET is about making arts and culture accessible to everyone by bringing incredible experiences directly to people's doorstep. We know that for many families, travelling to theatres, galleries or performance venues isn't always possible, so we're turning that around by creating a professional arts venue right in the heart of the community.
"It's wonderful for it to be returning to Larches and Savick after such a successful first year. The response from local residents showed just how important it is to have high-quality cultural experiences available where people live. The programme has once again been shaped with the community, ensuring there is something for every age, interest and background. We hope The MET inspires creativity, brings people together and creates lasting memories throughout the summer."
Since launching in 2022, The MET has demonstrated the power of taking culture directly into communities. It made its debut in Preston last year and aims to tackle barriers to participation while creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience arts, heritage and creativity close to home.
Events throughout the four-week programme this year will range from free drop-in activities and workshops to affordable ticketed performances, ensuring cost is not a barrier to participation.
Highlights include the energetic Worldwise Samba Drummers, Best of Preston – Legends, family circus skills, PCW Wrestling, creative theatre workshops, music-making sessions, local history talks, arts and crafts, food preparation workshops, sustainability activities and the Sounds Out Closing Party.
Residents can also enjoy community-led celebrations, wellbeing sessions and opportunities to meet local organisations, reinforcing The MET's role as much more than a performance venue – it is a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, create and celebrate together.
Details of the full programme and to secure tickets for all bookable events from Monday 29th June visit www.visitpreston.com/The-Met