Encounter Festival returns

Encounter Festival lands at The Harris Quarter on Saturday, 19 September with a jam-packed programme of fun for all the family. Expect walk-about theatre, interactive performances, music, workshops and much more!

Presented by Preston City Council, Encounter Festival transforms the city centre into an open-air stage, bringing together internationally acclaimed artists, local talent and cultural experiences for audiences of all ages.

Visitors can experience the immersive world of Hydropunk by Artizani, while Levantes Dance Theatre presents the uplifting outdoor performance HUG. Audiences can also enjoy the quirky antics of Ramshacklicious' Mr Burn, explore the interactive sound world of Noisy Noise, and discover the curious creatures of The Ugly Bugs Wingding by Enter Edem.

This year, they’ve teamed up with Josh from Wolf Entertainments for an exciting Horrockses-themed commission. Celebrating Preston’s most iconic label, Josh will be bringing the designs to life in a new and interesting way. It’ll be an all-out Horrockses Fashions frenzy as The Harris also launches its 80th anniversary exhibition on the same day.

Making appearances throughout the day and into the evening will be the spectacular Arachnobot by Tim Davies Design, roaming the city centre ahead of the evening celebrations.

As day turns to night, the spectacular Torchlight Procession will take centre stage as it weaves its way through Preston city centre. Over 500 people are expected to take part, filling the streets of Preston with music, dancing and light. This is something you don’t want to miss.

Best of all, it’s completely free – and with the summer holidays behind us, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy one last big day out together before autumn really gets underway.

Join in the fun and celebrate Preston’s annual festival of arts and culture, in the heart of the city centre.