Whether you’re doing your Christmas shopping, catching up with friends or going ‘Out Out’ Preston City Centre has all the festive cheer you’re looking for.

Supporting the high street, Preston City Council has commissioned a series of “Christmas Enhancements” to make visiting the city centre a little more special this year, working with partners to ensure there’s something extra every weekend during the festive period.

It all kicks off on Saturday 20 November with the much-anticipated Christmas Lights Switch On event, brought to you by Preston BID and Smooth Radio North West, featuring a host of famous names to get us all in the festive mood.

On Saturday 27 November join us in Winckley Square Gardens between 11am and 3pm for a magical event. Visitors will be able to meet and greet some of Father Christmas’ Reindeer, have their face painted, and have photo opportunities with the iconic sleigh, as well as an interactive snow globe.

The Reindeer and sleigh are back in Winckley Square Gardens the following weekend, Saturday 4 December, with the Salvation Army Band and the popular Record Fair, both at Preston Markets.

Returning to the Flag Market on Saturday 11 December is the ever-popular Preston Makers Market, plus bands from Salvation Army and St George the Martyr performing festive and traditional tunes at Preston Markets. Later that day, you don’t want to miss the “Bratwurst & Butter Pie” late night shopping event hosted by independent businesses on Cannon Street, Winckley Street and Guildhall Street.

The next day join The Friends of Winckley Square for their Christmas Concert in the Gardens on Sunday 12 December, 3-5.30pm.

A Winter Wonderland is coming to Winckley Square Gardens on Saturday 18 December with merry fun, refreshments and activities for all the family to enjoy. You’ll meet familiar characters, be able to take part in Christmas adventures and of course, meet with Father Christmas himself. Over at Preston Markets, there will be more festive live music.

All in all, along with selected dates and times for free city centre parking, the festive offer in 2021 is about coming back to the high street and supporting your city centre, funded by ERDF and HM Government. Not forgetting you could just visit to see the gorgeous Christmas lights and much loved traditional nativity.

Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet member for planning and regulation, said,

“We are looking forward to a great festive season, as we continue to welcome residents and visitors back to Preston.

“Along with shopping, meeting friends and enjoying nights out, these events provide a something a little extra festive, suitable for all the family.

“We hope everyone safely enjoys what’s on offer in the city centre while supporting local businesses this Christmas.”

Mark Whittle, Director of Membership Services & Preston City Centre BID Manager, added,

“Prestonians missed out on a great deal during Christmas 2020. This year, we’re all committed to making it a memorable festive period for the right reasons. We’re pleased to be supporting the City Council in staging weekly events across the month, kicking off with BID’s Christmas Lights Switch On, on November 20th.

“City centre businesses will be doing everything possible to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for visitors this Christmas and we’d ask people to shop local, support local, and enjoy local.”

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