A Weekend of Creativity and Fireworks at Preston's Encounter Festival 2024

Get ready, Preston! The Encounter Festival is back, promising a weekend packed with fun, creativity, and, of course, a spectacular fireworks display to top off Saturday's torchlight procession.

Taking place on Saturday, 21st and Sunday, 22nd of September, this year's festival has something for everyone – from cultural performances to lively street parades and a dazzling finale.

The Torchlight Procession

Saturday evening kicks off with the legendary Torchlight Procession, starting at Moor Park and making its way through the city to The Flag Market, where a fantastic fireworks display will bring the day to a close at 9pm. This year's procession is set to impress with a fantastic mix of performers, music, and dance.

Leading the way is the newly commissioned all-female brass band, BRAZEN, celebrating the incredible talent of women brass players with a sound that’s sure to lift your spirits. Adding to the magic are The Lumens, a stilt-walking duo dressed in colour-changing fibre optic lights and mirrored suits.

The procession doesn’t stop there – the vibrant energy of Preston City Mela and the Caribbean Carnival will add a burst of bright costumes and infectious rhythm to the parade. Plus, you’ll see traditional favourites like the Hellfyre Magpie Fire Border Morris Team and the Rivington North West Morris Dancers, alongside some of the best Carnival Morris troupes.

And it’s not just about the music and dancing. Expect to see Jenisha Patel's Bollywood Dance School, Worldwise Samba, Jazz Swing Dance, Bay Beat, and the quirky Cacophony Arkestra bringing their own unique performances to the event, making it an eclectic mix of entertainment that’ll keep you smiling all night long.

Fireworks Finale and More

As the Torchlight Procession comes to an end, get ready for the grand finale – a stunning fireworks display at 9pm on The Flag Market. It’s the perfect way to cap off an evening of celebration, with colours bursting across the night sky in a fitting end to a day of fun and creativity.

But the fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets! From 6:30pm you can head to The Flag Market for a drink and a dance with DJs Soulhouse Avenue and Buddha spinning the tunes. It’s a great chance to explore Preston's local bars and eateries and sample the fantastic food and drink the city has to offer.

More to Explore at the Encounter Festival

The fun isn’t just limited to the Torchlight Procession and fireworks display. Across the two days, the whole of Preston will be buzzing with creativity.

On Saturday, you can play on a giant marble run, groove at a chilled silent disco, and enjoy a range of epic shows at the Bus Station and The Flag Market.

Check out the Community and Traditions Stage featuring choirs and Qawwali performances, showcasing the many amazing groups that perform in Preston throughout the year. And don’t miss out on the various shop windows transformed into story boxes, showcasing the 'Ribble of Dreams' installations – an interactive collaboration by theatre company imitating the dog and the people of Preston.

From stilt walkers to fire performers, and everything in between, there’s so much to see and do. The Encounter Festival is all about celebrating the diversity and creativity of Preston, so whether you’re a local or just visiting, it's worth a visit.

How to Get There

The festivities are scattered across the city, from Moor Park to The Flag Market, so you’re never far from the action. The torchlight procession starts at Moor Park and makes its way down to The Flag Market for the fireworks finale.

If you’re driving in, there are several car parks available around the city centre, but get there early as spaces fill up quickly. Alternatively, Preston is well-served by public transport, with regular trains and buses running to and from the city centre.

Don’t Miss Out!

With a jam-packed schedule of events, performances, and an epic fireworks finale, Preston's Encounter Festival 2024 promises a weekend full of excitement, entertainment. Whether you're there for the procession, the fireworks, or just to soak in the lively atmosphere, this is one event you won't want to miss!

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