Prestfest is back this summer - as Preston gets ready to party

Prestfest, the popular outdoor summer​ event, will take place on Preston's Flag Market on Saturday ​August 14, organisers confirmed today.
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After being unable to go ahead in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, Prestfest returns with an expanded format​ and some big name acts.

It will mark a major return to mass events in the city, coming two months after all social distancing rules are expected to be relaxed.

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The major event is organised by Preston City Centre Business Improvement District.

Prestfest had to be cancelled last yearPrestfest had to be cancelled last year
Prestfest had to be cancelled last year

Promoting Preston’s night time economy and the city’s Purple Flag award for a safe​ and vibrant night out, the event will see international acts take to the stage from 6.30pm – 11.30pm at the ticket-only event.

Performers include world-renowned DJ and producer Todd Terry, Ibiza favourite,StoneBridge, and house music pioneers The Shapeshifters, supported by local DJs.

Tickets, available for over 18s only, can be purchased at: Prestfest.live.

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​A spokesperson for the event said: “Prestfest 2019 was a great event for the city and​ ​saw record ticket sales which helped to further promote Preston’s outstanding leisure​ ​offer to a wider and varied audience.

“We want to see people back out, confidently, and safely, supporting and enjoying​ ​Preston’s venues.

​"​ 2020 was not a great year, and we’re determined to confidently​ encourage people back to experience our award-winning nightlife.

“The events planned for​ ​this year create additional, exciting reasons to​ ​experience what Preston has to offer, which is a great deal.”

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Prestfest​ is sponsored by Bar Pintxos - a ​little piece of San Sebastián coming to the heart of Preston this summer.

In celebration of the Prestfest’s fifth anniversary, a daytime programme, ‘Prestfest for​ ​Families’ will take place on the same day and is FREE to attend from 12.30pm –​ ​4pm (no tickets required).

The full line up for this event will be revealed shortly and​ ​is set to include live bands and well-known performers.

As well as ‘Prestfest’, and ‘Prestfest for Families’, Preston BID have confirmed the​ ​intention, subject to approval, to stage yet more events over the summer months​.

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Andrew Stringer, chair of BID’s City Centre’s Retail Forum said: “Prestfest is a great​ event for the city, and a daytime element seemed a natural progression.

“As with so many other places, Preston has experienced its challenges​ ​during the pandemic. Well-managed, safe events are an important element in​ ​encouraging visitors back into the city, plus, we all need something to look forward to,​ ​having missed out on a lot in 2020!”

A spokesperson for Preston BID added: “All the BID’s events go through a rigorous​ ​planning process, with safety at the fore.

​"​Plans will, as usual, be presented to the​ authorities and are subject to the government’s national roadmap remaining on track.”

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Organisers have confirmed that all events will be staged in accordance with any/all​ social distancing rules, obligatory at the time of the event.

​Also, the popular Makers Market is set to return to the city centre, one Saturday each month, from ​May 8.

Makers Market Director, Vicky Crane, said: “We are delighted that this will be the first market since restrictions are relaxed, we have really missed Preston and the local community, we can’t wait for a bit of Preston Makers Market magic​.​; we will be praying for lovely weather.

“It has been a tough time for our traders and for independent businesses in general​. We can’t wait to relaunch and support them, and join the BID and Council in promoting loudly that Preston is open, in business, and vibrant.​"​

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