Encounter Festival

Encounter Festival Celebrating diversity and culture with high-profile arts around city centre. Audiences can discover exciting things to see, do and experience.

Lancashire Encounter is packed with quality performances, workshops, quirky installations and even a night time procession. Sponsored by: The Guild Hall, Conlon Construction and David Cox.

🌧️ We’re no strangers to a bit of rain during a procession…☂️ Here’s a throwback to Encounter 2025, and Preston Guild 19...
16/04/2026

🌧️ We’re no strangers to a bit of rain during a procession…

☂️ Here’s a throwback to Encounter 2025, and Preston Guild 1992!

✨ This year, Encounter Festival will be celebrating the spirit of the Guild, stay tuned for more.

🗣️ Here’s your reminder of this year’s festival date!👋 Preston’s annual festival of arts and culture returns to the Harr...
09/04/2026

🗣️ Here’s your reminder of this year’s festival date!

👋 Preston’s annual festival of arts and culture returns to the Harris Quarter on Saturday, 19 September - see you there.

🗣️ Join the Torchlight Procession this September!🤝 We’re looking for groups who meet, practice and perform throughout La...
03/04/2026

🗣️ Join the Torchlight Procession this September!

🤝 We’re looking for groups who meet, practice and perform throughout Lancashire all year round to help us light up the streets of Preston.

💌 Interested? Get in touch with Esther at [email protected].

📣 Here’s a recap of our mission as Encounter 2026 approaches…🤝 We’re dedicated to offering a platform for Preston and La...
26/03/2026

📣 Here’s a recap of our mission as Encounter 2026 approaches…

🤝 We’re dedicated to offering a platform for Preston and Lancashire-based artists, creatives and community groups to put their talents on full display!

🗓️ Each year, we commission a number of projects. These commissions are an investment in artists and work connected to P...
18/03/2026

🗓️ Each year, we commission a number of projects. These commissions are an investment in artists and work connected to Preston.

💡 2025 saw the balcony of The Harris adorned with specialised light installations from Things That Go On Things.

🌠 Did you catch this dazzling display?

✨ Every year, Preston’s creative communities come together to put on a spectacular show for the Torchlight Procession.🗣️...
10/03/2026

✨ Every year, Preston’s creative communities come together to put on a spectacular show for the Torchlight Procession.

🗣️ Familiar favourites include Preston City Mela, Preston Caribbean Carnival, Worldwise Samba Drummers and Brazen Brass Band.

💭 Who are you looking forward to seeing this year?

♻️ At Encounter 2025, Preston City Council relaunched the Preston Green Pledge.📝 Throughout the day, festival attendees ...
06/03/2026

♻️ At Encounter 2025, Preston City Council relaunched the Preston Green Pledge.

📝 Throughout the day, festival attendees added their own pledge to the Throne of Pledges.

🔗 Make a Preston Pledge here: https://bit.pulse.ly/k0nx993gsb

📸 Lesley Wilkinson

✏️ Mark your calendars, as Preston’s free annual festival of arts and culture returns on Saturday, 19 September!🌟 For th...
26/02/2026

✏️ Mark your calendars, as Preston’s free annual festival of arts and culture returns on Saturday, 19 September!

🌟 For the 11th edition of the festival, we will be bringing you performances, workshops and more.

✨ 2015 was the year the magic began!🗓️ The first Encounter was staged in 2015 as a pilot, with the festival attracting 2...
18/02/2026

✨ 2015 was the year the magic began!

🗓️ The first Encounter was staged in 2015 as a pilot, with the festival attracting 20,000 visitors from across the Lancashire region.

📸 Here’s a shot from the pilot, captured by Preston Photographic Society.

👀 A familiar face is set to return for Encounter 2026.⚽ Our large scale Arthur Wharton puppet, created by Wonder Made Wi...
10/02/2026

👀 A familiar face is set to return for Encounter 2026.

⚽ Our large scale Arthur Wharton puppet, created by Wonder Made Wild, will be making a triumphant return to this year’s festival.

🌦️ We’re hoping that the weather this year will be a little bit better for Arthur!

🤝 Processional culture and the city of Preston go hand in hand.🌟 Encounter strives to promote and nurture this tradition...
06/02/2026

🤝 Processional culture and the city of Preston go hand in hand.

🌟 Encounter strives to promote and nurture this tradition through our annual Torchlight Procession.

📸 Here’s another photograph from The Harris' photography archives, this time it’s a look at the 1972 Guild Procession!

🏛️ Since the re-opening of The Harris in 2025, the Harris quarter is quickly becoming a hub for arts and culture in the ...
29/01/2026

🏛️ Since the re-opening of The Harris in 2025, the Harris quarter is quickly becoming a hub for arts and culture in the city centre.

✨ At Encounter 2026, you’ll discover a programme of events based in and around this cultural quarter.

Address

Town Hall, Lancaster Road
Preston
PR12RL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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