Known as a small city with a big personality, Preston is situated on the North Bank of the River Ribble in the heart of Lancashire. For those spending their summer here, there are a whole host of exciting events you can get involved with and make great memories with your friends. Want to know what’s on? Thanks to our complete student guide you can discover a full run-down on the top Preston events for 2023.

1. Preston Weekender

If you’re wondering what the biggest events and highlights for summer 2023 are, we simply have to shine a spotlight on Preston Weekender. From the 11th until the 13th of August, this three-day music festival is hitting the city’s Flag Market with a mix of buzzing concerts and events taking place. What’s on? Kickstarting the festival on the 11th is 'The Friday Funk' where Björn Again, Brutus Gold's Love Train and Ru Paul's Drag Race UK's 'Ella Vaday' take to the stage. Saturday night sees the Square’s outdoor area transformed into a ‘Ministry of Sound’ show with DJs like N Trance and Alex Party spinning all the best club classics. Early bird tickets start at just £12.50, so if you’re on the hunt for a fun-filled activity which won’t break the bank, this is it!

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When: August 11-13th Where: Preston Flag Market

2. The MET Events

Preston’s vibrant Mobile Events Tent (MET) is returning for summer with an array of exhibitions, arts and culture workshops, gigs and performances planned. This year, the city’s newest pop-up events centre has moved to the UCLan University Square. As part of the MET collection, there’s a ABBA Tribute on the 14th of July from 7pm until 10pm, where you and your besties can sing and dance along to all of the classics. On the 29th of July, a UB40 tribute band is performing all of the band’s best hit singles, and there will even be a discounted bar so you can grab some tipples. Tickets to these events are free, but we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. You can discover all of the MET events planned for 2023 on Eventbrite.

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When: Multiple dates Where: UCLan University Square

3. Rockprest

Wondering what’s hot right now in Preston? Rockprest is always a real winner in our books. The UK’s biggest tribute festival is returning to the city’s Moor Park on the 8th and 9th of July for its 8th year. The stellar line-up features over 40 of the UK’s best rock and indie tribute acts, along with food and drink stalls and funfair attractions. If grooving along to tunes from the likes of the Guns n Roses, The Rolling Stones and The Killers sounds like a good time, grab your ticket now! Tickets are just £11 for adults, but be quick if you’re keen to attend, as there’s only 2 weeks to go.

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When: 8th-9th July Where: Moor Park, Preston

4. Distortion

Preston is set to host numerous unmissable events this summer, and for fans of underground electronic music, you’ll want to check out Distortion. On July 22nd, In:Libra will host a massive house music event featuring three talented DJs, Biffany, Prosper, and Josh Ridley, who will spin tracks from 10pm until 4am. A fun-filled night dancing with your mates for just £11? Sign us up!

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When: 22nd July Where: In:Libra, Preston

5. Glastonferret

Preston is filled to the brim with top-notch summer events, including Glastonferret. The city’s most popular live music venue is hosting its legendary event for the 16th year, which promises four days of huge live-music performances from the 24th until the 27th August. There’s plenty to check out with amazing acts, guest craft ales on tap, tasty street food, craft and clothing stalls, DJ sessions and late night parties taking you through until the early hours. Tickets start at just £13 per day, so make sure to add this one to your calendar and get yours!

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When: 24th-27th August Where: The Ferret, Preston

6. Encounter Festival

Keen to immerse yourself in a celebration of arts and culture? Encounter Festival is an event you’ll want to experience this year. The festival is a headline event in the city’s cultural calendar with more than 50,000 people getting involved each year. Over three days from the 15th until the 17th September, you can enjoy a programme of national and international talent. There’s something for everyone with quality performances, workshops, a torchlight procession and quirky installations taking place across multiple city centre locations.

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When: 15th-17th September Where: Preston City Centre

7. Preston Pride

Year after year, Preston Pride brings thousands of people to Central Lancashire to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and promote inclusion, diversity and equality for all. Taking place every September since 2012, this year’s Pride event will be held at the Flag Market with a parade, live music, entertainment, food and drink, and plenty of activities planned. Pride also gives you the chance to learn more about the work that local LGBTQ+ community groups, charities and organisations carry out. Tickets are free so make sure to get involved with Preston Pride on the 27th September!

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When: 27th September Where: Preston Flag Market

8. Bottomless Show Brunch

Looking for a quirky weekend activity for you and your friends? Detroit is hosting bottomless show brunches which you won’t want to miss out on. With plenty of themed events taking place across summer including a Tina Turner tribute, Whitney Houston tribute, and Dolly Parton tribute to name a few, you’re guaranteed a dazzling experience. Your brunch ticket includes 2 hours of unlimited drinks, a locally sourced charcuterie board to nibble on, live entertainment, and a 4 hour show. The fun doesn’t have to stop there either, your ticket also allows access to their evening entertainment if you fancy partying all night long! Find out about all the bottomless show brunches that are on and book yours on the Detroit website.

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When: Multiple dates Where: Detroit, Preston

9. Divine Summer Garden Party

On the hunt for outdoor events in Preston? The Divine Summer Garden Party should be at the top of your list. Get ready for a full day of feel good tunes, refreshing cocktails and scorching weather within Baker Street’s newly renovated beer garden. If you’re wanting to make everlasting memories with your fave people this July, tickets are on final release so be quick getting yours!

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When: 15th July Where: Baker Street, Preston

10. Live Music Sessions @ The Orchard

When it comes to Preston events, the live music sessions at The Orchard will have you set with a great atmosphere, quality drinks and fantastic performances. Situated in Preston’s Market Hall, The Orchard is a lively craft beer bar with 10 keg lies, 3 cask beers and a good selection of wines, prosecco, cider and spirits. This hidden gem is the place to be for beer lovers with many great ales on offer, along with live music sessions on every Saturday throughout summer. They’re open until 11pm so get yourself down, you can even bring your own takeaway too!

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When: Multiple dates Where: The Orchard, Preston There’s plenty of activities to keep you and your friends busy this summer in Preston, thanks to the numerous events planned for 2023. We hope you enjoy yourselves wherever you decide to go! Wondering how to navigate job interviews as an introvert? Take a read of our blog post to find out!

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The Complete Student Guide To Preston Events 2023