Encounter Festival

Encounter Festival Discover the unexpected extraordinary at Encounter Festival, Preston's free annual festival of arts and culture.

Lancashire Encounter is packed with quality performances, workshops, quirky installations and even a night time procession. Audiences can discover exciting things to see, do and experience. Sponsored by: The Guild Hall, Conlon Construction and David Cox.

⭐ Relive the magic and foster your festival spirit by checking out past Encounters: https://lancsencounter.pulse.ly/azy7...
17/06/2026

⭐ Relive the magic and foster your festival spirit by checking out past Encounters: https://lancsencounter.pulse.ly/azy7z3lsj1

🗓️ The 2026 edition of the festival returns on Saturday, 19 September. We'll see you there!

📸 Michael Porter | Encounter 2024

📣 Encounter's spectacular Torchlight Procession returns this September.⭐ Starting at Moor Park Avenue, the procession wi...
05/06/2026

📣 Encounter's spectacular Torchlight Procession returns this September.

⭐ Starting at Moor Park Avenue, the procession will fill the streets of Preston with music, dancing and light.

👥 With over 500 people expected to take part, this is something you don't want to miss!

📌 Save the date: Saturday, 19 September.

🎉 Did you hear the news? We've received funding from Arts Council England.🤝 With this vital funding, Encounter will move...
28/05/2026

🎉 Did you hear the news? We've received funding from Arts Council England.

🤝 With this vital funding, Encounter will move beyond just a standalone annual event. It will begin establishing Preston as a national centre for processional practice, bringing together sector specialists and local artists to co-create large-scale work.

✨ Fostering the spirit of the Guild, in time for the next round of celebrations in 2032!

📣 CALL OUT – ENCOUNTER EVALUATORWe're looking for an evaluator to...📌 Gather data to get a true picture of Encounter's i...
15/05/2026

📣 CALL OUT – ENCOUNTER EVALUATOR

We're looking for an evaluator to...
📌 Gather data to get a true picture of Encounter's impact in Preston
📌 Gauge the extent to which Encounter is meeting its aims
📌 Support Encounter's reporting to funders

🔗 The deadline for proposals is Friday, 22 May. Find out more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4nuhSCD

🗣️ Experience a rare living tradition in a beautiful, historic setting.🎼 Join Encounter Voices and the choir of St Walbu...
12/05/2026

🗣️ Experience a rare living tradition in a beautiful, historic setting.

🎼 Join Encounter Voices and the choir of St Walburge’s Church for an introduction to the sacred practice of Gregorian chant.

💬 Whether you know nothing about the tradition or have some experience, this event is open to all!

📅 Thursday, 28 May
⏰ 7.30pm - 9.30pm
🎟️ https://bit.pulse.ly/qwc6p1w5md

🎉 Have you heard the news? Funding is secured for Encounter 2026! 🗣️ We’re delighted to announce that we have secured f...
06/05/2026

🎉 Have you heard the news? Funding is secured for Encounter 2026!

🗣️ We’re delighted to announce that we have secured funding from Arts Council England for the 2026 edition of the festival.

✨ The funding will support the development of Encounter, whilst laying the critical groundwork for Preston Guild 2032.

🔗 Find out more: https://bit.ly/4tWZW63

🗣️ Encounter Festival lands at The Harris Quarter on Saturday, 19 September.🎉 Get ready for a packed programme of music,...
01/05/2026

🗣️ Encounter Festival lands at The Harris Quarter on Saturday, 19 September.

🎉 Get ready for a packed programme of music, family workshops and outdoor performances, all taking place in the city's cultural quarter.

🎇 This dynamic daytime programme will build momentum towards the spectacular Torchlight Procession, where over 500 performers are expected to take part!

🧵 Something spectacular is arriving this September…👗 An iconic Preston label, brought to life in an exciting new way by ...
24/04/2026

🧵 Something spectacular is arriving this September…

👗 An iconic Preston label, brought to life in an exciting new way by Wolf Entertainments & Events.

📢 Get ready for Horrockses Fashions to land at The Harris Quarter for Encounter 2026.

🌧️ 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.

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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