Posted by 
Porsche Centre Preston has hosted the city’s first-ever symphony orchestra concert in a car showroom.
The garage welcomed an audience of more than 250 for a candlelit concert featuring Preston Symphony Orchestra.
The event took place on Sunday 9 March, at the Watery Lane centre, marking the official launch of Porsche Centre Preston’s corporate patronage of the orchestra.
Guests were welcomed with a drinks reception before taking their seats among the showroom’s luxury vehicles for a performance by the 60-piece orchestra. The programme featured a mix of classical compositions and popular pieces from stage and screen.
The Preston Symphony Orchestra was founded last year with the aim to restore a permanent orchestral presence in the city after a 50-year absence. Since its formation, it has grown to over 55 musicians and has established regular rehearsals.
Read more: ‘Start of something special’ as Preston Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever performance sells out
The concert at Porsche Centre Preston represented a milestone in the orchestra’s development, demonstrating strong community and corporate support for the arts in Preston.
Watch on Instagram: Preston Symphony Orchestra at Porsche Centre Preston
Tom Fox, Managing Director at Porsche Centre Preston, said: “It was an unforgettable evening. Seeing the orchestra perform among our cars in a candlelit setting was a truly special moment.
“We are incredibly proud to support this initiative and bring something unique to Preston’s cultural scene.”
The collaboration between Porsche Centre Preston and the orchestra highlights the role of corporate sponsorship in fostering cultural projects. The event also showcased how unconventional venues can provide fresh opportunities for classical music performances, reaching new audiences and reinvigorating local interest in the arts.
Alexander Roe MBE, marketing and publicity manager for Preston Symphony Orchestra, said: “This was a huge moment for us. Bringing live orchestral music back to Preston after so many years is something we’ve worked incredibly hard for, and to do it in such a stunning and unexpected venue made it even more special. The support from Porsche Centre Preston has been invaluable in making this a reality.”
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See more of what’s on in Preston
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to [email protected] for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.
