Preston City Council is reflecting on what it describes as a ‘landmark year’ for the Cultural Services team.
The City Council’s Cultural Service Report 2024-2025 shows over three million people engaged in city-wide events, with the team delivering social and economic benefits through arts, events, and community engagement.
The Council supports a diverse range of community-led festivals including Preston Caribbean Carnival, Windrush Festival, Preston City Mela, Preston City Wrestling, Preston Pride, and Preston Jazz and Improvisation Festival.
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It also supports artists, creatives, and community-based activities including through partnerships with schools, youth groups, and wellbeing organisations such as The Foxton Centre and Blue Flamingo Cafe.
The 2024-25 report shows the Council engaged 185 artists and creatives and supported 89 local events. There was a city centre footfall increase of 1.46 million, compared to 2.5 million in 2023, contributing to £6.04 million more in visitor spending.
In addition, 236 Harris volunteers contributed 1,549 hours of time, and 203 community activities were hosted across the city.
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Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, said:
“Culture is the heartbeat of our city. This year’s successes show what’s possible when creativity is backed by community and commitment.
“From our nationally recognised festivals to grassroots workshops, Preston has embraced culture in all its forms. These achievements are a testament to the people of Preston: their passion, participation, and pride.”
Highlights for the Council included Radio 2 in the Park, which attracted 68,100 attendees, generated over £5 million in visitor spending, and supported over 2,100 jobs. The 2024 Encounter Festival united over 2,000 artists, while The MET supported dozens of creatives and became a space of community exchange. The Guild Lounge hosted thousands of visitors and the transformation into a 350-seat studio theatre saw 34 production companies supported, and 25 new roles created.
Preston City Council says it remains committed to expanding cultural infrastructure and creating shared community spaces for year-round creative development.
To view the full Cultural Services Report for 2024/25, visit The Harris website.
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