Preston’s annual torchlight procession as part of the Encounter Festival returns this Saturday.
Lighting up the city the procession weaves its way from Moor Park to the city centre.
The parade begins at 7pm at Moor Park and finishes on the Flag Market shortly before 9pm when the fireworks display takes place.
Read more: Encounter Festival returns to Preston for tenth year showcasing local talent
The parade and all events at Encounter Festival are free to attend.
This year’s torchlight procession will be led by an illuminated giant puppet of Arthur Wharton – the first Black English professional footballer who played for Preston North End.
Road closures have been confirmed and diversion routes put in place for the procession.
Moor Park Avenue will be closed from 12noon on Saturday (20 September) and the full length of the road is closed to allow for set up of the parade. It is closed until 10pm.
Road closures on the road then kick in from 6pm to 10pm on the Saturday
Deepdale Road – full closure
Sir Tom Finney Way – from the junction with Deepdale Road to junction with Blackpool Road
Ribbleton Lane – from junction with Deepdale Road to Ringway
Church Street – full length
Ringway – junction with Church Street
Birley Street – junction with Church Street to junction with Jacson Street
Lancaster Road – junction with Church Street to junction with Ringway
Earl Street – full length
Market Street – full length
Cheapside – full length
Fishergate – from junction with Cheapside to junction with Church Street
See the route map below for the procession
The diversion routes will be:
- Ribbleton Lane, Ribbleton Avenue, Blackpool Road, Garstang Road, North Road, Ring Way and vice versa.
- New Hall Lane, Blackpool Road, Garstang Road, North Road, Ring Way and vice versa.
One-way traffic restrictions are being lifted on the following roads on Saturday evening
- St. Stephen’s Road, Carrol Street, Church Row, Derby Street, Hammond’s Row, Manchester Road, Avenham Street, Glover’s Court, Crooked Lane and Old Vicarage.
Avenham car park is being opened later until 11pm on the Saturday.
During the Encounter Festival on Saturday there is also a road closure in Harris Street (full length) and Birley Street (from junction with Earl Street to Harris Street junction) from 7am to 11pm.
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