Fishergate is to be transformed into a colourful array of flowers, butterflies, foliage and lights throughout the rest of the spring and the summer.
Known as the Canopy of Colour a 700-metre stretch of the city’s main high street is to be decorated to bring a continental feel to Preston.
Preston’s Business Improvement District (BID) who are funding the installation say they believe it is to be the largest public art display of its kind in the UK.
Read more: New coffee shop planned to replace former charity shop in Fishergate
Chair of BID, John Boydell, said: “Preston’s Canopy of Colour is a fantastic example of how we can reimagine our high street to create something vibrant, welcoming and memorable for everyone who visits.
“By combining striking design with sustainable materials, this installation not only enhances the look and feel of Fishergate but also reflects our commitment to supporting local businesses and the environment.
“We hope it will encourage more people to spend time in the city centre, explore everything on offer and enjoy a unique experience right in the heart of Preston.”
Work on installing the foliage is due to take place from Monday (20 April) on the stretch of Fishergate from Cheapside down to where it meets Corporation Street.
With lighting woven into the decorations the official switch-on is to take place on Thursday 30 April with the SpudBros to help turn them on along with performances by the Street Monkeys.
Canopy of Colour is being installed by Blachere Illumination UK who say all the decorations used as made from recycled and recyclable material.
Head of marketing Joe Eyden said: “Working collaboratively with Preston BID, the installation has been carefully designed to transform the space with colour, creativity, and light, creating an atmospheric experience throughout the summer months.
“Importantly, our combined commitment to sustainability means the scheme incorporates responsibly sourced, durable and 100% recyclable materials, designed for reuse and lasting impact.”
The Canopy of Colour will be in place through until the winter of the months when the Christmas lights go up.
Chief executive of Preston City Council, Adrian Phillips, said: said: “Preston’s Canopy of Colour is
an exciting project to inject additional life and vibrancy into our main high street this summer. The Council fully supports Preston BID’s initiative that brings people, both old and new, into the city centre to enjoy what we have to offer.
“We also welcome that the Canopy of Colour is environmentally friendly and supports the
city’s Green Pledge campaign.”
A competition is also planned for businesses in the city centre to decorate their shop and outlet frontages to tie in with the theme of the installation.
Judged by members of the public the most popular business decorations will share a £5,000 prize fund between them.
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