Annual Events & Festivals in Preston You Can’t Miss

Table of Contents

1. Introduction – Preston Beyond Campus Life
2. Preston Guild – Once in a Lifetime!
3. Lancashire Encounter Festival – Art Everywhere
4. Preston Jazz & Improvisation Festival – Music with Soul
5. Preston Pride – Love & Inclusivity
6. Egg Rolling Festival – Fun at Avenham Park
7. Preston Caribbean Carnival – Pure Vibes
8. Christmas Lights Switch-On – Magical Winter Nights
9. Why Students Shouldn’t Miss Out

Introduction

Preston isn’t just about lectures, assignments, and campus life!

It’s a buzzing city filled with culture, history, and pure, positive vibes! 

Right from ancient traditions to modern-day celebrations, Preston’s calendar is jammed with events that bring the entire city and students like you together.

So, if you’re in Lancashire, here’s your ultimate festive list of Preston’s biggest and most exciting festivals.

Preston Guild – Once in a Lifetime!

• This is held once every 20 years. Yes, you read that right!
• This fantastic festival dates back to 1179, making it one of England’s oldest civic traditions.
• It is packed with parades, performances, and exhibitions.
• The next one is scheduled to take place in 2032. So if your plans align, don’t miss history in the making. We guarantee it will be worth remembering!

Lancashire Encounter Festival – Art Everywhere

• Organized in a biennial format, which means every two years, this is one of the best festivals in Preston, offering the perfect blend of art & culture for the city.
• During this time, the streets transform into stages for theatre, music, and dance.
• It basically showcases local Lancashire talent alongside big creative names.

Preston Jazz & Improvisation Festival – Music with Soul

• This super-fun festival celebrates jazz in all its forms, whether traditional, modern, or experimental.
• It features live gigs in pubs, parks, and university spaces.
• There is inclusion of workshops and improv sessions featuring jazz. And the best is that you can join in.
• It is a perfect time for music lovers and even first-time jazz enthusiasts.

Preston Pride – Love & Inclusivity

• This festival is held every September at the Flag Market.
• It features drag shows, live music, food stalls & community stands.
• The focus of the festival remains on diversity, acceptance, and visibility of different people, talents & entertainment.
• For a student, it is the most fun, vibrant, and a must-attend celebration of inclusivity.

Egg Rolling Festival – Fun at Avenham Park

• A quirky tradition that happens every Easter Monday involves rolling decorated eggs down Avenham Park’s grassy slopes, known as the Egg Rolling Festival.
• The add-ons currently include fairground rides, crafts, live music, and family-friendly activities.
• This festival, which is over 100 years old, remains a hit with students & locals alike.

Preston Caribbean Carnival – Pure Vibes

• This carnival time brings the streets alive every summer.
• During this festival, you can expect steel drum bands, colorful costumes & reggae beats all around you.
• It ends with a massive party at Moor Park, where a lot of music & food take place.
• It’s a Northwest favorite festival ever since the 1970s and is still growing stronger year by year.

Christmas Lights Switch-On – Magical Winter Nights

• Last but not least, there is Christmas time, which takes place every December in the city center.
• There’s a whole lot of celebrities, live music, and countdown fun usually happening during this time.
• The streets glow with festive sparkles & cozy winter vibes.
• This festival officially kicks off Preston’s Christmas season.

Why You (Students) Shouldn’t Miss Out

Cultural events for international students in Preston are more than events. They’re literally life’s best experiences. Whether you’re egg-rolling in spring, dancing at Caribbean Carnival in summer, or watching Christmas lights twinkle in winter, each celebration gives you a chance to connect with the city and locals beyond the recurring campus life.

So grab your friends, step out of the library, and soak in the culture, because Preston knows how to celebrate, and you deserve to be part of it!