The Preston Weekender

The ‘Preston Weekender’ is set to hit the city’s Flag Market from August 11^th – 13^th, with a host of exciting concerts and events.

Kick-starting the weekender, ‘The Friday Funk’ will play host to the world-renowned Björn Again, Brutus Gold’s Love Train and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK’s Ella Vaday.

Björn Again are international phenomenon, having performed over 5,500 shows in 72 countries, opening for Nirvana at Reading Festival, and playing Glastonbury three times.  According to ABBA’s Benny Andersson, “Björn Again are the closest you can get to seeing ABBA, who will never reform”.

Featuring 70s grooves, tongue-in-cheek humour, and a cast of quirky characters, Brutus and Co. will transport Preston back to the heady days of disco for one night only.  Star of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK ‘Ella Vaday’ will be getting the crowds warmed up with a full-on party set.

On Saturday afternoon, the Flag Market will be home to the ‘Family Fiesta’, featuring a live stage show from CBeebies favourite Mr. Bloom and his friends, plus, his ‘make and take’ workshop, game shows, magic, comedy and dancing, from 12noon – 4.00pm.

On Saturday night the square’s outdoor arena will transform in to a ‘club under the stars’ as it hosts a Ministry of Sound show, packed with club classics and dancefloor anthems. 

The Saturday night event will feature big sets from Hacienda hero, Graeme Park, and production pioneers, Freemasons, who will be joined by Amanda Wilson.  Plus, live performances from the legendary Julie McKnight, Dario G, JX, Baby D, Alex Party, 2 Funky 2 and N-Trance, performing some of the biggest-selling anthems of the nineties and noughties.  The show will also feature the brilliant Sam Sax, stage dancers, top class production and special FX.

For over 25 years Ministry of Sound has been an icon for night-life lovers everywhere, resulting in a music and event experiences of the highest calibre.  Ministry of Sound is among the world's largest music brands, with album sales in excess of 70 million, including 40 UK No.1’s

Sunday will see the ‘Sunday Live’ event take over the Flag Market, with an exciting line up of bands, due to be revealed soon!

The ‘Weekender’ is being staged by the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Preston City Council, and has been organised by a working-group of city centre businesses.

The organisers have committed to keeping ticket prices as reasonable as possible, with selected events being accessed by paying only a booking fee.

Independent city centre business owner, and working-group representative, Peter Alexander, said: “The business community has long wanted to stage a weekend event like this to promote the city and give people a great experience.

“The ‘Preston Weekender’ offers something for everyone and is an exciting opportunity to get ‘lost in music’.  We’re eager to see people coming together to enjoy the events, celebrate the city, and support local businesses”.

There will be bars and food concessions onsite, operated by city centre businesses.

Tickets are available at: ThePrestonWeekender.com