Lancashire Encounter Festival is an authentic voice for Lancashire, celebrating the breadth of the County’s diverse cultural offer with high quality and high profile arts.
Taking place every other year at the end of September, Lancashire Encounter sees the city of Preston buzzing with life and alight with creativity.
The past Lancashire Encounters have seen an array of spectacular performances, inspiring arts and impressive music, bringing spectators to their feet.
History of Lancashire Encounter
Preston City Council staged its first Lancashire Encounter Festival in 2015 as a pilot.
The weekend event showcased the work of artists from across the Lancashire County and community activities, drawing in 20,000 attendees.
Recognising the potential of the event to grow and impact the communities, artists and arts organisations of Lancashire, as well as attract visitors into the County, it was agreed the event should become a bi-annual cultural festival.
- Following the pilot, the first full scale Lancashire Encounter Festival was hosted in 2016
- The pilot led to the first full scale festival in September 2016
- Brief Encounter event in September 2017 to maintain the momentum, keep the spirit alive and launch next years festival
- Second full scale festival in September 2018
- Brief Encounter September 2019
