festival news and updates

Free Stilt Walking Programme for Young People Ever wanted to walk taller than the crowd? This summer, young people aged 13–18 are invited to join a FREE stilt walking programme and become part of an exciting performance group: The Preston Astronauts Across four weekly sessions, you’ll learn how to balance, walk and perform on stilts,… Read more: become a Preston astronaut! 🚀 (Free workshop)

Hailing from Lancashire, Rayna James is an emerging vocalist bringing powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting to the local music scene. Known for her engaging stage presence and emotive performances, she blends modern influences with a classic singer-songwriter style that connects instantly with audiences. Rayna has been building a growing following across the region through live… Read more: Act Announcement – Rayna Jaymes

We’re excited to welcome Sounds Out to the stage🔊🔥 Sounds Out is a community music group from the Savick / Larches area, bringing together people of all experience levels — from complete beginners to seasoned musicians. The group meets regularly to create, collaborate, and share their love of music. Their performance will showcase the power… Read more: Artist announcement – sounds out

We’re delighted to welcome Educate Preston as a sponsor of LancsFest 2026! Educate Preston is a partnership between Preston College, the University of Lancashire and Cardinal Newman College. Together they’ve created Preston’s education and careers hub — a “one-stop shop” where local people can access guidance and information about education and training opportunities available right… Read more: Sponsor Announcement – Educate Preston

We’re excited to offer a special community Ticket Release to help schools, community groups, and organisations across Lancashire attend the festival. To request community tickets: In your email, please include the following details: Tickets will be allocated subject to availability. We look forward to welcoming community groups from across Lancashire!

You can now sign up as a Ticket Rep and start earning money! Earn money with every recommended sale you make, sell 20 general tickets or 10 family passes – you’ll make £10! If you’re involved in a youth group, community organisation or PTA this is a great way to bring families together in summer!… Read more: Sell tickets > Earn money!

We’ve officially been approved and secured a match fund bid from Lancashire Culture & Sports Fund, with the potential of up to 40% match funding. Our total goal is £3,464, and we must raise 60% ourselves to unlock the full 100% funding. The good news so far: we’ve already started receiving donations from supporters who… Read more: Our Crowdfunder is Live!

A sincere thank you to everyone who applied to perform at this year’s LancsFest. This has been the largest response in the festival’s ten-year history, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to apply. Please note that only applications submitted through the official Google Form on the website were considered. Messages sent… Read more: Performer applications update!

Please see our google form application linked below. Applications are open and are selected on a bi-weekly basis from February. We have a total of 24 pitches avsailable at the festival – this includes bar, food, attractions. We look forward to hearing from you! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhg6Ka9xhe2EewIN7PDeyKr1BRr7QIMrdAjxgPNCTtsPUaMQ/viewform

We’re looking for bands, solo acts, DJs, performers and family entertainers for our celebration of grassroots arts, music & community on 25th July 2026 in Preston. APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED Supporting emerging talent has always been a core part of LancsFest. Since 2016, over 150 festival slots have been filled by local performers!

Want to put your brand in front of thousands of festival-goers while supporting one of Lancashire’s most exciting community events? We have a range of sponsorship options to suit different goals and budgets. ⭐ Pitch Only – £250 (2 available) Perfect for businesses who want a presence at the event.• Onsite space to set up… Read more: Sponsorship Opportunities