History of The Lancashire Festival
Our Story
The Lancashire Festival is a grassroots, family-friendly celebration of music, arts, and community, held annually in the historic surroundings of Avenham and Miller Parks in Preston.
How It All Began
The festival’s roots trace back to 2016 with a small community event known as the Mad Hatters Herbal Tea Party, held in Miller Park. What started as a creative gathering for local families and performers quickly revealed a bigger appetite for accessible outdoor arts and music in Preston.
In 2017, this idea evolved into the first official Lancashire Festival, expanding into a full-day event celebrating live music, circus, workshops, street food, and local creativity.
Growing a Community Festival
Between 2017 and 2019, the festival grew steadily year-on-year. Taking place across Avenham and Miller Parks, it welcomed an increasing number of families, performers, and local traders. Highlights included:
- Live music from local and emerging artists,
- Circus and street performances,
- Creative workshops for all
- Food stalls, makers, and community organisations
The festival became known for its relaxed atmosphere, affordable tickets, and strong focus on inclusion and accessibility.
Pause and Return
Like many events, The Lancashire Festival paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. This break allowed organisers to reflect, rebuild, and strengthen the festival’s mission.
The festival returned in 2024 with renewed energy, once again filling Miller Park and Avenham Park with music, creativity, and community spirit.
Our Values
The Lancashire Festival’s core values remain:
- Keeping arts and culture accessible to everyone
- Championing local musicians, artists, and performers
- Supporting community groups and small businesses
- Creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment
Looking Ahead
From its beginnings as a small tea party to a much-loved annual festival, The Lancashire Festival continues to grow while staying true to its community-led roots. Each year brings new performers, new ideas, and new memories — all set in the heart of Preston.