Bank Holiday ideas in and around Preston

28th, May 2010 by
preston caribbean carnival

Bank Holiday weekend in Preston

It’s nearly time for the Bank Holiday weekend to begin and we’ve collected together what’s happening in and around Preston.

Includes Caribbean Carnivals, Whit Fairs, steam engines and Jimmy Carr.Feel free to add your ideas for Bank Holiday fun in the comments below, we’re all ears.

Caribbean Carnival comes to town

The annual Caribbean Carnival hits the streets of Preston. Get your dancing feet on, sip a cocktail and watch the amazing parade wind its way through the city. If the sun is shining it’s an incredible atmosphere as the sandy shores of Caribbean islands transform the city for the day. Continues into the evening with many pubs and bars getting involved with music nights and special offers. Read our report from the 2009 Carnival and see photos and video from the event.

When is it happening? Sunday 30th May, from 12 NOON. Starting at Moor Park, procession goes through city centre to end at Avenham Park.

More info: Preston Carnival

Jimmy Carr headlines the Guild Hall

Fancy a giggle? Star of panel shows and those rapidly-becoming-highly-annoying ‘Top 100 Crap Celebrity’ shows, Jimmy Car brings his quick-fire humour to the Guild Hall. Tickets are still available but very limited.

When is it happening? Friday 28th & Saturday 29th May. At Preston’s Guild Hall in the centre of the city.

More info: Preston Guild Hall

Whit Fair on Flag Market

Rides and stalls will be taking over the Flag Market, Covered Markets and surrounding streets from Saturday for the annual Whit Fair. A great place to take the kids to keep them entertained on the Monday, there will be loads to do.

When is it happening? Saturday 29th May until Tuesday 1st June. Will be a cost for rides etc, check with stalls.

More info: Preston City Council

Chipping Steam Fair

Fast becoming a major event, Chipping out in the Ribble Valley has all kinds of steam engines on show for the weekend. It’s been running for 12 years and you can read a report from last year’s event by Arran Wicher.

When is it happening? Saturday 29th May until Monday 31st May. There is a low entry cost.

More info: Chipping Steam Fair

Going to any of these events? Doing something completely different this weekend? Whatever you’ve got planned in Preston or nearby let us know your recommendations in the comments below.

Image credit to Paul Melling

  • http://www.ribblesteam.org.uk/ Chris Mills

    If you go down to the Ribble Steam Railway, on Chain Caul Road, Preston, over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend you may well get a surprise!
    The railway is running Teddy Bear Specials for the three day event.
    The train rides run across the Dock Swingbridge past the Preston Marina and runs for a mile alongside the River Ribble, every hour – on the hour from 11 AM to 4 PM each day.
    *As an extra feature, the Buffet Car will be operating on all train rides serving refreshments*

    As well as hourly train rides the Railway Centre is supplying a free picnic lunch on the train for the youngsters and their teddy bears.
    It is a fun day for families & kids.
    There is no need to book and your tickets are valid all day and for all trains.

    The shop & tea room are also open.
    There is ample free car parking directly outside the centre, so nothing extra to pay.
    The Ribble Steam Railway is run entirely by volunteers and you can visit the workshops to see our latest projects including the History of Preston Docks.

    The majority of your visit is undercover so it is a great day out even on a typical Bank Holiday!
    ADULTS £5-50
    CHILDREN £3-50 (Under 3 Free)
    OAP / CONCESSIONS £3-50
    FAMILY (2+2) £15-00
    Please note – at present we can not accept debit or credit cards.
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