The Preston Weekender

The ‘Preston Weekender’ is set to hit the city’s Flag Market from August 11th – 13th, 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. 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.

Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star ‘Ella Vaday’ will be getting the crowds warmed up with a full-on retro party set.

On Saturday afternoon, the Flag Market will be home to a ‘Family Fiesta’, featuring a stage show from CBeebies favourite Mr. Bloom & his band, a ‘make and take’ workshop, plus live entertainment and stage shows across the afternoon.

On Saturday night the Square’s outdoor arena will transform to host ‘Ministry of Sound’ as the brand takes over the Flag Market with a show packed with club classics.

For over 25 years Ministry of Sound has been an icon for clubbers 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.

The event will feature big sets from Hacienda legend Graeme Park, and production pioneers, Freemasons. Plus there's live performances from the legendary Julie McKnight, Dario G, JX, Baby D, Alex Party, 2 Funky 2 and Sam Sax, with some of the biggest-selling anthems of the nineties and noughties.

The Ministry of Sound shows promises production and special effects that you’d expect to see at headline shows in major cities.

Sunday will see the ‘Sunday Showdown’ take over the Flag Market, with ‘From the Jam’, ‘Buzzcocks’, and ‘Space’ headlining. They’ll be joined by regional and local bands, including: ‘Building Giants’, ‘Evil Blizzard’, ‘Deja Vega’, and ‘Whinge’.

The 'Preston Weekender' is brought to you by Preston BID, in partnership with Preston City Council.