Giant canopy cycle procession to launch the Lancashire Encounter festival in Preston

The People’s Canopy, the festival canopy on bicycle wheels arrives in Preston on Tuesday 22 September 12:00 – 13:00, to launch the inaugural Lancashire Encounter. Pedalled into the city by up to 40 volunteer cyclists from the University of Central Lancashire it will take its central place for the festival on Preston’s Flag Market. In a great celebration of the bike, the Canopy’s journey will accompanied by a procession of cyclists and cycle groups – and all with cycles are invited to take part! A Pop Up Cycle Hub will meet the Canopy as it reaches its destination with refreshments, (including bike-powered smoothies!), information stalls and representation by local cycle groups and events.

Specially designed for Preston on the theme of the city as a meeting place, The People’s Canopy is commissioned by In Certain Places at UCLan and is an international collaboration with the award-winning People’s Architecture Office in Beijing.

In situ for the festival, the Canopy will transform the centre of Preston, linking together the Covered Markets, Birley Street, The Birley Studios, former Post Office, Flag Market and the Harris Museum: a sustainable, city friendly and ingenious way to provide space for the multiple activities of Lancashire Encounter and to connect the city spaces. The Canopy will host and be home to commissioned artworks, community gatherings, performances, workshops, meetings, interventions, an Arts Market, a day of activity presented by UCLan and a whole spectrum of creative activity across the festival weekend 25 – 27 September.

There are many opportunities to get involved, full information is available at www.peoplescanopy.info.