Spirit Of The Guild Returns For Winckley Weekend

On Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd May an area off Fishergate will be transformed to celebrate the Winckley Weekend, which aims to bring back a flavour of the hugely successful Preston Guild 2012.

Street traders selling cooked food from around the world and local produce will feature along with vintage fashion cat walk shows and street stalls.

Shops on Cannon Street and Guildhall Street will spill out and mix with bands, buskers and street performers to create a lively carnival atmosphere. Winckley Square will join in the celebrations with a business hangout that will mix socialising with networking.

The area has recently been given a huge boost by securing two initial Heritage Lottery funding bids to renovate and bring buildings back into use in the square and on surrounding streets, and improve the gardens in Winckley Square.  This should reinforce its reputation as one of the most prestigious business addresses in the region.

To help those interested in investing, trading or locating their business in Winckley, pop-up shops with information on the area and the projects, as well as representatives from the Super-Fast Broadband team will be on hand.

Councillor John Swindells, deputy leader of Preston City Council, explained: "The event is aimed at drawing attention to the streets off Fishergate that lead to the square, particularly Cannon Street and Guildhall Street.  From the quaint to the quirky they add a different dimension to the city centre experience and, along with the adjoining elegant Winckley Square, form a link from the main shopping area to Avenham and Miller Parks and the River Ribble.

“We are looking into ways of supporting small businesses and encouraging development that will add to the quality and diversity of the city's business, shopping, entertainment, leisure and cultural offer.”

Mick Goode, director of the Winckley Square Community Interest Company, added: "The area has a wealth of heritage assets that are available to be put to a more productive use, public gardens that are being upgraded to the highest standard and by adding a touch of the atmosphere that was generated during Preston Guild 2012, we are sure this will show off how truly unique this area is."

NOTES TO NEWSDESK

•The event will run all day and into the evening on Friday and all day Saturday.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Carl Holloway, Senior Communications Officer, 01772 906349