The MET (Second Outing)
A mobile space for performers and artists to display their works.
Preston's Mobile Event Tent is an adaptable venue that can deliver day and night for children's workshops, arts and crafts, or entertainment. And for adults, workshops and exhibitions, comedy nights, theatre and live music.
It is a fully accessible space developed in partnership with 'In Certain Places' - a research centre within UCLan's School of Arts and Media.
Keep an eye out for upcoming information on what's on in The MET via Facebook - Visit Preston and Twitter -Visit Preston.
For wider information about the Mobile Event Tent as an entertainment venue see The MET.
List of events at The MET this September - October's Second Outing
Take a look at all the events as they happen daily for The Mobile Event Tent this September to October!
Check out Eventbrite - The MET Collection to see which events are ticketed, or browse below and book now.
You can also download The MET September What's On Guide 2023 (PDF) [5MB] to take with you on your mobile device.
Friday - 01 September
Welcome to the Man Cave!
- Time: 5pm - 9pm
- Price: Free, Men and Young Boys
- Booking: No need to book
To raise awareness and challenge the stigma of men accessing support. Drop in for some food, a chat and have a game of pool or Fifa with some like-minded blokes.
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Sunday - 03 September
Squirrel Walnutkins Saves the Planet
- Time: 11am, and 1:30pm
- Price: £1, Families
- Booking:
Squirrel Walnutkins is on an adventure, an adventure to stop the last tree in Evergreen Wood from being cut down, an adventure to find a new home, to make new friends and most of all, to Save the Planet!
Join Squirrel and Felix the Fox as they get in touch with their animal instincts to conquer their fears and make a better future; not only for themselves but all the other creatures they meet along the way!
Full of interactive elements, and designed specifically to engage SEN audiences and primary years, this show will be fun for both adults and kids as Same Difference bring their unique energy, comedy and interactive games to a brand-new summer show.
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Tuesday - 05 September
The Preston Pledge through the Ages
- Time: 6pm - 7pm
- Price: Free, Adults
- Booking: Eventbrite - The Preston Pledge - in 1832, 1932 and your own for 2032
Preston is famous for the 'teetotal' pledge to avoid all alcohol which was signed here in 1832, by one of the founders of UCLan, Joseph Livesey. In 1932 visitors came from around the world to celebrate the centenary of this, and new pledges were signed.
After a short introduction to pledges and how they've changed in nearly two centuries, you can design your own, using some examples from our collection in UCLan archives. What do you want to happen by 2023, and what will you promise to do by then?
Hosted by UCLan.
Thursday - 07 September
YouCOUNT National Workshop
- Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm
- Price: Free, Young People
- Booking: Eventbrite - YouCount National Workshop
On behalf of the Centre for Citizenship and Community and the UK team for YouCount, we have the pleasure of inviting you to an exciting national research workshop to share the findings and key messages from a citizen social science project on social inclusion and young people.
YouCount, a hands-on Youth Citizen Social Science project in nine countries funded by Horizon 2020, aimed to address one of Europe's most pressing challenges: How to increase social inclusion for young people by bringing together young people and relevant stakeholders to co-create new knowledge and innovations.
This event is within the MET, and also online.
Friday - 08 September
The Sound Of Musicals
- Time: Doors at 7:30pm, performance at 8pm - 9pm
- Price: £4, Adults
- Booking: Eventbrite - The Sound Of Musicals!
Create Theatre brings you a magical evening of Musical Theatre. Showcasing the best of Preston's talent performing your favourite songs from London's West End. This truly memorable evening includes numbers from a variety of the worlds biggest musicals from Wicked to SIX, Hamilton to Les Miserables & many more!
Create Theatre are a local theatre company based in Preston City Centre ran by local industry professionals. This production is brought to you by Rebecca Eastham, Alex-May Colley, Callum Park-Ward, and Lucy Ella.
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Sunday - 10 September
Peter Pan
- Time: Doors at 1pm, performance at 1:30pm - 2:30pm
- Price: £1, Families
- Booking: Eventbrite - Peter Pan
Have you ever heard of Neverland? How about Peter Pan or the dreaded Captain Hook?
Join Wendy as she ventures away from the comfort of her bedroom, Nana the dog and the Darling family to go to Neverland with Peter Pan for this one off show. Children don't grow up in Neverland, and it is filled with mystery and adventure - but watch out - because the dreaded Captain Hook and his pirates are on the look out for Peter Pan in the hope to be rid of him once and for all!
(2:30pm - 3:30pm crafts with Strive 2 Thrive Lancashire - Hat and crocodile clock making)
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Monday - 11 September
Creative Crafts
- Time: 1pm - 3pm
- Price: Free, Age 12+
- Booking: No need to book
Whether your interested in card making or crochet, or you want to develop your sewing machine skills - this is the session for you. Join Joey as she helps you unlock your creative talents. All materials are provided but you are welcome to bring your own sewing machine.
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Tuesday - 12 September
Making Yourself at Home in a New Place
- Time: 6pm - 7pm
- Price: Free, Families
- Booking: Eventbrite - Making Yourself at Home in a New Place
Join archaeologist Rick Peterson to explore migration, people and objects in the north-west from 11,000 to 6000 years ago.
In this interactive lecture and workshop we will look at new evidence from prehistoric Lancashire and Cumbria. We will be thinking about how people made and used pottery, clothing and food in prehistory.
The particular examples we are looking at will have been made by people who were migrants into the area. We will be examining how making and using things can help people feel at home in a new place. The session will include an opportunity to have a go at prehistoric pottery making so please come prepared to get a little bit messy.
Hosted by UCLan.
Wednesday - 13 September
Confectionary Making
- Time: 10am - 12pm
- Price: Free, 16+ only
- Booking: Eventbrite - Confectionary Making
Learn to make sugar paste teddy bears, flowers and decorations to bring an celebration cake to life. Hosted by Beanstalk Business Food and Cookery.
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Thursday - 14 September
How Green Could your Procession be?
- Time: 1pm - 4pm
- Price: Free
- Booking: Eventbrite - How Green Could your Procession be?
Join Encounter Festival and Lantern Company's Artistic Director, Jo Pocock as we discuss sustainable working practices in the processional arts.
We're particularly interested in Circular design - the practice of creating durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable products that generate zero waste to support a circular economy. We will be discussing this alongside developments in sustainable materials including non-toxic glues and paints.
We will have a panel of experienced practitioners who have started on this journey but we're also looking forward to hearing from attendees, what challenges you face, or any solutions you've come up with in your own processions.
Friday - 15 September
The Lighter Jams
- Time: 7:30pm - 9pm
- Price: £5
- Booking: Eventbrite - The Lighter Jams
The Lighter Jams are quickly becoming one of the North West's most in demand acoustic duo. An off-shoot from popular Manchester Reggae band Jeramiah Ferrari.
Ryan and Chris pride themselves on bringing the most energetic and entertaining live show possible. Playing a selection of popular soul, pop, rock and reggae covers.
The Lighter Jams perform with tonnes of passion, bags of charisma and are sure to bring a fresh edge to any event they play.
In part with Encounter Festival.
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Saturday - 16 September
Dance Workshop with Dance Syndrome
- Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
- Price: £2, £1 child
- Booking: Eventbrite - Dance Workshop with Dance Syndrome!
Dance Syndrome is a multi-award-winning dance charity that was founded by Jen Blackwell, who happens to have Down's syndrome.
The charity was formed because Jen found it difficult to find opportunities in community dance that were accessible to people with learning disabilities.
Dance Syndrome's ethos is that disability should never be a barrier to following your dreams.
All Dance Syndrome sessions are disability led, with people with learning disabilities taking visible Dance Leader roles to inspire people to see what can be achieved when we all become more inclusive.
In part with Encounter Festival.
Jazz Swing Dance
- Time: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
- Price: £2, £1 child
- Booking: Eventbrite - Jazz Swing Dance Workshop
Get ready to swing into action and join us for a Jazz Swing Dance workshop!
Step into the world of Jazz Swing Dance and experience the infectious rhythm, vibrant energy, and timeless elegance of this iconic dance style. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete novice, this workshop is designed to cater to all skill levels and ensure an unforgettable experience for everyone.
So, grab your dancing shoes and make your way to The MET for an unforgettable evening of Jazz Swing Dance.
In part with Encounter Festival.
Sunday - 17 September
Nerf Party
- Time: 10am - 12pm
- Price: Free, Young people age 6 - 10
- Booking: Eventbrite - Nerf Party
The ultimate Nerf Gun experience for children! All the fun and excitement of "Paintball" without the bruises and mess. All equipment is provided. Hosted by Nerf Gun Parties.
Tuesday - 19 September
Preston Partnership Network Collaboration
- Time: 10am - 3pm
- Price: Free
- Booking: Eventbrite - Partnership Networks Collaborative
Bringing together all the fantastic organisations across Preston to create opportunities for collaboration. Event organised by Preston Wellfest, Preston Community Network, Preston Youth Forum and many more partner networks.
10am - 12pm: Organisations session - if you would like a stall the booking info required is emailing your name and organisation to Rosie.Paterson@lancashire.gov.uk.
12pm - 1pm: Organization Networking Lunch - if you would like a stall the booking info required is emailing your name and organisation to Rosie.Paterson@lancashire.gov.uk.
1pm - 3pm: Open drop-in for anyone in the community to come and have direct access to organisations and their offer.
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Friday - 22 September
After the Flags and Bands
- Time: Doors open at 7:30pm, performance starts at 8pm
- Price: £4, Adults
- Booking: Eventbrite - After the Flags and Bands - Preston Drama Club
Preston Drama Club presents...After the Flags and Bands... a one act play that follows the stories of four women between 1914 and 1918.
Having met as the soldiers were leaving, they continued their friendships over the years of the war with monologues and letters. The four ladies each have their moments to shine.
You follow the story along as their friendships grow, Lily Pearce plays Annie who loses her husband at the Somme, Lydia Baines has great enthusiasm as Lizzy who finds a sweetheart while he's on leave, Lauren Twist as Edith goes to help on the front lines as a nurse, and Olivia Spedding as Olive is lovely as the caring daughter who puts her own happiness on hold to help her parents after her brothers are killed.
This is a very moving piece of theatre that we are sure you will enjoy.
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Saturday - 23 September
Usual Suspects
- Time: 1pm - 5pm
- Price: Free, 16+
- Booking: Eventbrite - Usual Suspects
Usual Suspects are a UK-based music group known for their dynamic blend of rap, hip hop, R 'n' B and garage.
With a sound that's both edgy and soulful, this group has been making waves in the underground music scene. Their lyrics are raw and honest, and their beats are infectious.
If you're looking for music that's fresh, authentic, and unapologetic, then Usual Suspects is the group for you!
Follow on social media
- Facebook - Usual Suspects UK
- Instagram - Usual Suspects UK
- YouTube - Usual Suspects UK
- Linktree - Usual Suspects UK
Sunday - 24 September
Unmasked - The Science of Superheroes
- Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
- Price: £1, ages 7+
- Booking: Eventbrite - Unmasked: The Science of Superheroes - Superhero Brains
Come along and join Dr Sarita Robinson as she explores what the key elements of being a superhero are. Based on her book chapter, The Psychology of Superheroes, Sarita will invite the audience to test out their own superpowers before discussing whether being a superhero takes more than just having special powers.
After this, at 2:30pm - 3:30pm, there is Superhero Mask Making with Strive 2 Thrive Lancashire CIC
Saturday - 30 September
Best of the 'Best of Preston'
- Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
- Price: £4
- Booking: Eventbrite - Best of 'Best of Preston'
Calling all music lovers... Join four singer-song writers from Preston for a night of local talent.
Line up: Liam Green, Matthew Richards, Aaron McMullan, Millicent Weaver
Matthew Richards: Facebook - Matthew Richards
Aaron McMullan: YouTube - Aaron McMullan Acoustic
Millicent Weaver: Spotify - Millicent Weaver
Sunday - 01 October
WINDFest of Music, Art and Culture
- Time: 1pm - 10pm
- Price: Free
- Booking: Eventbrite - WINDFest of Music, Art and Culture
We are bringing the Windrush Caribbean cultures together under one roof. Poets,singers, street artists and homegrown artists from Preston Community. If you have the talents we want you to show it to Preston, with a carnival vibe with a African Feel.
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Monday - 02 October
Black History Month - Preston History for Young People
- Time: 4:30pm - 8:30pm
- Price: Free, children and young people
- Booking: No need to book
Connecting community members from all generations to share stories, experiences and the amazing contributions of Black Culture in Preston.
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Tuesday - 03 October
Cyber Crime/Security Awareness
- Time: 10am - 3:30pm
- Price: Free, Adults
- Booking: TBC
A series of workshops to help with personal cyber crime and security. Access to cyber experts to provide specific help and advice.
Hosted by UCLan.
Wednesday - 04 October
Diverse, Inclusive, Creative
- Time: 10am - 10pm
- Price: Free
- Booking: No need to book
The School of Arts & Media emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging innovative thinking and boundary-pushing across creative programs.
We'll showcase student and staff work, including extra-curricular activities, to demonstrate our commitment to diversity beyond the classroom.
The event features Fashion, Fine Art, Media, Filmmaking, Acting, Music, Photography and Publishing, fostering an informative and entertaining atmosphere.
Hosted by UCLan.
Thursday - 05 October
Diverse, Inclusive, Creative
- Time: 10am - 10pm
- Price: Free, Adults
- Booking: No need to book
The School of Arts & Media emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging innovative thinking and boundary-pushing across creative programs.
We'll showcase student and staff work, including extra-curricular activities, to demonstrate our commitment to diversity beyond the classroom.
The event features Fashion, Fine Art, Media, Filmmaking, Acting, Music, Photography and Publishing, fostering an informative and entertaining atmosphere.
Hosted by UCLan.
Friday - 06 October
Tell My Story
- Time: 10am - 3pm
- Price: Free, Adult
- Booking: TBC
To celebrate Preston community members whose first language is not English, to tell their stories, and provide a platform to share their experiences and opinions.
By amplifying migrant voices, we want to celebrate their commitment, ambitions and achievements and show how the university connects with its local community.
Hosted by UCLan.
Animation Viewing
- Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
- Price: Free, Adult
- Booking: TBC
The event will showcase the work of Barry Purvus, an Oscar nomination animation artist.
Hosted by UCLan.
Saturday - 07 October
Dace Scratch Night
- Time: 5pm - 7pm
- Price: Free
- Booking: Dance Scratch Night
The dance scratch night is an evening of performances and sharing of practice by local dance artists.
Join us for a versatile evening of dance. You will be invited to share your thoughts on the performances to support the artists in their development, there is no pressure to participate.
Hosted by UCLan.
More information
If there are any general enquiries about attending, please email visit@preston.gov.uk.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. For more details see GOV.UK - UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Other City Centre events in 2023
This event is just part of a whole range of things to do in Preston City centre this summer.
To see more of what's on, take a look at Preston City Centre Annual Events 2023 for more ideas of local fun days out.