Preston Hosts People's Powerhouse Convention 2023

This November, Preston played host to the People's Powerhouse Convention, 'This is the North 2023', a two-day packed schedule of workshops, seminars, talks, walking tours, a mini film festival and social gatherings, spread across various venues in the city.

The People's Powerhouse Charter wants every northerner to be heard so they can influence the decisions that affect their lives. The movement brings northerners together so that they can decide what the future of the North should look like. Since 2017, the People's Powerhouse movement has been discussing, exploring, sharing and celebrating all the grassroots organisations in the North, working with residents and businesses, communities and the third sector to engage power holders to listen and collaborate for a fairer North for all. The movement raises issues that ordinary northerners face and highlights inspiring and impactful practice in areas such as education, health and wellbeing, climate and housing.

The theme for 2023 - 'A Radical North - A People Powered Future Starts Here' included sessions on Community Wealth Building and the 'Preston Model' with presentations from Preston City Council Leader Cllr Matthew Brown and Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building Cllr Valerie Wise. Preston City Council also hosted an evening social reception under the 19^th Century canopy of the city's famous Preston Markets, catered by the market traders using fresh local produce and ingredients and entertainment by local musicians.