Support the Torchlight Procession at the Encounter Festival 2023

3 July 2023

We invite you to become a vital part of an extraordinary evening of community celebration, music, and artistic expression by supporting the Torchlight Procession at the Encounter Festival on September 16th. This special event is seeking your support to ensure its success and continued growth.

The Torchlight Procession, a highlight of the festival, brings together hundreds of participants from community groups, local bands, dancers, and troupes such as the Preston City Mela and Carnival groups. Their vibrant performances light up the streets of Preston, creating a mesmerising spectacle that captivates both participants and onlookers.

In 2023, Encounter Festival aims to make the Torchlight Procession even more extraordinary by introducing giant angelic characters and offering workshops for the community to participate in creating magnificent puppets for the parade. To make this vision a reality and maintain the event's accessibility to all, we are calling on your support.

By supporting the Torchlight Procession, you will help us achieve the following:

• A procession of 300 community group participants through Preston City Centre, illuminating the city by torchlight.
• Over 100 fabulous bands and dancers showcasing their talent.
• Creation and display of large puppets, crafted collaboratively with community members, enriching the parade experience.
• A safe and enjoyable family-friendly event that strengthens community bonds.
• Continued free access to Encounter festival events for all attendees.
• Providing paid work opportunities for local artists and performers, supporting the local creative economy.

Generous contributions will not only help us continue this tradition but also ensure that families and individuals can enjoy a memorable day without financial burdens. We believe that access to cultural experiences is essential for the well-being and vibrancy of our community, and your support will make a significant difference.

Esther Ferry Kennington, Executive Producer at the Encounter Festival, said:

"We are committed to fostering community spirit, promoting local talent, and creating magical moments.

"With your generous support, we can amplify the Torchlight Procession's impact, uplift spirits, and inspire unity!"

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to support the Torchlight Procession. Every contribution counts and will be used to enhance the event and ensure its continued success. To make a donation visit Space Hive - Encounter Festival Torchlight Procession.

More information

About Encounter Festival

Encounter Festival is an authentic voice for Lancashire, celebrating the breadth of the County's diverse cultural offer with high quality and high profile arts. Taking place at the end of September, Encounter Festival sees the city of Preston buzzing with life and alight with creativity. The past Encounters have seen an array of spectacular performances, inspiring arts and impressive music, bringing spectators to their feet.

About The UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The GOV.UK - UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

About Arts Council England 

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We have set out our strategic vision in Arts Council - Let's Create that by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. We invest public money from Government and The National Lottery to help support the sector and to deliver this vision.

Following the Covid-19 crisis, the Arts Council developed a £160 million Emergency Response Package, with nearly 90% coming from the National Lottery, for organisations and individuals needing support. We are also one of the bodies administering the Government's unprecedented £1.96 billion Culture Recovery Funds.

Image credit: Michael Porter Photography