Last Summer, the Orchard Bar at Preston Market trialled live music under the market canopy on Saturday nights during Summer. These were very popular and the visitors demanded more! All the bands were local musicians, a mixture of original music and covers, receiving paid gigs and an opportunity to perform to a new audience at an amazing outdoor covered venue. These gigs are free to access and attracted a wide audience, from Saturday night pub goers to teens and older music fans. The crowdfunder is designed to help purely with the cost of hiring the bands for the first ten weeks of the Summer. Full risk assessments are in place for this venue as it is owned by Preston Council who fully support the project and security present at all shows. The costs for these events have risen since last year and this crowdfunder will make these shows financially viable for 2024.

What we'll deliver:

• 10 outdoor live music events
• Free to access arts and culture in central Preston

Why it's a great idea:

These shows add vibrancy and popular culture to the Preston City Centre offer. The shows are free to access so attract andiences from every demographic. It is a fantastic use of the Victorian Market canopy which is developing as an events space.

Steps to get it done:

• Finalise booking of artists
• Complete crowdfunder