Outreach Programmes
Bringing Culture, Community & Creativity to Everyone
Connecting communities across Lancashire and beyond through arts, culture, and shared experiences.
Bringing Culture, Community & Creativity to Everyone
Outreach Programmes – Preston City Mela
At Preston City Mela, we believe the celebration doesn’t begin and end on event day—it lives within our communities all year round. Our Outreach Programmes are designed to connect, inspire, and empower people of all ages and backgrounds through culture, creativity, and shared experiences.
Where We Work
What We Do
Our outreach initiatives take the spirit of the Mela beyond the main event—into schools, community spaces, and cultural events across Preston and Lancashire.
We actively collaborate with local partners and regional events, including:
- Easter Egg Rolling (Preston)
- Let’s Grow Preston Spring Fair
- Kendal Torchlight Festival
- Light Up Lancaster
- Barrow Festival of Colours
- Community Fest at Edge Hill University
- Local Community Centres
- Gateway Association Care Home
Henna art workshop delivered as part of community outreach activities
Cultural Workshops
Hands-on workshops introducing participants to traditional and contemporary art forms including:
- Dance (Bollywood, Bhangra, fusion styles)
- Music and drumming
- Visual arts and crafts
- Henna and cultural storytelling
Community craft activities engaging participants of all ages
Creative Activities & Crafts
Our creative sessions include craft-making, design activities, and interactive learning experiences. These are particularly popular with families, young people, and community groups, helping build confidence and creativity.
Making mela moments
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Meet The 2025 Artists
At this years Mela we introduced some new elementsIncluding a fantastic BAZAAR where people could buy clothes, food, perfumes etc.
We also looked at how South Asian creative practitioners are doing in the city. Producing a document that traces the creative journey of some of them and we enabled them to display there work in a breakout space at the festival called THE VILLAGE. We are hoping that this will be the beginning of development work to support people that take the plunge into a creative career.
There was also more of an emphasis on our green credentials to align with our new policy document. We also wanted to show global effects so we created a site map that also explained how the impact of our environmental choices here in Preston impacts on our friends & family in South Asia.
Bringing together community leaders, partners, and residents
Community Engagement
We work closely with local organisations, festivals, and community groups to create inclusive and welcoming spaces. Our outreach supports wellbeing, social connection, and cultural exchange across diverse communities.
Youth & Talent Development
We provide platforms for young people to develop their creative talents and perform at events across the region. These opportunities help build confidence, skills, and future pathways in arts and culture.
Our Impact
Through our outreach work, we aim to:
- Increase access to arts and culture
- Promote diversity and inclusion
- Empower individuals and communities
- Build lasting connections across Preston and beyond