1. Visit Preston
  2. Invest Preston
Open site navigation menu

Rounding up a great 2024 at Preston Markets

09 January 2025

Rounding up a great 2024 at Preston Markets

Thank you for another fantastic year here at Preston Markets. With a range of free events, new stalls and more.

Happy new year to you our wonderful customers and thank you for continuing to support your local businesses.

Fill the Frame exhibition

Photgraphs on display for the Fill the Frame Exhibition

Exploring the connection between art and the community, Preston Markets hosted a captivating photography exhibition from talented local creatives curated by passionate local photographer and event organiser Garry Cook.

We also caught up with Garry to hear more about the exhibition and what inspired him. To find out what he had to say, plus photographs of the images on display, see Fill the Frame at Preston Markets.

Eggciting Easter weekend

Alice in Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts outside Preston Market Hall

We had a Easter extravaganza at Preston Markets on Easter Saturday with an Alice in Wonderland themed treasure hunt, colouring and crafts, and the opportunity to meet Alice and the Queen of Hearts.

Farewell Stephen Gerraty

Stephen Gerraty and work colleagues at Preston Market Hall

During 2024, we said goodbye to one of our long-serving and hard-working market officers, Stephen Gerraty. After 17 years of dedicated service Stephen is moving on to pastures new.

Stephen joined the Preston Markets team in April 2007 after a varied career in retail management. Beginning in the mid-1980s, Stephen has worked for Marks and Spencer, C&A and TK Maxx, including a stint in and around central London, in the mid 1990s.

Outdoor Market reintroduces Friday trading

Flower stall at Preston Outdoor Market

After a hiatus of several years, we announced the reintroduction of Friday trading at Preston's Outdoor Market.

This move brought the Outdoor Market back in line with our traditional trading days of Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Pop along to find a range of popular stalls beneath the historic Victorian canopy selling books, flowers, plants, household goods and more. Open between 8am and 3pm.

Sensational summer events

Children playing with bubbles

We saw plenty of amazing events this summer. From two plucky, young, aspiring scientists, who mixed real science with historical tales, to a giant periscope and the Funguys, a dynamic duo who brought plenty of laughs. Plus, Paris Bubbles returned for a third year to entertain us with their brilliant bubbles.

Live music at The Orchard

People drinking and socialising at The Orchard

Yet again, The Orchard Bar delivered with their top mix of live performances. From punk bands to acoustic acts, they had it all this summer at our resident craft beer bar.

New market traders

Lakhey Street Food trader

2024 saw two new traders set up their stalls in Preston Market Hall. Lakhey Street Food, by husband and wife duo Michelle and Nischal, offering delicious authentic home-made Nepalese cuisine (such as momos, corndogs, fries and more). Plus,  Amber Nails bringing a range of fabulous nail designs, perfect for any occasion.

Nail art close up

Festive fun 

The Grinch and Olaf

December saw the return of our very popular free Santa's grotto along with the Grinch and Olaf, plus some wonderful seasonal music from a very talented string quartet and group of carol singers. We had a fantastic time!

#PrestonMarkets - Share your experiences

When you visit Preston Markets, share your experience with us using #PrestonMarkets. Whether it's an interesting buy, yummy foodie picture, or a selfie on the bench, we want to see them all!

Map address for Preston Markets

Preston Markets, Earl Street, Preston, PR1 2JA.