It’s hip to be Square...

GIANT sunbirds, a graffiti artist and fashion shows will be among the eclectic entertainment at this weekend’s Winckley Weekend Festival.

Visitors to Preston’s Winckley Square area can enjoy two days of food, music and performance, beginning from 11am tomorrow.

The fun kicks off with a vintage fair and street performances throughout the day, with visits from three giant sunbirds and Veronica, a mythical dancing llama.

There will be fashion shows on Guildhall Street at 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm tomorrow, along with artistic fun from a graffiti artist from 11am till 3pm.

The Guild City Stage will be providing music throughout Friday and Saturday.

Hungry visitors can drop into the Peruvian street cantina and havana bar on Chaddock Street from 11.30am till 6pm on Friday and Saturday, or grab a burger from Paul Heathcote’s Square Shack from 6pm to 11pm. The Mystery Tea House on Cannon Street and bars and cafes around Winckley Square will also be taking part.

On Saturday, activities run from 10am to 10pm. There will be free blue badge guided tours at 12.15pm, 1.15pm and 4pm, leaving from Cross Street, further fashion show on Guildhall Street – at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm – and a vintage fair on the square from 10am to 5pm.

Visitors will also have a chance to share their views on £1.4m development plans for Winckley Square throughout the weekend, by visiting the consultation point on Cross Street.

Tim Joel, events manager at Preston Council, said: “There is a real public desire to maintain the spirit of Preston Guild and Winckley Weekend takes a mix of Guild activities and themes and incorporates them into this weekend of festivities. Winckley Square, Winckley Street, Guildhall Street, Cannon Street and Cross Street will be thriving and full of colour, music and people and will be alive into the evening for people to enjoy food and drinks.

“The weekend will really highlight the assets of the Winckley area and show off the potential, showcasing an eclectic mix of traders and professional services ahead of the area’s upcoming major improvements.”