Popular Mobile Event Tent to return to Preston: everything we know so far
A popular Preston arts and culture pop up event is set to return this year and below is everything we know so far.
The MET (Mobile Event Tent), a pioneering mobile arts centre, returns to Larches and Savick this summer following a highly successful 2025 programme that drew record attendances and widespread community acclaim.
What is The MET?
Commissioned and designed in partnership with In Certain Places, Preston City Council, the Preston Town Fund Board, and Research Design, The MET is an innovative octagonal, multi-use structure constructed from stretch tent fabric and modified shipping containers.
The space can be configured as:
- A 100-seat auditorium
- A 12m x 12m open event space
It is fully equipped with professional lighting, sound and projection, enabling a diverse programme of creative and cultural events.
The MET provides a platform to grow and develop cultural audiences by working closely with communities to shape the content and programming delivered at the venue.
It builds on events and activities already active within the community, presenting them in a new setting to reach broader audiences, while also identifying the experiences people want to see and bringing these to The MET.
The MET programme celebrates the richness of the community in which it is located, bringing together diverse groups in shared celebration. The diverse programme and offer showcases the best of Preston.
Now in its seventh iteration, The MET is designed to increase access to culture across diverse communities, particularly in areas on the periphery of the city. Its mobility allows it to bring high-quality arts programming directly into neighbourhoods that may otherwise have limited cultural provision.
When will it return?
The official launch will take place on Friday, July 17 with the public programme running from Saturday, 18 July through to Saturday, 15 August 2026 at St Bernard’s Larches and Savick Community Hub.
What can we expect this year?
Last year, The MET was open for 26 days, hosting 42 events. Attendance increased significantly from just under 1,000 the previous year to 1,753 visitors, demonstrating strong community engagement and demand.
The commubity-led 2026 programme aims to build on that momentum, with plans to deliver at least 45 events over the month-long residency.
Following last year’s success, The MET returns to the car park of St Bernard’s Larches and Savick Community Hub.
The 2026 programme has been co-produced with the local community, with a strong emphasis on activities for young people and families - a need identified directly by residents.
The full programme will be announced in advance of the July opening.
A dedicated community facilitator, Emma Caffrey, has been appointed to lead local co-production. Emma is a founding member of St Bernard’s Larches and Savick Community Hub and has played a central role in shaping this year’s programme.
What has been said about the return of MET?
Emma Caffrey, Community Coordinator at MET said: “We’re coming back with The MET. Last year was so good and so many people enjoyed it and came out to attend events. I was asked to do the programme again, and I got so much out of delivering it to the public that I said yes.
“I’m currently working on the programme to make it bigger and better than last year. We had 42 events last year and this year I want to reach at least 45 events. It’s going to be fun-packed and a busy programme, but I’m sure I’ll do Larches and Preston proud of The MET in its final year in Larches. Most events will be free and open access, with some ticketed activities.”
Charles Quick, Co Curator In Certain Places said: "In Certain Places recognises the important part that that culture can play in creating community cohesion, developing an identity and raising aspirations especially within communities on the periphery of our cities.”
“We are building on last year’s successful approach of working in partnership with our community coordinator Emma Caffrey to engage the community through open focus groups to create a program that truly reflects the interests and talent of the communities of the Larches and Savick".
Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member of Culture and Arts at Preston City Council added: “The MET is a powerful example of how culture can be embedded directly within our communities. By bringing high-quality creative activity into Larches and Savick, we are increasing access to opportunity, supporting young people and families, and strengthening pride in place.
The growth in attendance last year demonstrates the real appetite for locally rooted cultural programming. We are proud to continue supporting The MET in partnership with In Certain Places and the local community.”