Preston MET celebrates 1,200 vistors at halfway point as it reveals a big switch-up for next year

The MET, Britain's only large-scale mobile arts centre, has reached the halfway point of its 2026 programme in Larches and Savick – with 1,238 people attending events in the first two weeks alone.

Funded and managed by Preston City Council, The MET, based at St Bernard's Community Hub, has spent the last fortnight bringing free and affordable theatre, live music, workshops, family activities and wellbeing sessions directly to the community, as part of a four-week programme running until August 15.

The team behind the MET say its strong turnout so far reflects the diverse programme put together by Emma Caffrey, Community Coordinator and local resident and the wider MET team.

Over the past two weeks, residents have turned out in force for a day celebrating Polish culture and traditions, a Veteran’s Café, and the One Voice Community Choir Soul Food Festival which encouraged residents to attend the concert with a donation for local food banks rather than buying a ticket.

Emma Caffrey said: "Reaching over 1,200 visitors at the halfway point shows just how much this community has embraced The MET again this year, and with 2 weeks still to come, there's plenty more to look forward to.

“The increased footfall has also helped create a stronger, more welcoming community presence in the area, and feedback shared on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents praising the activities, organisation and difference The MET has made.”

With two weeks of the programme still ahead, there is plenty more for residents to look forward to, including a Men’s Wellness Day, an afternoon focussing on neurodiverse afternoon of music, using sounds to support calmness and sensory processing and the return of the hugely popular Bollywood Night which last year brought together hundreds of members of different faiths from the community for a night of fun and dancing.

The second year of The MET has built on the success of its inaugural year in the Preston location, with many participants from last year returning and encouraging friends and family to attend – growth through word-of-mouth that reflects the positive experiences and lasting relationships the project has fostered.

Looking ahead, The MET says it will build on this success by moving to another area of Preston, where it will be based for the next two years before relocating to a further community – part of a wider approach to embed positive community engagement, improve local environments and extend the benefits of the programme to more residents across the city.

Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see The MET back in Larches for a second season and already making such a positive impact. Reaching 1,238 visitors at the halfway point is a brilliant achievement and shows just how much local people value having high-quality arts and cultural experiences right on their doorstep.

"The success of The MET demonstrates the power of bringing culture directly into our communities. It's creating opportunities for people of all ages to come together, try something new and take part in a diverse programme of events. With plenty more performances, workshops and activities still to come, I'd encourage everyone to take a look at what's on and be part of what has become a real highlight of Preston's cultural calendar."

Full details of the remaining programme and tickets for bookable events are available at www.visitpreston.com/The-Met.