PARK PERFORMANCE: Grupo X

Park set to rock

Music fest in park

MORE than 5,000 people are expected to flock to Avenham Park this weekend as a free two-day music festival returns to Preston.

The Big Weekend begins on Saturday (July 24) when 14 local rock and indie bands will take to the stage for a second year of Live in the Park, which showcases some of Preston's most talented live acts.

And on Sunday, Jazzin' the Park will provide the perfect day out for all music lovers, with soul, jazz, Latin, reggae, funk, hiphop, electronic and indie bands on the bill.

Thirteen bands, DJs and artists from Preston and further afield are taking part in the eight-hour event, including Mismo, Grupo X and T & Latouche.

This is the second year the two events have run side-by-side, with Jazzin' in the Park in its fourth successful year.

Jon Turner, of Preston-based organisers Media Company, said: "We are very pleased to be able to build on the success of previous years' events.

"There was a lull in Preston's live music scene after the last Heineken Festival but the steady growth in events over the last few years is great to see.

"Preston is making a name for itself as a vibrant, energetic, new city and it's fantastic to be part of it."

The events, supported by organisations including Preston City Council, Jink Promotions, The Mill and Preston City Centre Management, take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July from 11am-7pm. An after-party takes place at The Mill, from 7pm until 2am on Saturday.