Name: Mobile Event Tent (MET)
Start: 2023-09-01
End: 2023-10-08
Location: University Square

The Mobile Event Tent (MET) is on University Square from Friday 1 September until Sunday 8 October 2023. The programme will include a range of public events.

Throughout September and early October a range of events will take place in the MET on University Square. You can find the events programme below, make sure you come back regularly as new events may be added.

There will also be a range of events for our Students, please see the Student Hub and Students' Union website for more information.

What is the MET?

The MET is a mobile arts centre which brings a mixture of culture, community, and celebration to the heart of Preston. The MET is a versatile space which is all about innovation, designed to ignite creativity, foster connections, and empower diverse communities to embrace the arts in all their magnificent forms. There are lots of different events to be held in the MET, such as craft fairs, dance performances, live music, creative workshops, comedy shows and more.

The contemporary structure of The MET has been designed and developed in Preston, it is a fully accessible space which has been developed in partnership with architect Charlie MacKeith of Research Design, and Professor Charles Quick of In Certain Places, UCLan. The space is made up from specially adapted shipping containers, along with a state-of-the-art 'stretch tent' fabric cover. The result is a multi-use and creative space, able to accommodate up to 100 people seated or up to 200 standing (dependant on layout). There is tiered seating for around 80 people, plus chairs.

The MET has been designed by architect Charlie MacKeith of Research Design. Artist Jenny Steele has woven artwork together to encapsulate the rich, diverse culture of Preston. You can find her vibrant designs around the interior walls of the MET tent. Her inspiration for the designs comes from the cultural heritage of Preston’s communities.

September

Welcome To The Man Cave!

Time: 5.00pm - 9.00pm BST

Come and join us to raise awareness and challenge the stigma of men accessing support. Drop in for some food, a chat and have a game of pool or FIFA with some like-minded blokes.

This is a drop in event, no pre-booking required.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

Squirrel Walnutkins Saves the Planet

Time: First session -11.00am BST

Second session - 1.30pm BST

Entry fee: £1

Join us on an adventure, to stop the last tree in Evergreen Wood from being cut down, an adventure to find a new home, to make new friends and most of all, to Save the Planet!

Click here to book your space for the 11:00am event.

Click here to book your space for the 1:30pm event.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

The Preston Pledge Through The Ages

Time: 6.00pm - 7.00pm BST

Preston is famous for the ‘teetotal’ pledge to avoid all alcohol which was signed here in 1832, by one of the founders of UCLan, Joseph Livesey.

After a short introduction to pledges and how they’ve changed in nearly two centuries, you can design your own, using some examples from our collection in UCLan archives. What do you want to happen by 2032, and what will you promise to do by then?

Click here to book your free place.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact AMcallister1@uclan.ac.uk

YouCOUNT National Workshop

Time: 4.30pm - 7.30pm BST

On behalf of the Centre for Citizenship and Community and the UK team for YouCount, we have the pleasure of inviting you to an exciting national research workshop to share the findings and key messages from a citizen social science project on social inclusion and young people.

YouCount, is hands-on Youth Citizen Social Science project looking at a pressing challenge: How to increase social inclusion for young people by bringing together young people and relevant stakeholders to co-create new knowledge and innovations.

Click here to book your free space now.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

The Sound Of Musicals

Time: Doors open at 7.30pm. Performance from 8.00pm - 9.00pm BST

Entry fee: £4

Create Theatre are a local theatre company ran by industry professionals. They invite you to a magical evening of Musical Theatre. Showcasing the best of Preston’s talent performing your favourite songs from London's West End!

This truly memorable evening includes numbers from a variety of the worlds biggest musicals from Wicked to SIX, Hamilton to Les Misérables & many more!

To book your space please click here.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

World Health Qigong Day 2023 Celebration

Time: 1.00pm - 2.00pm

Entry fee: Free

Join a FREE Wellbeing event led by our Double International Silver Medallist, Ms. Feixia Yu. It's a Qigong workshop of low to medium intensity, combining gentle stretches with deep breathing. This event is suitable for all levels of fitness and will be held at UCLan in the heart of the city.

Book now.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

Creative Crafts

Time: 1.00pm - 3.00pm BST

Whether your interested in card making or crochet, or you want to develop your sewing machine skills - this is the session for you.

Join Joey as she helps you unlock your creative talents. All materials are provided but you are welcome to bring your own sewing machine. Age 12+

This is a free drop in event. No pre-booking required.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

Making Yourself At Home In A New Place

Time: 6.00pm - 7.00pm BST

In this interactive lecture and workshop you will have the opportunity to look at new evidence from prehistoric Lancashire and Cumbria, thinking about how people made and used pottery, clothing and food in prehistory.

The session will include an opportunity to have a go at prehistoric pottery making so please come prepared to get a little bit messy.

Click here to book your free space.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact RPeterson@uclan.ac.uk

Lancashire Encounter

Encounter Festival is an authentic voice for Lancashire and the North West, celebrating the breadth of the County's diverse cultural offer with high quality and high profile arts.

The Lighter Jams - The Lighter Jams are quickly becoming one of the North West's most in demand acoustic duo. An off-shoot from popular Manchester Reggae band Jeramiah Ferrari. Click here to find out more.

Dance Workshop with Dance Syndrome! - All Dance Syndrome sessions are disability led, with people with learning disabilities taking visible Dance Leader roles to inspire people to see what can be achieved when we all become more inclusive. Click here for more information on the event.

Jazz Swing Dance Workshop - Get ready to swing into action and join us for a Jazz Swing Dance workshop! Follow this link to find out more.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

International Welcome Drop-In

Time: 11am to 3pm

Entry Fee: Free

This event is for UCLan students only.

We are welcoming all our new international students with stalls in the mobile event tent with all the important things to know about being a UCLan student and about living in Preston.

It’s a quieter event than our other Drop In's in fresher’s week which means you will be able to talk to union staff about the different areas of the union you can get involved with and ask plenty of questions.

Find out more.

After the Flags and Bands

Time: Doors open at 7.30pm. Performance begins at 8.00pm.

Entry fee: £4

Preston Drama Club presents...After the Flags and Bands... a one act play that follows the stories of four women between 1914 and 1918.

This is a very moving piece of theatre that we are sure you will enjoy.

To book your place please click here.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

Usual Suspects

Time: 1.00pm - 5.00pm BST

Usual Suspects are a UK-based music group known for their dynamic blend of rap, hip hop, r&b and garage. With a sound that's both edgy and soulful, this group has been making waves in the underground music scene.

Their lyrics are raw and honest, and their beats are infectious. If you're looking for music that's fresh, authentic, and unapologetic, then Usual Suspects is the group for you.

To book your free place please click here.

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

Time Out Creative Space

Time: 12pm to 2pm

Entry Fee: Free

This event is for UCLan students only.

Take time out from the hustle and bustle of Welcome, meet new people and get creative.

Silent Disco

Time: 7pm to 10pm

Entry Fee: £3

This event is for UCLan students only.

With three different channels on light-up LED headphones, there’s no more suffering through your new housemate’s dodgy music tastes!

Switch it up throughout the night to find some party classics, student favourites or find a new genre to get your teeth into.

The beauty of a silent disco is that if you want to get to know your fellow freshers, just take off your headphones! No more shouting over blaring speakers and waking up with no voice or ringing in your ears. The power is in your hands.

Booking is Essential - Book here.

Time Out Creative Space

Time: 12pm to 2pm

Entry Fee: Free

This event is for UCLan students only.

Take time out from the hustle and bustle of Welcome, meet new people and get creative.

Comedy Night

Time: 7pm to 10pm

Entry Fee: £5

This event is for UCLan students only.

We will be showcasing some great comedy acts for you to enjoy in the fantastic mobile event tent on the university square. Come on down and have a great night of laughter and meet some fellow comedy fans.

Booking is essential - Book here.

Time Out Creative Space

Time: 12pm to 2pm

Entry Fee: Free

This event is for UCLan students only.

Take time out from the hustle and bustle of Welcome, meet new people and get creative.

Edible Cinema

Time: 7pm to 10pm

Entry Fee: £5

This event is for UCLan students only.

Everyone loves a movie night! But you have never been to a movie night like this! Join us for a sweet treat screening of Shrek.

You will be given a selection of sweets to eat at certain times of the film to really get involved with the plot.

Perfect for a night out with your course mates or come along by yourself and chill out by losing yourself in the magic of Hollywood with a sweet twist.

Booking is essential - Book here.

Time Out Creative Space

Time: 12pm to 2pm

Entry Fee: Free

This event is for UCLan students only.

Take time out from the hustle and bustle of Welcome, meet new people and get creative.

Singalong Cinema -The Greatest Showman

Time: 7pm to 10pm

Entry Fee: £3

This event is for UCLan students only.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience where you become the star of the show! It's time to belt out your favourite tunes and immerse yourself in the magic of the movies like never before!

Booking is essential - book here.

October

WINDFest of Music, Art and Culture

Time: 1.00pm - 10.00pm BST

WINDFest is bringing the Windrush Caribbean cultures together under one roof. Poets, singers, street artists and homegrown artists from Preston Community. If you have the talents we want you to show it to Preston, with a carnival vibe with a African Feel.

You can find the booking link here

If you have any queries regarding the event please contact events@uclan.ac.uk

Diverse, Inclusive, Creative Event

Date: 4 October: 10.00am - 10.00pm BST

5 October 10.00am - 10.00pm BST

Join us on the 4 and 5 October as The School of Arts & Media emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging innovative thinking and boundary-pushing across creative programs.

The event features Fashion, Fine Art, Media, Filmmaking, Acting, Music, Photography and Publishing, fostering an informative and entertaining atmosphere.

This is a free drop - in event. No booking required.

If you have any queries about the above events please contact dknight1@uclan.ac.uk

Tell my story

Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm BST

To celebrate Preston community members whose first language is not English, to tell their stories, and provide a platform to share their experiences and opinions.

By amplifying migrant voices, we want to celebrate their commitment, ambitions and achievements and show how the university connects with its local community.

This is a drop in event, no pre-booking required.

Please contact LWalker6@uclan.ac.uk if you have any queries regarding the event.

Dance Scratch Night

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm BST

The dance scratch night is an evening of performances and sharing of practice by local dance artists. Join us for a versatile evening of dance.

You will be invited to share your thoughts on the performances to support the artists in their development, there is no pressure to participate.

Please click here to book your space. Pre-booking is not essential, walk up is allowed.

If you have any questions regarding the event please contact anehrlich2@uclan.ac.uk

Accessibility

The MET is accessed via a ramp. Please contact the event organiser if you require specific event accessibility information. You can find an email address for the event organiser at the bottom of each event listing.

Next steps

Preston Campus
A thriving international community of over 38,000 students and staff call Preston home. The campus is right at the heart of the city, just minutes away from its vibrant shopping centre, attractions and nightlife.
With fantastic transport links, visiting our Preston Campus is a simple and stress-free experience. Here are some directions to help you find us.
Events at UCLan and beyond
We host a wide variety of events open to the public. These include performances & exhibitions, alumni, sport & outdoor events, public lectures, festivals & more.

Your saved courses

Mobile Event Tent (MET)

What is the MET?

September

October

Accessibility

Next steps

Preston Campus

Getting to Preston Campus

Events at UCLan and beyond