Leyland Festival organisers have announced that this year’s festival will be free for all attendees.

Back after a two-year break, the festival team will waive the usual £3 advance or £5 on-the-day ticket cost in celebration of the festival’s return, the significance of the weekend, and honouring its ‘Great British’ theme.

Taking place on Thursday 2nd June, the festival falls on the first of two additional bank holidays to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and by working closely with South Ribble Borough Council, sees the festival event precede Friday’s Music in the Park.

With excitement levels set to be off the charts, thanks to the national celebrations and the return of the biggest event on the town’s calendar, organisers say this year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever – with an expected attendance of 15,000 people.

Martin Carlin, chairman of Leyland Festival, said: “We want absolutely everybody to have the opportunity to really enjoy this weekend. Historically, the festival has always been a major event for the town, and this year its significance is huge.

“Our sense of community over the last two years has really been put to the test as we have isolated and endured lockdowns for months at a time. The people of Leyland, Lancashire and beyond have shown themselves to be compassionate, dedicated, resilient and, most of all, unfailingly community-minded. The festival will be our chance to finally come together in support and celebration of each other, in a big way. We want it to be as accessible as it possibly can be.

“What’s more, the tone has been set by the Queen. With extra bank holidays gifted to the country, it’s only right that we make sure that everyone who wants to take part in our Great British bonanza can do so.”

This year’s Great British festival theme promises to be fun for all the family. It will begin with the energy and colour of the parade. This tradition has been part of the event for more than 130 years and is renowned for its costume design, talent and enthusiasm.

Worden Park’s treasured green space will feature live music performances. There will also be a myriad of children’s entertainment, an exceptional artisan food and drinks market, including Pimms and prosecco vendors, as well as the opportunity to grab afternoon tea. More traders than ever before will attend the 2022 event, adding to the scale and variety of the festival.

Leyland Festival 2022 will also see the launch of Worden Motor Village. Forming a major spectacle in the parade, vehicle enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire the latest supercars by Lamborghini and Ferrari, hot hatches and modifications, together with an array of beautiful vintage and classic vehicles from The British Commercial Vehicle Museum.