Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month

This summer, head down to Fishergate Shopping Centre to see the inspiring ‘Free to be Me’ dress that has been embroidered, embellished and painted by 25 women from Sahara in Preston’s Coffee Afternoon Group. Admire the dress throughout South Asian Heritage Month from the 18th July – 17th August.

Sahara is a voluntary organisation that works predominantly for the benefit of black and minority ethnic (BME) women in Preston. They provide free help, support, and opportunities for women to learn and progress in life. Harris staff and volunteers have been delivering creative sessions at Sahara since Winter 2023, getting together to chat, make art and improve wellbeing.

Made from 25 pieces of silk and corduroy and worked on by 25 women, this dress will be a beautiful example of community and how individuals can be stronger together. Colourful decorations explore themes of culture, identity, faith, family, hobbies and nature.

Fishergate Shopping Centre opening times are:

Monday and Tuesday 9am – 5pm

Wednesday to Saturday 9am – 6pm

Sunday 11am – 5pm

Harris Your Place

Harris Your Place is a £16 million project set to restore and reimagine the Harris for 21st-century audiences as a cultural learning space. The aim of this project is to protect the building and the architecture for future generations whilst enhancing accessibility options and positioning the Harris as a community hub for Preston and Lancashire.

The capital project is more than simply preserving this much-loved building; Harris wants to ensure that it remains a vibrant heart of the community. A place where people want to spend their time.