Mel Close

Delighted and humbled to be chosen again as Leader of Preston Labour Group last night. I remain as hungry as when I started in 2018 to deliver change in my city and tackle long standing inequalities. We have a very exciting year ahead of us as we move toward new unitary authorities and we will use every day to make #Preston a fairer place. I want to thank @martynrolly for his service to our Labour Council as Deputy Leader for the last 5 years who is stepping back a little to spend more time with his family, especially. Martyn has been the architect of substantial social progress in #Preston and has been responsible for ending austerity at Preston City Council and will be working closely on our new cost of living package amongst many other things. Our new Council Deputy we will propose at Annual Council will be @valeriewise100 who is a former Leader of Preston City Council and has a mass of experience going back to the days of the Greater London Council back in the 1980's. Valerie will be working alongside myself and the entire Labour team to deepen our transformative local agenda.

The most Preston of weddings? ⚽Watched PNE at Deepdale 🍽️ Food at Fino Tapas at Plau 💒 Married at Bow Lane registry office 💃Rave on at the Weekender on the Flag Market Massive congratulations to Dave and Mary on tying the knot 👏 @PRWeekender blogpreston.co.uk/2026/05/presto…

Preston Weekender Delivers City Boost! Preston cemented its growing reputation as a destination for live events, following the resounding success of this year’s Preston Weekender, organised by Preston BID and Preston City Council. Drawing visitors from across the country, and beyond, the event transformed the city into a vibrant hub of music, culture, and entertainment. Hotels across the city were at capacity throughout the weekend, with many bars, restaurants, and venues, noting a surge in trade. For Saturday’s Cream gig, 43% of ticket holders came from Lancashire, with the event drawing in 57% of attendees from across the north west, the wider UK, and even Europe, with some guests flying in from Malta, Poland and Greece! Dance music icon Paul Oakenfold headlined alongside hit maker Joel Corry, who said: “It was an awesome night, I absolutely loved playing the gig”. Paul and Joel were very ably supported by Preston favourites, Brian Hudson and Jason Marx, and Cream's 'Kola'. Sunday’s gig was offered as a free event, for families across the city and beyond, featuring performances from the renowned Bjorn Again, and master magician & Britain’s Got Talent champ, Harry Moulding. Across the Weekender city centre footfall was up year on year, by 23%, also boosted by additional activity like the PNE home game, Canopy of Colour and pay weekend. Weekender attendees spent time enjoying Preston’s offer before and after the events, with the daytime gatherings and late-night headline shows showcasing Preston at its very best, welcoming and energetic. Cat Fin, owner of Preston’s renowned ‘Pintxos’, said: “The Preston Weekender shows that people can and will come into the city to spend money. “Operationally we change our vibe for the weekend, and this one was a huge success, not only for the city, but as an independent venue we had people visiting from across Lancashire for pre-event food and post-event drinks. “I grew up on Ibiza Cream Classics, so my father and I had a lovely little rave upstairs where we could see the headliners from our seat, because his knees aren't what they used to be!" Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the upgrade of the Saturday event, the programming, and the atmosphere across the city. Many visitors went on to highlight Preston’s accessibility, and the warm welcome from local businesses and residents. The Weekender attracted major artists and leading brands, further underlining Preston’s growing reputation on the events stage. High profile performances and branded activations helped elevate the event, bringing additional visibility and credibility to proud Preston. Mark Whittle from Preston BID, said: “This year’s Preston Weekender exceeded expectations. Seeing people travel from all over the UK to experience what the city has to offer is a huge bonus. The support from residents, visitors, local businesses, artists, and brand partners has been incredible. “With the backing of business, the wider city and the Council, we hope that in the not too distant future, that the Preston Weekender becomes an even bigger event; one that’s widely recognised and that brings even more people in to our great city.” Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive of Preston City Council said: “The 2026 edition of The Preston Weekender has been a powerful demonstration of what our city can achieve. The scale of attendance, an uplift in footfall, and the clear economic impact for local businesses, underline the importance of events like this to Preston’s continued growth. “We are incredibly proud of what has been delivered and excited about the opportunity to build on this success in the years ahead.” Local stakeholders echoed the sentiment, pointing to the economic and cultural impact of the event. With hotels brimming, venues seeing an uptick, and increased city centre footfall, the Weekender has delivered a measurable boost for Preston. Lauren Taylor, of Walker & Williams Aparthotels, said: “We saw a fantastic boost in trade during the Preston Weekender; with our No.10 boutique apartments booked out across the entire event. “The atmosphere across the city was incredible, with a real buzz that could be felt by visitors and businesses alike. Events like this not only drive strong occupancy and footfall, but also shine a spotlight on Preston as a vibrant, welcoming destination with much to offer. “The Weekender is a brilliant showcase of the city’s culture, hospitality and community spirit, and it plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and the wider visitor economy. “We’d love to see more events of this scale and ambition in the future, continuing to celebrate and highlight our brilliant city while attracting even more people to experience everything Preston has to offer.” As the event’s reputation continues to build, plans are already underway to grow the Weekender even further, with more city engagement, bigger audiences, and more renowned artists, in the years ahead.

Spent lunchtime today in Town Hall thanking some of the lovely @prestoncouncil staff who have helped and supported me over the last 4 years that I’ve been a ward councillor & #Armedforceschampion If you have council staff followers please RT as I didn’t get to thank them all. ❤️

The Deepdale Public Space Protection Order currently out for consultation, the signs up around Deepdale please response to the consultation. I have put the link in. (plungington and Deepdale PSPO to tackle anti-social behaviour-PrestonCC.

@prestoncouncil are looking to identify the group or individuals who have been managing the Fulwood Row Orchard. If you’ve been involved or know who has been caring for them, please get in touch with the council. @prestonlabour

Been a privilege to help achieve your success @AmberAfzal53 and huge thank you to all who voted for @AmberAfzal53 see you on the doors and thank you for all the conversations along the way @prestonlabour

To the residents of DEEPDALE. “I am truly honoured and humbled to be re-elected as a councillor for Deepdale Ward” Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me. Whether you voted for me or not I promise to work hard for every resident in the ward. #Preston Labour🌺

My last civic engagement as a Councillor today - ‘Mayors Sunday Outgoing Service & Thanksgiving.’ Cllr Sue Whittam has been a wonderful (697th) Mayor of Preston & it was a pleasure to attend today #StGeorgesChurch with @Closie01 Another great job by our standard bearers too ❤️

We had a wonderful time #Royalgardenparty #buckinghampalace on Friday with #Princeandprincessofwales #DukeandDuchessofEdinburgh & #LadyZaraTindall An amazing experience and definitely one for the memory books. @Closie01 #Blessed

So sad for Jonathan he has worked tirelessly in Ribbleton for 40 years to be replaced by a Reform candidate who couldn’t even be bothered to turn up and no one has seen him in the Ward. It’s soul destroying 🥲 @prestonlabour

A sad farewell to Mel Close and Pav Akhtar from Preston Labour group. We thank them for their contribution to the cause and we know they will continue to champion their communities in various roles 🌹👏

This has been the toughest set of elections @prestonlabour has faced for decades and out of the 8 seats we defended we held half. All brilliant Labour women🌹. So gutted for comrades we lost caught up in forces outside their control which is no reflection on their hard work, talent and dedication. We remain the largest party by far with 22 seats out of 48 and I am confident our administration will continue with the radical zeal we are known for.

Gutted for the lovely residents of Brookfield and local veterans. 😞

@CllrMelClose @Closie01 @AvantiWestCoast Richly deserved, have the best time! 🍾

@CllrMelClose @Closie01 Hi Mel, have a great time and great journey. - Pete

On way to London with @Closie01 for the #Royalgardenparty Travelling with @AvantiWestCoast great journey so far with a fabulous crew !! ❤️

VE Day. Today marks 81 years since Churchill announced the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945. We remember all of those who fought for our freedoms & those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to our serving personnel, veterans and their families ❤️ #VEDay

Been out all day taking the fight to Reform UK in #Preston. Only Labour can stop Reform here and continue our progressive agenda. Polling stations open to 10pm🌹.

Great to have Maya Ellis MP & @MatthewBrownLab Labour colleagues & local residents join me in Brookfield this afternoon. 🌹❤️