Preston Village, with its centerpieces of Preston Manor and St Peter’s church, is an ancient settlement; its importance dates from before Domesday. Although the village has now been swallowed up by the city of Brighton and Hove, it still retains its own strong identity.

We’d like to celebrate Preston by a holding a free event that can be enjoyed by all the family. Here’s what’s on:

Preston Manor, open from 10 to 5pm (last entry, 4.15pm) at half price, that’s £3 for adults, free for children. There’ll be free taster tours offered during the day.

St Peter’s church, from 1pm to 4pm. Teas and cakes for sale; a chance to ring the bells; brass-rubbing available as well as guided tours of the history of Preston Village – starting at 1.30pm and 3pm. 

St Peter’s churchyard, from around 11am. Self-guided tours of some of the fascinating graves, hosted by the churchyard volunteers who’ll be there to answer questions about the churchyard, its graves and its wildlife.

Walled Garden, from 11 to 4pm. Ploughman’s lunches, savouries and cakes for sale, plants available, and the volunteers on hand to answer any plant/gardening questions, or about their work in the garden. And Phil Els will be showing off his bees and many hives in the kitchen garden.

Friends of Preston Park, from 11 to 4pm. A picnic-in-the-park, just east of the Chalet cafe; the council will be unveiling their suggestions for Preston Park’s future in their Conservation Management Plan; there’ll be a bouncy castle and slide; BBQ; games for adults and children and a chance to try stoolball.

Croquet Club, from around 11am on the Manor lawns. There’ll be a chance for anyone to try croquet and to have a tour of the club. We’d love to see you there!