Preston People: PTown Collective

We do a regular series on our social media called #PrestonPeople where we feature a local person, group, or business.

For this edition, we had a chat with Gaby from PTown Collective, a community group for under-35s to connect through local activities, music, art, food, and culture.

Read on to learn more about Gaby and what PTown Collective are trying to achieve in our city.

Society1: Tell us a bit about you and what you do:

GI: Hi, I’m Gaby, founder of Ptown Collective — a community group for under-35s to connect through local activities, music, art, food, and culture. Every month, we put on three events: one focused on getting active, one social, and one giving back to the community. It’s all about bringing local people together, having a laugh, and creating something good.

In my day job, I work in mental health with Lancashire Mind, so I see every day how important connection is for feeling okay. I wanted to create a space where people can show up, have fun, and do something that makes them feel good — without taking it all too seriously.

Society1: What is your favourite thing about Preston?

GI: Preston’s the epicentre of everything. You’re 40 minutes from the Lakes, Liverpool, and Manchester—it’s all right on our doorstep. The city’s going through a big glow-up, finding itself and its culture again, and it’s exciting to see.

But honestly, it’s the people that make it. No matter where I go (when I do venture out of the north west), I always end up meeting someone from Preston — and they’re always a legend. We’re down-to-earth, love a laugh, and know how to have a good time. There’s loads going on here without even leaving the city, but if you fancy heading out, nothing’s too far, and you can be back in no time.

Society1: Why does Preston need a community like PTown Collective? What are you hoping to achieve?

GI: Ptown Collective is all about bringing men, women, everyone together. In my mid-20s, I’ve been lucky to meet some incredible people because I put myself out there. I had my partner by my side, but not everyone has someone to go with or mates up for trying new things. It’s a funny age—some people are working away, some have moved out of the city, or are starting a family.

That’s why we exist—to create a space where people can show up, connect, and have a great time. Not everything needs to revolve around getting smashed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not there myself, but I’m always up for finding fun stuff to do without the hangover. And let’s be honest—getting out, moving your body, and being part of something bigger just makes you feel good. Doing something for your community feels even better.

Preston’s already buzzing with music, art, food, and events, and I’m buzzing to shout about it.

Why should we have to go to Manchester or Liverpool when it’s all happening right here? Imagine if we could bottle that energy, turn it up, and keep it local. Ptown Collective is about amplifying what’s already great— creating community, and having a proper good time, right in the heart of the city.

Society1: What is your “go-to” local business in Preston?

GI: Im never too far from Friargate strip! For a pint, it’s got to be Chain House. When it comes to food, Jaffa never misses. For a daytime social, Chews Yard is it, followed by a stop at The Ferret for good tunes, good people, and a cracking atmosphere. And for the Sunday ritual, it’s usually a Holy Grounds, strolling down Avenham Park and along Tram Road.