Preston Gymnastic and Athletic Club held their first sports at Swillbrook fields on 13th August 1881and there was an entry of 300. Unfortunately it rained throughout the meeting, but this did not deter around 3,000 people from attending. The two miles bicycle race was ‘one of the best contested races of the day' and was won by AS Berry of Leyland, who also came second in the one mile handicap. The Preston Bicycle Club held a handicap race for members at the meeting. The 5th Dragoon Guards held a mounted competition for "cutting the Turk's head".
This is the only recorded sports meeting at Swillbrook field, Strawberry Gardens Inn ceased to operate after about 1930. The site is now Freshwood Social Club's bowling green.