Inside the new Preston Market

Preston’s new market is to be formally opened in a civic ceremony this Saturday.

Trading since Monday 12 February the market is to see the ribbon cut by dignitaries.

The latest day of entertainment has also been confirmed for the Saturday (10 March).

Advertisements

Leader of Preston City Council councillor Peter Rankin said: “I am delighted to be officially opening our fantastic new Market Hall. After pioneering the scheme and being heavily involved in the project for many years I am very proud to be leading the celebrations along with the Mayor on this momentous day.

“The market has been very busy over the last four weeks and I hope to see this success continue. I am glad to see the magnificent canopy structure is now being used to the capacity its heritage deserves.”

Read more: When demolition work is due to begin on the old Preston Market

The market opening will take place from 11am with the ribbon cutting and official civic ceremony at 12noon.

Mayor of Preston councillor Brian Rollo will be joining councillor Rankin for the celebrations.

He said: “This is an important day for Preston and the New Market Hall. I am proud to be involved in the civic opening and hope to see lots of the public there to celebrate with us.

“The traders should be very proud of what they have achieved alongside the council. We have held a market since we were granted our Charter in 1179. The traders are now ready to begin their new chapter and I look forward to seeing the market grow and develop over the coming years.

“It’s the best example of innovation – fantastic traders from the old market alongside a great range of new traders, making it one of the most attractive in the region.”

Read more: How Preston Market is looking through Instagram eyes

Entertainment planned on the day

For the past few Saturdays there’s been Bollywood dancing, Morris dancing and choir singing.

Lion dancers, in traditional Chinese dress, will prance around the markets.

Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam performs and so does Dani Gallagher a female Preston vocalist who specialises in vintage vibes.

This is when each act is on:
11am-11.30am – Lion dancers
12pm-12.15pm – Speeches and ribbon cutting
12.30pm-1pm – Lion dancers
1pm-1.30pm – Mike Dignam
1.30pm-2pm – Dani Gallagher
2pm-2.30pm- Mike Dignam
2.30pm-3pm – Dani Gallagher