Preston’s Town Hall will be opening up as part of a Heritage Open weekend.

Residents can take a look around the seat of power in the city and there will be guided tours by history experts throughout the day.

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The open day on Saturday 14 September starts at 10am and tours of the Hall are at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm.

Mayor of Preston Councillor Veronica Afrin, said: “I feel privileged to be able to show off the wonderful historical treasures to the people of Preston. I am very proud and lucky to be mayor of such a historical city.

“The current Town Hall, previously known as the municipal building is a wonderful space with many stories to tell. We are asking for people who have old pictures of the current Town Hall, either being built or as it stands from its early years, to loan them so they can be added to the display. The pictures I have seen so far are amazing.

“As well as the Town Hall, Preston’s proud and valuable civic heritage will be on display – from the gold mayoral chains to ceremonial swords and silver mace presented to Preston in the 1700’s.”

The current Town Hall was built in 1933 as an annex to the original but became the Town Hall proper in 1947.

Three previous town halls have stood in the city. The first was built in 1780 but collapsed, a second in 1782 was then then demolished in 1862.

The third Town Hall was built between 1862-1867 and designed by George Gilbert Scott.

Remains of Preston Town Hall. 1957

It stood where Crystal House now is but was destroyed by a fire.

The Town Hall open day is free to attend but booking in advance is required to register a place.

Contact the Visitor Information Centre at tourism@preston.gov.uk or call 01772 253731 to register for a ticket.

Preston City Council is also seeking pictures of the Town Hall being built or in its very early years to be displayed at the Open Day.

Please send any pictures you have, marked for the attention of Adrian Philips, to:

Town Hall
Lancaster Road
Preston
PR1 2RL

Or call 01772 906230.

Will you be attending? Do you have any memories or stories about the Town Hall? Let us know in the comments below