The Old Post Office is transformed for two days during the event

Preston’s historic Old Post Office is to be converted once more into an emporium of British design.

Best of Britannia North has announced it will return to the city in March.

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Designers, fashion brands and textile makers take over the building for two days.

Preston-based performance clothing brand True Mountain are already signed up and The Thomas-Coles, a furniture and furnishings firm from Chorley are also due to be exhibiting.

Rory Thomas-Coles said: “Best of Britannia North was the first big event for The Thomas-Coles, and it was a great success for us – we sold out on each of the three days! We also had multiple enquiries from stockists, all of whom we continue to do business with to this day.

“We’re very much looking forward to exhibiting at BOB North again this year, as it’s a great platform to build relationships with other makers as well as stockists. We’re proud of our Lancashire heritage, and it’s wonderful to be part of an event that showcases Lancashire talent across such a wide field of creative industries.”

True Mountain sell outdoor clothing and are based in Chorley

The event is supported by Lancashire fashion designer Wayne Hemingway MBE.

He said: “As a born and bred Lancastrian, I was delighted to have opened the inaugural BOB North in 2015. The quality of the produce on show was wonderful and it is great that the event is returning to Preston to continue to provide a focus for celebrating the creative and manufacturing force of the region.”

Related: Old Post Office to be marketed as culture and leisure venue

Executive member for culture and leisure services, councillor Veronica Afrin, said: “We are very pleased to have Best of Britannia back with us this year and look forward to seeing what is on offer for 2016. This is a great opportunity for Preston, not only to welcome manufacturers and buyers from across Britain into the city, but also to have access to a range of British-made products

“In particular, this is a great chance for local talent to be showcased. 2015’s exhibition list included UCLan graduates and Preston-based artisans, who we hope will be joining us again with their fantastic wares.”

Related: Pictures from Best of Britannia North when it came to Preston in 2015

The event is run in conjunction with Marketing Lancashire who say it is an important two days to help put Preston the business and cultural map.

Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: “The North of England is renowned for innovation and creativity in manufacture. As the renaissance of the Northern Powerhouse continues, we are in a good position to showcase the talent and skills that run through our DNA and the platform offered by Best of Britannia, helps significantly boost our national profile.

“We need the whole of the North to support our creative businesses, to encourage involvement in BOB North and most importantly to buy the outstanding quality products that are produced locally.”

Tickets for the BOB North weekend, which runs on Saturday 12 March and Sunday 13 March, are £4 in advance via the BOB North website. Each ticket includes a craft beer or cocktail, and is subject to a £1 booking fee.

How do I get a stall at BOBNorth?

Any flood-hit businesses in the North can apply for a free stall.

Will you be going along to the event? Did you go last year? Let us know in the comments below