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Creatives begin to colonise the People’s Production Lab in Preston

Posted on - 17th June, 2018 - 7:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Arts, Preston City Centre, Preston News, What's On in Preston
Taking on virtual reality within the People's Production Lab
Taking on virtual reality within the People’s Production Lab

What was a boy’s school in the heart of Preston is becoming slowly transformed into a future beating creative heart of the city.

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The People’s Production Lab is nestled down Guildhall Street (just beyond what used to be Tiggis) and was taken on by They Eat Culture at the start of this year.

Creative director Ruth Heritage said they had been encouraged by the response so far from the city’s creative community.

She said: “This is obviously a big challenge to take on a space like this, but we think there’s so much potential in Preston for people to come and use this space and put it into action.

“From woodwork to DJ sets there’s been a great mix so far and I’d really like to appeal to anyone who has that spark of an idea to try something different to come and see us.”

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Touring round the building there’s VR headsets in one room, full studios in another and an emerging events space linked up to the courtyard at the back of the building behind it.

The courtyard area at the production lab Pic: Blog Preston
The courtyard area at the production lab Pic: Blog Preston

Ruth said: “Now we’re going into the summer then we’re confirming details for the full programme of events and we hope to have those released soon.

“Preston needs a space like this. If you look at say Islington Mill in Manchester or Baltic Creative in Liverpool there’s no reason why this can’t become something along those lines.

“But it’s not just us, it is for the people of the city – so I hope they can grasp it and come and make use of what is a building that has plenty of space for whatever your idea may be.”

Read more: Preston’s arts culture recognised in latest Northern guide

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People's Production Lab sign
People’s Production Lab sign

The building has been given to the group by Conlon Construction and Ruth said one of their most important jobs was to ensure its future.

She said: “It’s fantastic but we also need to keep an eye on what happens in a year.

“We’re working to set up a vehicle that can take the building and the idea forward and own it.”

Forthcoming events at the People’s Production Lab are due to be a vegan fair, the rescheduled Manchester Print Fair (but in Preston) along with dozens of other events.

Read more: Here’s what on at Preston’s Flag Market for summer 2018

What’s up next?

The next event at the venue is thunderous fuzz with Pill Fangs.

Playing garage rock originals from their LP PF1 they are one of the freshest guitar groups around.

Gig is on Saturday (23 June) and it’s doors from 7pm, £5 in advance from Skiddle or £6.50 on the door.

How you can get involved

Anyone can propose an event, or use of space within the building, or just take a look around.

Email the team on ppl@theyeatculture.org for further details and how to get involved.

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