Preston invited to help shape lasting Guild 20232 legacy

Community groups, organisations, businesses and local partners are being invited to share ideas for projects that could create a meaningful and lasting legacy for Preston Guild 2032.

In six years’ time, Preston will come together for its biggest celebration as the Guild returns in 2032. Held once every 20 years, Preston Guild is a unique celebration of the city’s communities, culture, heritage, arts and creativity.

The origin of The Guild dates to 1179 when King Henry II granted Preston the right to have a Guild Merchant, giving the town exclusive trading privileges. In 1562, ordinance fixed the official start date to the Monday immediately following the feast of the Decollation (beheading) of St John the Baptist. Since then, the Guild has been settled into a it settled into a regular once-every-20-years pattern to cover roughly one generation.

Although the Guild may still feel some way off, preparations are already under way. A Guild Committee has been established to guide the lead-up to 2032, and one of the first stages is to hear from local people and organisations about community-led legacy projects.

This expression of interest is an opportunity to tell the Council about an idea, explain how it could involve and benefit local people, and outline what support may be needed to bring it to life.

Ideas of all sizes are welcome and could focus on areas such as; community participation and bringing people together; culture, heritage, arts and creativity, celebrating Preston’s identity through arts and culture, making use of our Parks and open spaces and creating a legacy for the 2032 Guild.

Councillor Anna Hindle, cabinet member for Arts and Culture, chair of the Guild Committee said: “Whether your idea is large or small, we want to hear from you. This is an exciting opportunity to bring people together, celebrate what makes Preston special and create something that will benefit our communities long after the Guild celebrations have ended.”

The information received will help the Council understand the range of ideas being developed across Preston and inform future planning discussion. This is not a grant application form, and submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee funding or participation.

Community groups, organisations, businesses and local partners can share their ideas by completing the Guild 2032 expression of interest form on the Preston City Council website, providing as much information as possible about their proposed project, its potential benefits, community involvement, delivery timescales and any support required.