Preston Guild 2012 will mark 833 years since King Henry initially granted a ‘Guild Merchant’ to Preston and it will be the 23rd Guild since the decree to hold a celebration every 20 years was made in 1542.
2012 will be an incredibly exciting time for the city of Preston as it celebrates the historic traditions of Preston Guild for the first time this millennium and for the first time since being granted city status by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2002. As such we are already working hard to realise our ambitions of working together to produce a Preston Guild that we can be proud of for the next 20 years and beyond. This is a wonderful and unique opportunity to showcase Preston’s hidden gems and raise the profile of the city regionally, nationally and internationally. An opportunity not only to create and celebrate, but also to educate the world about Preston in the 21st century.
A comprehensive programme of creative, innovative and inspiring events is being drawn up in association with community groups, partners and sponsors from Preston and across the North West. This will include celebrations of the arts, sports, faith, diversity, youth and Preston past and Preston future. Traditional civic elements will of course be retained but perhaps with a 21st century twist!
There will be many and varied ways for you to keep informed about and contribute to Preston Guild 2012 through consultations, media, a dedicated Guild 2012 website, Facebook and Twitter.
More information will be available in the near future. In the meantime any enquiries can be directed to the Guild 2012 team .