The town was alive with activity, as the textile industry, once the backbone of Preston’s economy, was beginning to decline, making way for new industries and opportunities. The streets buzzed with local markets, and traditional shops lined the high street, offering everything from fresh produce to the latest fashions of the swinging sixties.
Preston North End Football Club remained a point of pride for locals, with Deepdale Stadium serving as a hub for sports fans. The city’s transport network was evolving, with new roads and bus routes, making travel more accessible for residents.
Culturally, 1969 saw Preston embracing the excitement of the era with music, cinema, and the arts flourishing in venues like the Public Hall and Odeon Cinema.
As Preston transitioned from its industrial roots, a sense of community remained strong. Families gathered in local parks, and events like the Preston Guild still held significant meaning. It was a time of progress and nostalgia, a blend of the old and new.
Let's take a trip down memory lane with this retro collection of archive images from Preston in 1969.
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5. Preston in 1969
General manager Mr R S Smith (centre, white shirt) was presenting Duke of Edinburgh silver awards. Amateur football goalkeeper Derek Lilley can also be seen, behind Mr Smith. 1969 Photo: submit (Wilf Riley)
6. Preston in 1969
Preston Dock Feb 24th 1969 Steam crane number 6 loading wood pulp on the south side of the dock. This crane had a lattice type jib and was manufactured by Thomas Smith of Rodley near Leeds. Richard Taylor Collection and Preston Digital Archive Photo: Preston Digital Archive
7. Preston in 1969
Today we revisit Preston’s Mobile Library in 1969. Why not tell us if you have any nostalgic memories associated with the mobile library? Picture comes courtesy of Preston Digital Archive. Photo: Preston Digital Archive
