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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29. Preston in 1969
The Palladium Cinema, Church Street, Preston. Opened in 1915, closed in 1968. The first film shown was The Man Who Stayed at Home starring Chrissie White. The building was eventually bought by Preston Council in 1968 so that it could be demolished in order to make way for a service road to the new Guild Hall. The building stood opposite the east end of the Parish Church. Demolished c.1969 Photo: PDA
31. Preston in 1969
Adrian pictured with his mum and younger sister Shan in Preston in 1969 Photo: submit
32. Preston in 1969
Birthday party in 1969 at the Top Rank club in Preston from the Vin Sumner collection Photo: n/a