The decade saw the continued growth of the local economy, with the textile industry still playing a crucial role, though beginning to face challenges from global competition. The town’s skyline was evolving, with modern architecture gradually blending with its historic buildings, marking a shift towards urban development.
Preston’s bustling market, a staple of the community, continued to be a central hub where locals gathered for fresh produce and goods. The streets were alive with the sounds of daily life, and the emergence of new shopping centres and businesses began shaping the town’s commercial landscape.
Parks like Moor Park and Avenham Park provided locals with green spaces to relax, while the River Ribble remained a key focal point for outdoor activities.
Culturally, the early 1970s in Preston saw a rise in local music and entertainment, with youth embracing the new styles and sounds of the decade. Preston North End football club, meanwhile, remained a source of local pride, continuing to draw crowds to Deepdale.
These pictures will have you saying ‘I can’t believe it, so explore the vibrant and dynamic spirit of this era with our retro picture collection of archive images from Preston in the early 1970s!
21. These 3 photos are from the 1972 guild. The float was entered by the Preston & District Football League depicting football through the ages. I am going to send you a number of photos from different occasions of the league as from next season we have changed our name after over a hundred years. Hope you find the time and space to print them in retro as I am forever getting calls to put more photos in as people like to see them especially the wives or children of the players who have unfortunately died and they may have never seen the photos. Photo sent in by Frank Smith
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22. Preston's top Teds, David Sumner and Paul Howarth, who ran into a "bit of bovver" when they scooped first prize in a dance contest at the town's Top Rank ballroom, caused another upset when they went on to represent the town in the national final at Sheffield. The crowd at Sheffield was wild because they didn't win, but only came second
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24. The Edwards family likes to go to the theatre - and they don't need to go far because they have a theatre right underneath their home. The Lyndhurst Theatre, named after their house in Liverpool Road, Hutton, is in the cellar and must be one of the smallest theatres in the world. More than that, Mr and Mrs Edwards, both memebrs of the Preston Drama Club, have the convenience of their own resident company. Pictured above the group perform
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