7 pictures as hundreds queue at new Popeyes fried chicken Preston store

Popeyes opened its Louisiana-style fried chicken doors to its first Lancashire restaurant this morning with fans queuing for over 16 hours to get a taste of the world-famous New Orleans fried chicken.

The launch of the new restaurant, located at 17 Fishergate, included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, exclusive merch giveaways and a live performance from Mardi Gras style band The Brass Funkeys.

It marks the first Popeyes restaurant in Lancashire, following the continued success of its previous openings across Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

Take a look around.