Preston’s Guild Hall has lain empty since 2019 but is now in the process of a reopening after a long and, at times, tortuous process.
The venue shut four years ago after Preston City Council revoked the tenancy agreement it had with the late property tycoon Simon Rigby.
Now, as preparations continue apace to reopen the music and entertainment mecca, we take a look back at its varied history and pick on 11 interesting facts you may have not known about Preston Guild Hall.
5. 11 things you may have forgotten about Preston Guild Hall
Staying on the musical theme, The Smiths played an ill-fated gig at the venue in 1986. Disaster struck when lead singer Morrissey stormed of the stage just one song (The Queen Is Dead) into the set after being hit by an object, believed to be either a coin or a drumstick, thrown from the crowd. Photo: Sent in
6. 11 things you may have forgotten about Preston Guild Hall
The venue was owned by Preston City Council until 2014 when the off-loaded the hall and its adjoining theatre to local businessman Simon Rigby due to escalating running costs. Photo: Neil Cross
7. 11 things you may have forgotten about Preston Guild Hall
Famously, the local authority sold the venue to the late Mr Rigby for the princely sum of £1! Photo: Neil Cross
8. 11 things you may have forgotten about Preston Guild Hall
Preston Guild Hall holds 2,034 people and the Charter Theatre can accommodate 780 people. Photo: Donna Clifford