Sumner ran the club from from 1963 to 1971, and was well known for its party nights.
Vin Sumner had been engaged as a dance band promoter for both the Public Hall and Queens Hall Preston under his own banner The Vin Sumner Entertainment Agency.
He was notable for bringing The Beatles to the Public Hall on October 26, 1962 and again on September 13, 1963.
In 1963 he became the regional manager at the new Top Rank Ballroom on Church Street, leaving in 1971 to run the new Guild Hall, where he stayed for the next 14 years.
Vin died in June 2000 and is fondly remembered as the town’s foremost entertainment impresario. You may recognise some of the people in these photos.
13. Top Rank Ballroom memories
American band leader Stan Kenton signs autographs after a performance at the Public Hall, Preston in the late 1950's. Vin Sumner stands at far left. | Vin Sumner Collection
14. Top Rank Ballroom memories
Shane Fenton (later Alvin Stardust) performing at the Top Rank Ballroom, Preston 1963 | Vin Sumner Collection
15. Top Rank Ballroom Collection
Danny Williams, Kenny Lynch and 'Miss Print' contestant winner Margaret Dunn | Vin Sumner Collection