Last night hundreds of Prestonians braved the rain in the city centre for the mayor's torchlight Thank You Parade and fireworks, designed as a tribute to key workers and a celebration of the city's community spirit.
Huddled under umbrellas, or cosied up in rain coats, Preston locals were still keen to show their pride in their city...
. Early spectators
Pictured left to right: Chris King, Keeley Steele, Niamh King and Daniel Harrison. Keeley: "It’ll just be fun, it’s something nice to do. What about you Niamh, we’ve come to see the fireworks haven’t we?" Niamh: "Yes and watch my school!" Keeley: "Her schools dancing on the bus station, so yeah it's a nice thing to do, and even in the rain, you’ve still got people coming out!"
5. A family of key workers
Pictured left to right: Lucy, Kathryn, Phil and Vicky Baines. Vicky said: "It’s the first torch light profession for how many years in Preston and it’s a worthwhile thing isn’t? We’re all key workers, we’ve worked right the way through the pandemic so why not come? We’re all from Preston and this parade certainly makes us proud to be."
6. Pat and Margaret
One Preston local, Pat Nagel, who came to see the parade with friend Margaret Maxwell, said: "Weve come to thank the key workers and I think its a really good idea. I know the weather's not good but we really wanted to come and support it. This sort of event makes you proud to be fromPreston, I think we should do more, for a city were lacking events but lets hope that kicks off now!"
7. Recognition for key workers
Melissa Kenny (right) said its important that the event is dedicated to key workers "so that they get recognition, and we can celebrate them keeping Preston going during lockdown."