Our final #InTheCity event of 2025 brought Preston Partnership members and guests together at the Harris Museum, newly reopened after a £19m refurbishment.

More than 80 people joined us at the event to reflect on a milestone year for the city and to look ahead to what comes next.

The Harris Museum project sits at the heart of Preston’s £200m Harris Quarter Regeneration Project. Delivery of this project was enabled through the £19m Towns Deal, secured with Preston Partnership’s backing and leadership of the Towns Deal Board.

2025 also saw the acclaimed opening of the Animate complex, home to the new Arc Cinema and a growing line-up of leading restaurants arriving in the city. Aminate is set to create more than 300 jobs and, like the Harris Museum restoration, was enabled through the Preston Partnership-led Towns Deal.

So, after a milestone year for Preston, what’s next?

Chaired by Preston Partnership Head of Business Development, Beckie Joyce, our event featured speakers including Cllr Valerie Wise (Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building Preston City Council), Carl Fraenkl-Rietti (Operations Director at The Mad Giant), and a panel with Gaby Ingham (Head of Fundraising and Communications, Vault Youth Zone) and John Bridge (Owner, Studio John Bridge Architects).

A new Economic Statement for Preston

Beckie revealed the final publication of Preston’s new Economic Statement, following Sarah Thompson (Associate Director, Metro Dynamics) presenting early findings at our July #InTheCity event.

Commissioned by Preston Partnership with support from Metro Dynamics and input from our membership, the statement sets out the opportunities than can drive investment and business growth.

Beckie highlighted key priorities in the report, including shared public and private sector leadership, an agreed approach and investment supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, maximising the opportunity presented by Preston being home to the National Cyber Force, and the creation of a new events and convention arena.

The full statement can be found here.

Preston update from Cllr Valerie Wise

Cllr Wise reaffirmed that 2025 had been a landmark year for Preston, marked by the opening of Animate and the reopening of Harris Museum. Looking ahead, she highlighted two major projects schedule for completion in 2026: the opening of Vault Youth Zone and the construction of the new £20m Old Tram Bridge, at the edge of Avenham Park.

She also pointed to the £9m+ regeneration of the Grade II-listed Amounderness House – another key part of part of the wider Harris Quarter project – as further evidence of the city’s momentum. The Amounderness House scheme will deliver 26 bespoke offices and studios alongside meeting and event space, with an anticipated opening in 2027.

Welcome to Preston, The Mad Giant

In a new feature for our #InTheCIty event, Beckie hosted our first ‘Welcome to Preston’ fireside chat. The inaugural guest was Carl Fraenkl-Rietti, Operations Director at The Mad Giant, the food hall that opened at Animate in September 2025.

Part of The Northern Lights Group, The Mad Giant has quickly built a strong following. Carl shared why Preston stood out as the right location. He said:

“It felt a city on the rise, and we’re seeing positive saturation in the Harris Quarter with the cinema and multiple restaurants increasing awareness and footfall. The reopening of the Harris has helped too.

“We’ve had confidence in Preston from day one. It’s a diverse community of students, professionals and local residents and The Mad Giant offer reflects that. Preston is evolving as a destination and people want an experience beyond a drink. We’ll be hosting live bands and musicians, which we feel will help the city’s cultural economy. Feedback so far has been extremely positive and we go into 2026 with optimism.”

The Preston glass is half full, and empty

The Preston debate focussed on what’s next for Preston. Beckie hosted a panel debate with Cllr Wise, Carl, John and Gaby.

John, founder and owner of John Bridge Studio shared his own story of building a business in the city. He said: “Being based in the city is important to me and our people. It adds a different dimension to our business and culture. We’ve been in Winckley Square, converted an old retail unit on Lune Street into an office, and now we’re on the edge of the Harris Quarter, overlooking the iconic bus station.

“There is a real buzz about being in the city, not just for our people but for visiting clients too. Having a coffee in one of the new places or trying a new restaurant helps build relationships. There are so many people in Preston that are willing to get involved and drive the city forward. Preston Partnership helps bring those people together.

Asked whether Preston is heading in the right direction, John replied: “It is but it’s not enough. Not having a modern arena for shows and events is holding us back immensely. It’s frustrating that we don’t seem to be making progress here. This has to be a priority.”

Cllr Valerie Wise added to the venue conversation. She said: “We know the city needs a venue and an event space, be that for conferences or other events, so it is a priority definitely to have one.”

Gaby underlined the importance of young people to Preston’s future. She said: “Around a quarter of Preston’s population is under 20, and this next generation will shape the city’s future.

“Vault sits right at the heart of community and regeneration. It brings together young people, local businesses, families and public services. And it will add value beyond the building itself. Throughout the week, we’ll bring hundreds of adults into the city for drop-off and collections, generating footfall for venues in the city.”

On what Preston needs to do next, Gaby added: “We need to leverage the power of our community. The Ptown Collective, another venture I am involved in, is a great example of local people coming together to create something good.

“Preston Partnership is doing a brilliant job of joining all the dots too. I’ve seen friends leave Preston for places like London and Munich but I want to stay and play my role in making Preston the best city it can be. I’m meeting so many people who share this passion.”

Carl echoed this sentiment: “We’ve been really impressed by how many active community groups there are in the city. We meet new ones all the time and ultimately it’s these people who create the buzz and visibility.”

Closing remarks

Beckie Joyce concluded: “It felt fitting to hold today’s event in the new Harris. The museum was founded by a Preston businessman, Edmund Harris, and many moons later it has been restored through a joint effort of the business community and the local authority.

“What’s come through strongly today is the community spirit driving Preston forward. The public sector can’t do everything alone and that’s where Preston Partnership and the private sector fits.

“2025 has been a pivotal year for Preston and we should be proud. But the big challenge now is how do we make every year a pivotal one for Preston?”

Preston Partnership and 2026

We’ll be revealing our 2026 event dates in January. If you would like to join the community of over 100 members working together to help Preston realise its potential, visit our join page and choose your membership package.

We’re wrapping up the year with a festive celebration, an evening of good company, relaxed conversation and a proper Christmas get-together.

This year’s Christmas Party, hosted by Preston Partnership and Cotton Court at Glovers Bar, brings together members, partners and friends of the network for a little end-of-year cheer.

Event details:

📅 Wednesday 10th December
📍 Glovers Bar, 43 Glover’s Court, Preston, PR1 3LS
⏰ 5pm – 9pm
🥂 Food and welcome drinks included

Free to attend, please RSVP via Skiddle here.

Thank you for your support throughout 2025;  let’s raise a glass and celebrate the year together.

The £9m transformation of Preston’s historic Amounderness House into modern, flexible workspace is underway with work starting on site.

Maple Grove Developments (MGD), the development arm of Preston-based Eric Wright Group, is working with Preston City Council to transform Amounderness House, built in 1857 as a police station before becoming a magistrates court.

When complete, in June 2027, the Grade-II listed property will provide high-quality flexible workspace with 26 offices and four studios plus meeting and event space operated by Preston-based bespoke office space provider Wrkspace.

The start on site involves an enabling works package which will ready the building for delivery of the main contract. The works will be carried out by Eric Wright Construction and involve the disconnection of services, asbestos removal and the opening up of the interior of the building.

Plans to transform Amounderness House were designed by FWP Architects and submitted by S&L Planning Consultants on behalf of Preston City Council.

John Chesworth, chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Board and Preston Partnership, said: “On completion, Amounderness House will provide essential state-of-the-art facilities to many of the exciting and progressive start-up and established small businesses that make Preston the commercial capital of Lancashire.”

Cllr Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building with Preston City Council, added: “The start of work on site makes our plans to breathe new life into this treasured building a reality. We believe that Amounderness House will play a major role in supporting the growth of innovative local businesses by providing them with a tailor-made city centre hub.”

Nick Hague, project director at Maple Grove Developments (MGD), explained: “With our spades in the ground, MGD is proud to be part of the team bringing forward the restoration and refurbishment of this part of Preston’s history into high quality managed workspace, complementing the wider regeneration of the Harris Quarter.

“Delivery of this managed workspace will play a key role in supporting the further economic growth of central Preston with more opportunities for up-and-coming local businesses.”

Amounderness House is one of six major projects under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, for which the City was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s Towns Fund in March 2021.

Harris Quarter is a unique area of Preston undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering, with Amounderness House located beside the recently opened £45m+ Animate cinema and leisure destination.

The project team on Amounderness House includes FWP Architects, Preston-based S&L Planning Consultants, which submitted the application on behalf of Preston City Council, Cowburn-Watson Box, SCP Transport, Eden Heritage, E3P, TRP Consulting, and Graham Schofield Associates.

Rizwan Seth, managing director of Wrkspace and Preston Partnership board member, said: “Working alongside Maple Grove Developments and Preston City Council on this landmark scheme reflects our shared commitment to transforming and revitalising city centre spaces.

“The much-anticipated addition of Amounderness House to our successful and established network of seven Wrkspace business centres across Lancashire represents an exciting opportunity to support Preston’s burgeoning corporate community with flexible, high-quality, bespoke workspace.”

Join us for Preston Partnership’s November #InTheCity event, an opportunity for members and guests to meet and help shape the future of Preston.

We’ll be meeting at the stunning Harris Museum, which has recently reopened following its £19m refurbishment.

Our events provide a unique forum for members to:

• Engage in meaningful discussion around regeneration and economic development in Preston
• Discover upcoming projects and initiatives shaping the city’s future
• Network and build relationships over coffee and croissants in an inspiring setting

Date: Thursday November 20, 2025 | 8am to 10am
Location: Harris Museum (first floor), Preston

Agenda (speaker biographies below)

• Coffees, croissants and conversations (8am)
• Welcome (8.30am) – John Chesworth, chair, Preston Partnership
• Preston regeneration update from Cllr Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building Preston City Council
• New in Preston: The first in a new Q&A series with a business leader bringing something new to Preston – Carl Fraenkl-Rietti, operations director, Mad Giant
• The Preston debate: Our guest panel discussing what’s next for Preston – panel: Cllr Wise; Carl Fraenkl-Rietti; Gaby Ingham, Vault Youth Zone; John Bridge, Studio John Bridge.
• Update from Preston Partnership
• Networking (9.50am)

Registration details

• Member tickets: Free (members have received a code via email)
• Non-member tickets: £35

Book your place via our Eventbrite page here.

Not yet a PP member? Join Preston Partnership for just £100 per year and be part of shaping the city’s future.

Become a member here.

Speaker biographies

Gaby Ingham, The Vault

Gaby is head of fundraising and communications at Vault Youth Zone, a £11.8 million space opposite Preston Bus Station, supporting young people across the city. She’s passionate about creating places where young people can grow, meet mentors, and feel part of a community. She works with local businesses, community leaders and philanthropists to build partnerships that create opportunities and strengthen the city.

John Bridge, Studio John Bridge

Studio John Bridge is an architectural practice founded in 2014 by award-winning chartered architect John Bridge. Renowned for its innovative approach, the studio blends design excellence with a strong commitment to sustainability, community impact, and modern construction methodologies.

Recent successes include securing planning permission for the regeneration of Preston’s Harris Institute, a significant step in heritage-led design, and the co-designed Foxton Youth Centre, developed in partnership with young people from Avenham.

Cllr Valerie Wise, Preston City Council

Councillor Wise is Preston City Council’s labour member for Fishwick and Frenchwood, and the council’s cabinet member for Community Wealth Building.

She was the leader of Preston City Council between 1994 and 1995 and chair of the Women’s Committee from May 1982 until 1986, the first women’s committee in UK local government.

Last week, business owners, industry leaders and entrepreneurs gathered at the University of Lancashire’s Media Factory for the third instalment of Preston Partnership’s ‘Been There, Built That’ series.

The event was an inspiring evening with proud Prestonian Stephen Turner, chairman of Group55 and Preston-based business owner Richard Dyer, co-founder of ticket booking service Skiddle.

Stephen and Rich are two of Preston’s unsung heroes. While many business leaders may not know them, the majority will have used products that Stephen’s team has manufactured or booked tickets via Skiddle.

Growing business legacies

Stephen started Group55, which manufactures household, pet care, personal care and cosmetic products with just £700 in 1999.

Over the past 25 years, he has self-funded the growth of the business and built it into a £20m enterprise that employs a workforce of over 100. From its Lancashire-based site, Group55 manufactures for global brands, helps turn celebrities into entrepreneurs, and champions sustainable British manufacturing. Its products are used by over 10 million people in more than 100 countries.

Celebrating Skiddle’s 25th anniversary in 2026, Richard Dyer is another local powerhouse – operating one of the UK’s leading event ticketing platforms from a barn in Goosnargh.

The two panellists shared stories, anecdotes and lessons learned during their careers to date with host and Preston Partnership board member, Professor Robert Binns.

Bold moves and difficult decisions

While operating in extremely different sectors, both described the twists and turns they have taken over the years – resulting in the businesses evolving out of their original plans. Over the course of the conversation, Stephen and Richard reflected on brilliant hiring choices, bold moves and difficult decisions they have made.

They gave feedback on some of the challenges they have faced, including navigating the complications and changing landscape from the pandemic.

The event gave businesses insights they could relate to, regardless of their industry or phase in their own entrepreneurial journey. Attendees left with a sense of what it has been like for two successful business leaders to have ‘been there and built that’ from the heart of Lancashire.

Beauty in simplicity

Been There, Built That: Part 3 was hosted in partnership with the Centre for SME Enterprise and Development (University of Lancashire), and sponsored by fhunded.

Rory Southworth, investment ecosystem manager, fhunded said: “Been There, Built That is a simple and effective concept and we are thrilled to be sponsoring it.

“The beauty of these events are their simplicity – we have honest conversations with people who really have been there, built something and have experience to share. The frank conversations between successful business owners provides insight, reassurance and advice to entrepreneurs who are at an earlier stage of their journey.

“Early-stage investment can play a very important role, and these events foster a great environment to connect with founders and aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Professor Robert Binns, entrepreneur and Preston Partnership Board Member said: “The beauty of these events is their simplicity – we have honest conversations with people who really have been there, built something and have experience to share.

Upcoming events

For further information on Preston Partnership’s events programme, visit www.prestonpartnership.org/news-and-events/ and follow us on LinkedIn.

Join Preston Partnership

If you would like to join the community of over 100 members working together to help Preston realise its potential, visit our join page and choose your membership package.

Membership is £100 per year or £2,000 if you want to become a strategic partner.

The Preston Living Wage Action Group is inviting likeminded organisations to celebrate Preston’s achievements as a Living Wage City.

Held at the newly refurbished Harris Museum, the event will celebrate successes to date and outline plans to increase the number of real Living Wage accredited employers in the city.

• Speakers include local accredited business leaders from Ethical Pixels and Believe Care & Support, and Sophie Little, Senior Programme Manager at the Living Wage Foundation.
• Attendees will hear from employers on the importance of committing to the Real Living Wage and how it benefits organisations and employees.

Refreshments and breakfast will be served from 8:30 am, with a Q&A session beginning at 9.00am, followed by a further opportunity for networking.

To support Preston-based SME business and voluntary organisations in Preston to accredit, Preston City Council has launched a small grants scheme to reimburse the fee charged by the Living Wage Foundation when accrediting. For more information and to check eligibility, visit our Living Wage accreditation grants scheme page.

Employers who accredit before the September 29 will be presented with their Living Wage Foundation plaque during the event – so don’t delay in taking advantage of this offer.

Businesses can register for the event here.

By John Chesworth, chair, Preston Partnership

Shaping Preston’s future

This autumn marks an important milestone for Preston Partnership.

Not only does it signal two years since we relaunched the partnership in 2023 but it also coincides with the much anticipated reopening of the Harris Museum following its £19million transformation.

The Harris project demonstrates our wider role as a partnership – to help shape Preston’s future. Back in 2019, we played a pivotal role in establishing and chairing the Towns Fund board alongside other local leaders, which successfully secured a £20.9million Town Deal.

This unlocked a transformational £200million development programme for the Harris Quarter.

Already in 2025, the benefits of Preston Partnership’s early work are visible. Animate cinema and leisure scheme opened in February, attracting international brands and creating over 300 jobs. And now, with the Harris reopening, we are seeing another chapter of this regeneration come to life. Later this year, we will also see the opening of Preston’s Vault Youth Zone, another product of the Town Deal.

Although we remain a relatively small volunteer-led organisation, our board has big ambitions. Over recent months, Preston Partnership has secured representation on the Lancashire Business Board, the city’s Empty Property Alliance, Preston’s Anchor Board and has represented Preston in relation to Lancashire’s Growth Plan, which was launched in September.

During the summer, we also conducted a survey into Local Government Reorganisaion (LGR) which resulted in a call for Preston City Council to create a new unitary authority with Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire councils. Read the story here.

Preston Partnership is not a delivery body but, working together, we can enable, lobby and represent, and the above highlights the important steps we are taking to ensure Preston has a strong voice in shaping the region’s future.

Autumn will also see us take a deeper look at Preston’s new economic plan, a strategy commissioned by the partnership in collaboration with Metro Dynamics. This will be a feature at our next #InTheCity event on November 20 (full details to be released soon).

You can have a voice too. As a founding member of the Preston Regeneration Board – which includes the University of Lancashire, Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council – we’re in a unique position to raise important questions about Preston’s regeneration and economic strategy.

If you have a question you want to ask, submit it by emailing info@prestonpartnership.co.uk.

Building an ambitious partnership

One of our core aims is to bring together an ambitious community determined to help Preston realise its potential. So far in 2025, we have helped create seven packed-out events, including our popular #InTheCity sessions, the Convention of the North gathering, and the entrepreneur-led ‘Been There, Built That’ series.

Each event has helped bring people together and create a real positive Preston vibe. Our post-event features can be found here. Our next ‘Been There, Built That’ event is on October 15. Book your place here.

While we introduced a modest £100 membership fee earlier this year, we are delighted to see new members join the partnership. These contributions support our work, enabling us to deliver events, commission research and represent Preston at the highest levels.

Telling Preston’s story

Events are only part of our work. We are equally committed to telling a positive story about Preston to audiences far and wide.

Working closely with our partners at Preston City Council, Invest Preston, University of Lancashire and Lancashire County Council, we are building a profile of a city that is ambitious, forward looking and open for business.

In recent weeks we have been part of a team that has hosted government ministers and senior civil servants, showcasing key strategic sites and ensure Preston is on the national radar.

A final word of thanks

Our next #InTheCity event is on November 20 and specific details will be released over the coming weeks.

For now, I want to express my gratitude to our volunteers, members, and strategic partners: BDP, Cassidy + Ashton, Core Network Group, Cotton Court, Eric Wright, Freshfield, Harrison Drury, Heaton Group, Hy Hotel, North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Story Homes, University of Lancashire, and Wrkspace.

Without your ongoing support, none of this would be possible. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Preston.

If you’ve got a colleague, contact or fellow Preston enthusiast who should be part of the conversation, send them our way. Joining is easy and takes just a minute. It’s only £100 per year and these contributions help support our work. Point them to the ‘Join Us’ section of our website: https://www.prestonpartnership.org/join

Leaders of Preston Partnership have thrown their support behind proposals to create a new unitary authority bringing together Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, as part of the government’s drive to streamline local government.

The call follows the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper, published in late 2024, which sets out plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across England.

The review aims to replace two-tier council structures with fewer, larger unitary authorities, each serving around 500,000 residents by April 2028. Lancashire, home to 1.5 million people across 15 councils, is one area under review.

Leaders from the 15 councils are currently weighing up options that range from two to five unitary authorities. One option under review would see Preston City Council join forces with Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire councils to form a new authority.

This proposal has been endorsed by leaders of Preston Partnership, the business-led membership body representing more than 100 businesses. In a focus group and survey, held during the summer, over 90% of 50 Preston business leaders taking part backed the move.

John Chesworth, chair of Preston Partnership, said: “While the process is undoubtedly challenging, Lancashire must see local government reorganisation as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a structure that delivers greater economic development and more wealth for our residents and their communities.

“The government had made it clear that a streamlined local government structure will unlock greater investment and devolved powers. It’s vital that we respond decisively to secure the opportunities this will bring.

“The feedback from many of Preston Partnership’s members, as well as business leaders we have spoken to across Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, is that it makes complete common sense for Preston to come together with our neighbours.

“The evidence also suggests they can work together. There is already a Central Lancashire Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) in place and over the past decade, Preston, Chorley and South Ribble have created the Central Lancashire Local plan, which has mapped out a tri-district plan until 2041. The £434million City Deal, created by Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire County Council, is estimated to boost the local economy by £1billion.

Together, along with West Lancashire’s Local Plan, these areas have supported thousands of new homes, created major employment sites and created confidence at a scale no single district could have achieved alone.

“Through LGR, we have an opportunity to create a council that represents the actual economic and social footprint of our area. There is a good working framework there already to build on. The driver behind this process must be what’s best for the people and not what is politically expedient.”

Beckie Joyce of Preston Partnership added: “There is clear appetite across Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire to work as one. From the economy and transport to education and culture, these places are already deeply connected. Bringing them together reflects the way people, businesses and communities already live and operate. It’s an obvious and natural fit.

“Lancashire needs change. Fewer, more joined-up local authorities will provide a more sustainable Lancashire local government model, open up access to greater funding opportunities and enable more coherent policy making.

“Greater Manchester has shown how local areas can work together for the greater good, while still retaining their individual identities. This region continues to outperform other UK regions. This is the path Lancashire should follow.”

Lancashire residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to have their say on the different options through a dedicated survey. To take part in the survey visit givemyview.com/lancashirelgr.

Councils have until November 28, 2025 to submit their proposals to government.

Date: October 15
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: The Media Factory, University of Lancashire, Preston

Rich Dyer and Stephen Turner have been there, done that. Their extensive experience owning and managing successful businesses that operate on national and global footprints – with HQs in Preston.

Join Preston Partnership for an informal discussion, hosted by Rob Binns, talking through their success stories and some of the challenges they have faced along the way. Take the opportunity to hear their experiences, ask questions and learn some of the valuable lessons they have picked up.

Network over light refreshments and drinks with other entrepreneurs, aspiring and established business owners.

This event is brought to you by Preston Partnership in collaboration with the University of Lancashire, sponsored by fhunded.

Space is limited so book your ticket now.

About Richard Dyer:

Richard Dyer is a British entrepreneur and co-founder of Skiddle, one of the UK’s leading event ticketing platforms. With over two decades in the live events industry, he has helped shape how fans discover and attend gigs, clubs, and festivals.

Beyond ticketing, Richard is involved in hospitality ventures including Trading Route in Manchester — a lager house and rotisserie kitchen — and Folk+Co, a co-working space in Lancaster. Balancing multiple businesses with family life, he’s known for his hands-on approach, creative ideas, and knack for spotting opportunities that bring people together through music, food, and community.

About Stephen Turner:

Encounter Festival returns to the heart of Preston on September 20, celebrating its tenth year of showcasing local voices and talent.

The festival continues to welcome nationally and internationally recognised performers, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with Preston’s diverse communities.

Taking place across key city locations, including the Flag Market, Harris Street, and Birley Street, visitors can look forward to dynamic performances, playful experiences, and moments to connect, explore, and create.

Councillor Anna Hindle, cabinet member for culture and arts, Preston City Council said: “This year’s Encounter Festival programme is packed with bold creativity, diverse voices, and powerful community-led work. We can’t wait to welcome audiences of all ages to experience Preston in full celebratory mode.”

To mark this milestone year, the festival will place a special focus on themes of wellbeing, climate action, and youth creativity. Some of the confirmed programme highlights include:

• Singing for creative health: A County of Song collaboration with Lancashire choirs around the health and well-being benefits of communal singing.
• Climate and community focus: Visit the Throne of Pledges on the Flag Market and take your place in a striking installation created with Preston’s climate action teams. Let’s Grow Preston will also be part of the festivities (12pm-4pm), championing green spaces and sustainable living.
• Rise and Lead by Wot Wud U Do CIC: A collection of inspiring games and films created by local young people about themes that matter to them.

To draw the festival to a close, the Flagship Torchlight Procession will feature a towering puppet to celebrate the legacy of football trailblazer Arthur Wharton. In collaboration with Preston North End Community and Education Trust, the puppet will be brought to life by a team of artists and community participants, serving as a moving tribute to the world’s first black professional footballer.

The commission for designing the puppet has been awarded to a talented lead artist, Sara Blackburn from Wonder Made Wild, who will make it along with assistant Puppet Makers Alex Herring and Haneefah Patel.

Sara Blackburn, creative director of Wonder Made Wild, said: “I’m honoured to be leading on the creation of the Arthur Wharton puppet and can’t wait to get started on this ambitious project!

“I’m really inspired by Arthur’s many achievements and talents and look forward to celebrating them in the build. As an artist from Preston myself, it’s also great to see the city championing local creativity and talent, and I’m thrilled to have Alex and Haneefah on board. Together we hope to do Arthur and Preston proud!”

Michael Barrett, heritage co-ordinator for Preston North End Community and Education Trust, said: “This is such a fantastic project. The story of Arthur Wharton forms a big part of our ‘Invincibles’ Heritage Project at Preston North End Community and Education Trust.

“In March 2024, we unveiled a blue plaque at Deepdale in Arthur’s honour, and the making of the puppet presents numerous opportunities to expand on the work we’ve done so far. Arthur is a hugely important figure, not just in the early history of PNE, but football as a whole.

“His role as a pioneer for black sportsmen and women leaves a legacy. We’re very proud of our connection to Arthur and delighted to be a part of this new initiative.”

A spectacular fireworks display will light up the city in a final celebration to remember.