Preston’s High Street Heroes honoured at Guild Lounge ceremony after huge public vote

The 2024 High Street Heroes awards evening was held at The Guild Lounge Pic: Michael Porter Photography

Preston’s High Street Heroes have been crowned at a city centre awards ceremony.

The competition, organised by Preston Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Visit Preston, saw 17 awards handed out following a public vote.

The awards aim to recognise the hard work and commitment of individuals, and leisure and retail businesses in the city centre.

The ceremony, which took place at The Guild Lounge, saw more than 200 representatives from city centre businesses join together to celebrate their continued hard work and success.

The big winners on the night were the Spud Bros who took home three awards, while Action Records scored a brace, as did the ever-popular Rise.

Hosted by Danny Bee and EastEnders legend Cheryl Fergison, the awards celebrated Preston’s vibrant lifestyle economy and nightlife.

A BID spokesperson said: “The high street can be a challenging place to do business. The finalists and winners, chosen purely by the public, have demonstrated their passion to the city, and to providing an outstanding experience to their visitors.

“The winners, and finalists, deserve the opportunity to reflect on their hard work, determination and commitment – their efforts ensure that Preston remains a great place to enjoy.

“We send our sincere congratulations to all of them and wish them continued success”.

The awards saw 110 finalists in 16 categories, with a total number of public votes reaching topping 61,000.

After the city lost one of its most treasured ambassadors – Dougie Lowe from Winedown – earlier this year, the awards honoured his memory with his son, Will Lowe, presenting the inaugural Dougie Lowe City Ambassador Award to Peter Jackson MBE of Peter Jackson The Jeweller.

The Dougie Lowe City Ambassador Award was presented for the first time at High Street Heroes 2024 Pic: Michael Porter Photography

Will said: “Dad would have loved tonight, and we would be so proud of what the business has done and Preston as a whole. He loved this city.

“It’s been an emotional few months and to come out with an award is great. I am over the moon for the city to pull together like it has for one of its own.”

Jacob Nelson from Spud Bros said: “For once, I am speechless! What a night. Two Preston lads doing it for the city. It’s been amazing.”

Spud Bros at High Street Heroes 2024 Pic: Michael Porter Photography — Spud Bros Pic: Michael Porter Photography

Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council, said: “Congratulations to all the winners at this year’s High Street Heroes Awards.

“Preston has an eclectic range of successful chains and inspirational, flourishing independent businesses and we wish them every success as our high street continues to grow from strength to strength.”

Here’s the list of winners in full.

BAR OF THE YEAR
Winedown Preston