A legend of Preston’s music scene has joined our call for the city to have a major entertainment venue again.
Gordon Gibson, owner of Action Records, says the city has ‘always punched above its weight’ when it comes to live music.
The Church Street stalwart says he has been greatly encouraged by the momentum since our petition launched which urges the Secretary of State to lend her support towards resolving the future of the Guild Hall and getting Preston back on the live entertainment map.
More than 2,300 people have now signed the petition less than two weeks after launching.
Gordon told Blog Preston: “Preston has always punched above its weight when it comes to live music, and venues like Preston Guild Hall have been absolutely central to that. It’s not just about the gigs themselves, it’s about the atmosphere they create in the city, the energy and custom on the streets before and after a show, and the boost that brings to independent businesses like ours.
“At Action Records, we’ve seen first-hand how live music drives footfall and keeps the city centre vibrant. When you’ve got a thriving venue and music scene, you’ve got people coming in early, browsing shops, grabbing food, discovering new music, it all feeds into a healthy cultural ecosystem.
“It’s been really encouraging to see the momentum build again, particularly off the back of the Blog Preston petition which helped get people talking and showed just how much the venue means to the community. Seeing the city come together through the BID to push things forward is exactly what’s needed.
“Whether it’s reopening the Guild Hall or delivering a new, fit-for-purpose space, Preston needs a major live music venue. Without it, you lose a huge part of what makes a city feel alive. With it, you create opportunities, inspire the next generation of musicians, and give people a reason to come into town and stay.”
Our petition began when Preston City Council said there would be a further 12-months until a decision was made over the future of the Guild Hall, which has been closed since 2019, and is going to come with a hefty price tag for either repair or rebuilding.
The petition has seen the backing of the city’s MP Sir Mark Hendrick, council leader Matthew Brown, business lobby group Preston Partnership, live music entrepreneurs Preston DJ Social, social club for retirees Preston Probus Club and Preston’s Business Improvement District who represent city centre businesses like Gordon’s.
Preston BID have also written their own letter to Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, outlining the missed opportunity in the city by not having a major venue.
A spokesperson for BID said: “We’re proud to be working alongside the Council and partners across the city to bring the future of the Guild Hall into sharp focus. This is a vital civic asset with huge potential, and its absence continues to be felt across Preston’s economic, cultural and social scenes. The strength of feeling is clearly demonstrated by the significant backing that the Blog Preston petition has received from stakeholders, and most importantly, the people of Preston.
“There is a real opportunity to reimagine a Guild Hall type offer as a vibrant, inclusive space that supports events, creativity, and community activity, while contributing to the wider regeneration and appeal of the city centre. By working collaboratively, we can ensure that the facility’s future reflects the needs and ambitions of the city today, and in the future.
“We’re also fortunate to have an independent media voice that is deeply rooted in city life, one that not only tells Preston’s story, but actively champions campaigns that seek to improve the city and strengthen its offer for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
We’ve also begun trying to document who played and when at the Guild Hall since it opened in the 1970s with readers helping to piece together the venue’s musical and culture heritage.
Sign the petition on change.org and if you’ve already signed, keep sharing it too.
Support Blog Preston: Keep our community reporting going and view the website without any adverts too. Sign up for a membership today.
Stay updated: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox. Help us report too, by contacting us if you see something we should be reporting on.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
