miss b loves.............. a week of celebrations

Earlier this month, we enjoyed a week of celebrations in my home town, Preston in the North of England. There really was something for everyone ...a different event every day....from colourful processions, live music (including Katherine Jenkins and José Carreras) to artistic hairdressing and fireworks... but it only happens once every twenty years!

The phrase 'Once every Preston Guild' is often used (especially in this part of England) to mean very rarely. Preston was granted the right to hold a Guild Merchant** by King Henry II in 1179.

So ...a few photos of the highlights of our special festival....

The week began with the Trades Procession and my favourite was definitely the giant armchair with Alice in Wonderland from Plumbs, a family business which makes furniture covers.

St George's Shopping Centre's giant 
trolley

and there was even a reminder about the next Preston Guild.....

The Church Procession was especially colourful...........

and the Community Procession reflected a multi-cultural city......

Thousands lined the streets for the final Torchlight Procession and one of my favourites was Baby Beat, a local charity...

There was a Vintage Guild Weekend with various stalls......

and Preston College fashion students had made amazing dresses inspired by designs from the past....from wallpaper!..........

Many events were held outdoors in the park and one of the highlights of the week for me was watching the artistic hairdressing displays by Osadia, a Spanish touring company, who create wonderful hair sculptures on volunteers from the audience (but I wasn't brave enough!!!)

A hairdresser at work

They were happy to pose for photos.....

Toy cars

Dinosaurs

A bird creation

The park looked stunning with gorgeous floral displays including this one created to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee...a crown sitting on a cushion of flowers in the form of the Union Flag....

The grand finale was a fantastic firework display to the sound of rhythmic drumbeats....... and that's about it for another twenty years..... 

**The Guild was an organisation of traders, craftsmen and merchants and only Guild members could trade in the town. Every twenty years membership was updated until 1790 when there was freedom of trade. Later, the Guilds became festivals for all citizens not just the tradespeople. 

The Preston Guild is the only one still celebrated in the UK and many Prestonians from around the world return to join in the fun with family and friends.