Good afternoon everyone,

A few updates for you about what's been happening with the petition about the future of a venue in the city.

We're closing in on 3,000 signatures, which is fantastic. So please do keep sharing it through Facebook, WhatsApp, email, carrier pigeon, whatever your method of communication of choice is.

A second MP has given their backing to the campaign, Maya Ellis who is the MP for the Ribble Valley (but that's not Preston, I hear you cry!) has written to Lisa Nandy and formally endorsed the petition in her letter. Maya's constituency covers a big swathe of the northern part of the city and also loops round into Bamber Bridge etc in South Ribble too - plus the rural hinterland and Longridge. 

She writes: "A proper events venue is at the core of what Preston needs to enable growth and prosperity. The Preston Guild Hall site holds fond memories for countless residents of Lancashire. Providing a new venue would have a knock-on effect on surrounding businesses, from restaurants and bars to hotels and retail outlets, which would all benefit from the increase in visitors to the area. I back the petition that has been started by local media outlet Blog Preston and urge you to explore any support the government offer to help Preston regain a major venue."

We will see what response Maya gets from the Minister. We checked this morning and Sir Mark Hendrick, who was quick out the blocks to rattle off his own letter to Lisa Nandy, has yet to receive a response.

Curiously both Preston Partnership and Preston Business Improvement District have both received a rather curious response from DCMS, which essentially says 'nothing to do with us'. Which is odd, given the recent announcements made about the Crucible and other cultural venues across the country. We'll see what response the MPs get.

Our petition has also seen support from Arts Lancashire, who represent more than 1,000 creative and arts groups, organisations and individuals across the county. 

Director of the arts lobby group, Alex O'Toole' writes of how Preston has 'become consigned to the cultural margins' due to the lack of a major venue in the shape of the Guild Hall since 2019.

Thanks to both Maya and Alex for putting their support behind the petition.

And we'll also highlight an upcoming event from the Preston Historical Society, who on Monday 13 April have a rather aptly timed talk called That's Entertainment: The rise and fall of Preston's Guild Hall. Michael Akers takes you through the history of the venue. It's taking place at the Central Methodist Church in Lune Street from 7.15pm. You need to book a ticket, it's free to PHS members and a fiver for anyone else.

We'll keep you updated as the petition progresses, thanks again for signing and supporting and keep sharing - and let us know any updates we should feature.

Ed, Kate, Luke and all at Team BP