Preston Guild Hall


Preston Guild Hall is an entertainment venue in Preston, Lancashire, England.

History

The Guild Hall was built to replace the town's Public Hall, intended to be ready for the Preston Guild of 1972, but construction was delayed and it officially opened in 1973.
The complex has two performance venues, the Grand Hall which holds 2,034 people and the Charter Theatre which holds 780 people. There is direct pedestrian access, via footbridge, from the adjacent Preston bus station and car park. Artists that have performed at the venue include Martha Argerich, Morrissey, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, The Jackson 5, Thin Lizzy, Busted and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel among others. It also hosted the UK Snooker Championship for the years 1978–1997.
Until July 2014, it was owned by Preston City Council, who were considering its demolition due to its high running costs. It was then sold to local businessman Simon Rigby, who promised to spend £1m to renovate the venue. In June 2019, Rigby placed the Guild Hall into administration. Preston City Council subsequently reclaimed possession of the building, citing the 'unacceptable behaviour' of Rigby.