I have been wracking my brains all week trying to decide on which of my Preston memories to share with you on my final week as Miss Stand-In blogger!

So many places in Preston bring back special memories, but seeing as this year we celebrate Preston Guild I thought I would share with you why the ‘Guild’ Hall will always be extra special to me. So for anyone who doesn’t know what it is here’s the official line: Located in the centre of Preston, the Guild Hall and Charter Theatre  offer a range of events throughout the year – from the latest chart-topping bands and high-profile stage productions, to conferences and sporting events. 

Ok as you can tell from the photo the building isn’t very attractive, looks pretty old and could do with a decent lick of paint, but I’ll never forget how excited I’d be as a child to pull up outside on Christmas Eve, every year ready to go and see the Panto with my Nan, younger brother and sister! My Mum would drop us all off outside (then make a mad dash home to wrap presents in the 3 hour time slot we were out of her hair). We’d then all run straight for the ‘weigh in’ shop for our sugar rush fix to stop us begging for overpriced ice cream at interval time. We’d then head up the escalators into the Theatre ready to join in the “he’s behind you” usual Panto banter! Every year we’d follow this same routine and for us this is when our Christmas really began!

Our Nan sadly passed away over 10 years ago now and since she passed I continued the tradition taking my younger brother and sister on Christmas Eve (before they became too cool for Panto) and for the past 4 years have taken my friend’s children along to share the excitement! … Secretly it’s me who never wants to miss out and needs an excuse. A Christmas just wouldn’t feel the same, even at 27!

Strange how a building like this can bring back such special memories of very special people!

Top right: The Guild Hall building

Top left: Widow Twanky from a Guild Hall pantomime

Bottom left: One of my best friend’s little girls on stage at the pantomime in 2011

Bottom right: The 2011 Christmas pantomime team