New home for live events opens within Preston's Guild Hall

Live music, comedy and family-friendly entertainment will return to Preston's Guild Hall with the launch of a new venue.

Preston City Council has opened The Guild Lounge, formerly the Guild Hall Foyer in The Guild Hall. This revitalised venue, which will seat 350, aims to fill the void left by The Guild Hall's closure while enhancing the local entertainment scene with a diverse events programme running from October 2024 through March 2025.

Making the change from a bar space to a studio theatre, The Guild Lounge will host a variety of events, including live music performances from well-known artists, classical music concerts, fringe theatre productions, a regular comedy club, family-friendly entertainment, festive shows, community performances, and unique one-off events. 

The venue will be managed in-house by the Preston City Council’s Cultural Team who have created the programme with input from theatre professionals, ensuring a blend of high-quality performances and a platform for local talent.  

Coun Martyn Rawlinson, cabinet member for resources and deputy leader of Preston City Council, said: "The opening of The Guild Lounge is a momentous occasion for Preston. This venue not only breathes new life into our city's entertainment offer but also provides a space for local artists and performers.  

“We are committed to supporting the arts and listening to the needs of the community, and The Guild Lounge is a testament to that dedication. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this exciting new chapter for Preston."   

Preston City Council's efforts to open this venue reflect a broader strategy to revitalise The Guild Hall and its surrounding areas and is actively working with community partners to explore the use of additional spaces in The Guild Hall to create a shared storage and activity centre.