Preston Guild celebrations begin

Preston Guild is an historic celebration dating back to 1179 It's only Guild still celebrated in the UK.

Held once every 20 years, the 2012 celebration marks the first guild since Preston was granted city status in 2002.

Today sees the first proclamation; " Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!"

The Guild Mayor, in full ceremonial robes, along with the Mayoress, the Clerk of the Guild and other civic dignitaries will take their places on the steps of the Harris Museum for the First Proclamation today at precisely 10.30am.

The first words muttered will be:

"All manner of persons here present, whether inhabitants within this Borough or Foreigners" are the first words that will be uttered to start the traditional and historic Preston Guild for 2012."

This traditional ceremony will link the Guild in 2012 with medieval Preston, when important announcements were made in public as there was no television, radio, internet or even newspapers! The proclamation states that the Guild is coming and summons all those wanting to attend.

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