Preston Pleasure Gardens - A particular highlight of the young peoples journey was the discovery that Preston had a 'Pleasure Gardens' in the 1800's. A small group of boys had found a photograph at the Harris Library simply entitled 'Entrance to Preston Pleasure Gardens'. Their curiosity pricked the group followed a research line that led them to a box at the Lancashire Archives which had not been opened for a long time. Inside the box were original documents including, hand written reports, accounts, plans, maps and even an original ticket. Taking inspiration directly from these documents the boys reinstated the Pleasure Gardens for one day. Staged in Brockholes Wood, the exact site of the original gardens, the performance included cages with birds, moneys and even a guerrilla all backed with live music. Over 350 people attended the event many of whom were local and had no knowledge that the pleasure gardens had even existed.
Quotes from audience - 'An amazing performance! Never knew this had even been here.' 'what a lot of fun. A great way for me and my children to learn about history'