A grand day out for one and all as Nick Park cuts the ribbon to reopen the Harris

The much-anticipated reopening of Preston's iconic Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library was marked by a joyful ceremony with Nick Park.

- by Kate Rosindale

Nick Park speaks before the reopening of The Harris Museum. Photos: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

(Kelvin Lister-Stuttard)

The Oscar-winning creator of Wallace & Gromit, and one of the city's most beloved sons, addressed the large crowd who had gathered on the Flag Market on Sunday.

Nick said: “As a boy growing up in Preston, The Harris was always a focal point and a source of knowledge, history, heritage, art and inspiration for me.

“I never dreamt in a million years that I'd be stood here today and that my work and the work of Aardman Animations would be the subject of an exhibition here at The Harris. I'm very proud to be part of what is a jewel in the north of England.”

The ceremony also featured the Mayor of Preston, Coun Sue Whittam, who officially declared the building open after a countdown and a burst of celebratory pyrotechnics.

The reopening saw generations of Prestonians gathered alongside visitors from as far afield as Australia.