Lancaster is all set to Rewind to 1972 in a celebration of city life half-a-century ago.
Lancaster Rewind looks back over the past 50 years and more in the city centre showcasing the buildings, businesses and music which contributes to making Lancaster look so special.
During a period of national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the event organisers spoke with project partners and carefully checked the relevant Government guidance before deciding to go ahead with the event.
Lancaster Rewind Festival: 1972 launches on Thursday September 15 with the opening of an exhibition in Lancaster City Museum in Market Square.
The exhibition takes a look back at photos of the city taken for a special edition of the Architects Journal 50 years ago and compares them to how the city is today.
A booklet and video have been produced to accompany the exhibition showcasing businesses which have been trading in the city for 50 years or more and hearing from some of the people connected to them.
This photo shows the Wesley Methodist Church in Lancaster in 1972. Image by kind permission of RIBA Digital Photographic Collection www.ribapix.com
“Our booklet showcases the rich heritage of our city with over 50 businesses which have been trading for over 50 years or more," said Tony Johnson, manager of festival organisers Lancaster BID (Business Improvement District).
"The selection includes a cross section of everything the city has to offer including independents, well-known High Street chains providing a wide range of goods and services. Lancastrians should be proud of the rich diversity of long established businesses in the city and show their support by shopping local.”
The exhibition will be available to view during museum opening times until Wednesday September 28.
If you miss it there, there will be as second chance to view at the North Lancs Expo taking place at Lancaster and Morecambe College on Friday September 30.
Lancaster Rewind continues over the weekend with guided walks on both Saturday and Sunday exploring the fabric of the city and discovering some of the oldest businesses.
Saturday evening sees a 1970s evening at The Pub with a talk from Barry Lucas, who founded the ‘Ear ‘Ere Records record shop in the city centre in 1972.
Barry, who was also entertainments manager at Lancaster University in 1972, will talk about the origins of the shop and also some of the world famous acts he brought to the university Great Hall that year, in conversation with Beyond Radio's Greg Lambert.
There will also be a 1972 quiz hosted by Kriss Foster and with an evening of 1970s music with DJ Dandy Von Diamond.
Doors open at 6.45pm for a 7pm start in the upstairs function room at The Pub on China Street. Tickets can be booked here.
On Sunday September 18, the Melodrome stage will host a packed programme of nostalgic music and dance from the 1970s between 11am and 5.30pm in Market Square.
Tribute acts will cover everything from 70s classics to glam rock in a kaleidoscopic celebration of the era.
Retro entertainment for all including arcade games, candy floss, stilt walkers and fairground games will transport visitors to the colourful bygone time.
The event on Sunday will finish well before the national 8pm minute silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Lancaster Rewind has been made possible by National Lottery players through the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Rewind Exhibition has also received funding from RIBA and has had permission to use images from their Photo Archive.