Mayor Phil Crowe issues light-hearted social media plea, warning of a notorious animated villain ahead of the grand opening of Preston’s new Animate complex this Friday.
The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe, has taken to social media in an amusing video, calling for the public’s help in tracking down a “criminal mastermind” who is wreaking havoc across the city. The announcement is part of a playful promotional campaign ahead of the highly anticipated opening of the multi-million-pound Animate complex this Thursday, the 20th of February with the official ceremony at 3pm.
In the video, Mayor Crowe, who serves as Preston’s 696th Mayor, warns residents that a mysterious villain has been spotted leading a gang of mischievous gnomes, causing chaos in local cafés by swapping sugar for salt. Holding up a silhouette diagram, the mayor hints at the identity of the culprit – none other than Feathers McGraw, the infamous penguin from the much-loved Wallace and Gromit series.
Feathers McGraw, the silent yet cunning antagonist from The Wrong Trousers, is a creation of Nick Park CBE, the Preston-born, Oscar-winning filmmaker and honorary Freeman of the city. The mayor jokingly suggests that the villain could be plotting to sabotage the grand opening of Animate.
The fun-filled video is part of the excitement building around the official launch of the ARC Cinema, which will be inaugurated by Nick Park on Thursday 20th February at 3pm. Park, who has won multiple Academy Awards for his work in animation, will join the mayor and other special guests to unveil a brand-new piece of artwork celebrating Preston’s rich film and television heritage. The artwork is expected to complement the popular Wallace and Gromit bench, which already welcomes visitors at the entrance of Preston’s market.
The Animate complex is set to transform leisure and entertainment in Preston, with the ARC Cinema as its centrepiece. The site has already welcomed its first tenant, Argento Lounge, and will soon see the opening of several well-known brands, including Taco Bell, Hollywood Bowl, ASK Italian, and Cosmo, an all-you-can-eat buffet set to open later this spring.
With Preston’s newest landmark preparing for its grand debut, the mayor’s video has added a dose of humour to the countdown, playfully reminding residents to be on the lookout for Feathers McGraw—just in case the notorious penguin does decide to strike again.
Central Radio's Dave Salmon will be bringing his show live from the new venue this Friday. Central Radio's More Music Workday will broadcast this Friday (21st February) from 11am. You can read more about this here: https://www.central.radio/news/preston-leyland-and-chorley-news/central-radio-live-from-arc-cinema
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