The Harris has joined forces with Preston Markets and students from The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to curate this 'Harris in the City' exhibition which showcases a sample of ballads originally printed and published in the 1800s by Preston printer, John Harkness, and will include a live singing performance. All of the ballads have been digitised by Lancashire Archives and catalogued by Harris volunteers as part of the wider Harkness project that partners The Harris, UCLan and Lancashire Archives. This catalogue will be made available online soon as a research tool for anyone with an interest in local history.

This exhibition forms part of The Harris outreach programme, creating opportunities for the public to enjoy The Harris' diverse collections whilst the building undergoes extensive refurbishment. This opportunity to return the songs to the streets has been curated by second year UCLan history and international students who are doing a Community History module, where students work with industry partners such as curators from The Harris, to develop live projects and gain real-world experience.

The module builds on the UCLan History team's long-standing commitment to working with local and regional groups and organisations interested in exploring the past. The Harkness ballads will be available to view from Tuesday 2 May 2023 at the Earl Street entrance to Preston Market Hall from 8am until 5pm Monday to Saturday, until mid-July. There will be a live performance of a selection of ballads by singer Jennifer Reid, within the Market Hall from 2pm on Saturday 10 June.