Although many people had already visited the newly branded Storey Creative Industries Centre as part of a staggered opening, Saturday was a chance to enjoy all its elements at once.

The official opening had been carried out on the Friday by Adrian Mills, head of business and planning for Children's BBC and a former student of St Martin's College, Lancaster.

He will be responsible for moving Children's BBC – including Blue Peter – from London to its new MediaCity home in Salford and the Storey is hoping to build links between Lancaster and the BBC's new Northern base.

Visitors to the open day had a chance to learn about the Storey's plans during presentations by manager, Neil Simpson. Among the attractions were the new exhibition in the gallery, free tastings in the NICE cafe bar and restaurant and an evening gig.

The Storey is also home to a new Visitor Information Centre, LitFest, auditorium, lecture theatre, workshops and offices for many creative industries.

The original Storey Institute was built in 1891 as a gift from industrialist Sir Thomas Storey.

The building work, which began in October 2007, was funded by Lancaster City Council, the European Union, the Arts Council and North West Regional Development Agency.