We’re renowned for our quality music and arts events here at The Continental - in our dedicated event space: THE BOATYARD.
Some are ticketed, while others are free to enter. Take a look at the listings and follow the links to buy tickets.
ACOUSTIC FLOYD are four musicians dedicated to bringing you the music of Pink Floyd from a new acoustic angle whilst maintaining Floyd's musical impact and emotional resonance.
This is a labour of love for the band and all of their performances include the Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were Here albums in their entirety plus other classic Floyd tracks.
Acoustic Floyd will be dedicating all of the profits from their performance to MIND in recognition of their incredible work to support mental health and wellbeing.
Eight sets of brand new material - all FREE from 6pm at the Conti!
Fuelled by research and the desire to develop the form, this student body have been very interested in fusing different types of music, drawing from different areas, acknowledging influence, whilst also seeking to innovate. You'll see singers and guitarists, bass players and DJs, programming and improvising. You're in for a treat!
FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH
Whether you sing, play guitar, or do stand-up or spoken word, come along and take to the stage at the friendliest and best Open Mic Night in town, with hosts Typhaine & Colin. Or simply come along and sample some of the finest under-the-radar talent Preston has to offer!
Madhouse Promotions present
IMPERIAL AGE is a Russian-British metal band based in Northampton, UK. It was originally founded in 2012 in Moscow, but when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, singers Aor and Jane Odintsova moved to the UK (endorsed as "Exceptional Talents" by Arts Council England). The other Russian members did not follow, and were replaced by British and Italian musicians.
IMPERIAL AGE commands a vast global fanbase with 3 released albums, millions of streams, millions of videos views, tens of thousands of CD sales and 6 EU/UK tours including more than 200 headliner concerts.
Get ready to dust off your boots and enjoy an unforgettable evening of country music with the incredibly talented CONNOR BANKS
Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just love a good live performance, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Gather your friends and family for a toe-tapping, hand-clapping night of fun!
ANOTHER GREAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIG BAND EVENT AT THE CONTINENTAL
Formed in 1976 by Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, this multi-award winning band aims to train and develop the musical skills of its members through the performance of big band music from the 1930s to the present day.
Spend your Sunday afternoon with this amazing Big Band on Sunday 4th May!
The award winning LAUGHIENDA COMEDY CLUB brings another huge night of comedy to Preston, headlined by the hilarious SAM AVERY! 😂
Also featuring MATT PRICE, RACHEL HOUGH & CHARLIE ASHTON hosted by The Laughięnda’s very own RYAN KENNY!
Two stalwarts of the UK indie music scene, THE AMBERSONS and BEN & THE BELIEVERS, are joining forces for a co-headline tour in 2025. Both bands bring a wealth of live performance experience, crafting shows that are dynamic, engaging, and filled with the passion that comes from years of honing their craft.
WHATEVER - OASIS TRIBUTE are Manchester's finest Oasis Tribute act, bringing you all of the Oasis classics such as Don't Look Back in Anger, Morning Glory, Champagne Supernova, Supersonic, Live Forever, Wonderwall & many more!
Formed in the Gallaghers’ home town of Manchester , Whatever - Oasis Tribute put on a banging live show using their trademark Epiphone & Gibson instruments.
You can't get any more authentic than that!
For over 30 years JOHN HEGLEY has brought a show to the Fringe with a spattering of favourites, alongside new work, to present to festival-goers. This year 'the new' involves his teaching. And learning. There are interactions – audience participation if you prefer, but it is more audience collaboration. And drawings. Quite a lot of them horses – mouths both open and closed. Myths, moths, no mathematics. Audio and visual stimulation. Entertainment. And thought provocation.
Devised for adults but not unsuitable for the odd nine-year-old.
'Awesomely mundane' The Independent.
From ENJOY THE SHOW
“Absolutely brilliant chaps!” David Coverdale
The UK's ultimate tribute to Whitesnake, featuring some of the UK's finest musicians.
With numerous festival appearances & sold out shows at venues including O2 Academy's Newcastle, Sheffield & Islington, The Globe Cardiff, Chepstow Castell Roc Festival, Wannasee Festival, Rock The Park Festival Wrexham, Tribfest, amongst many others as well as hosting the annual & extremely successful Deep Purple Family Tree Show.
“Absolutely loved them. Really good tribute band....and I don''t like many” Steve Bebee (Kerrang! / Planet Rock)
This awesome event has sadly had to be rescheduled to SAT 2ND AUGUST for reasons beyond our or the band’s control. All tickets remain valid, we hope you can join us on the new date!*
As close as it gets: NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!
The GUNS N' ROSES EXPERIENCE is a true professional International touring act that brings 80's Guns to life with a full on high-octane show as witnessed by hundreds of thousands back in the day of the classic line up.
PART OF PRESTON JAZZ & IMPROVISATION FESTIVAL
An all-star assembly of some of the UK’s finest musicians paying homage to the music of the legendary MILES DAVIS.
Featuring Paul Kilvington, Caroline Boaden, Gary Culshaw & Richard Iles
Reserve your free advance ticket to avoid disappointment - available soon!
A CINEMA AT THE CONTINENTAL SPECIAL
Join Cinema at The Continental for a special screening of REPUTATION and Q&A afterwards with the film’s Preston born and bred producer and director Martin Law.
Filmed locally in Lancashire, in only 9.5 days, you don’t want to miss this “damn impressive” (Nerdly) psychological crime drama.
From DON’T GO INTO THE CELLAR! Theatre Company
In this theatrical shocker, award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin plays different characters as we explore the murders and the myths of the infamous Jack the Ripper. Even to this day, the identity of the serial killer remains unknown. Although theories abound as to who he might have been, and what his motives were, it seems unlikely that the truth shall ever be known.
This original theatre show includes an adaptation of The Lodger.
THEY’RE BACK!
UTAH SAINTS have been making music, DJ-ing and playing gigs around the globe since the birth of House music and are made up of Tim Utah and Jez Willis. The world renowned duo have released 9 Top 40 UK hits, 4 of which hit the Top 10, they have sold over 2 million records worldwide.
Plus guest Unlocked DJs TONY CANNON & NICK ALMOND
An incredible Sunday double-header from TUFF LIFE BOOGIE!
TRUPA TRUPA are a post-punk band from Gdańsk, Poland, known for their unique blend of brooding alternative rock and psychedelic influences.
Championed by John Peel and the music press, Dave Jackson’s THE ROOM tick all the right boxes with their spiky, tightly-wound post punk sound.
“Love that Jethro Tull sound that Cold Flame capture ever so well" Dan James, Radio Wales
Five piece band COLD FLAME perform a two hour plus set list that covers many of the classic Tull songs as well as some rarely performed Tull material from albums such as Aqualung, Thick as a Brick, Stand Up, Benefit, Songs from the Wood and Rock Island.
PART OF PRESTON JAZZ & IMPROVISATION FESTIVAL
COLD BATH STREET have been one of the mainstays of this festival since it began as Preston Jam in 2017. For the group, known for its musical integrity, no-safety-net improvisations and championing of grassroots music making, 2025 marks the end of one era and the beginning of a fascinating new one.
No booking required, just turn up to watch
The UK’s #1 Tribute to BLACK SABBATH!
SABBOTAGE arrived on the scene in November 2014. Formed from the ashes of the already established Sabbath Tribute SNOWBLIND. Immediately, it was obvious that this band would become the most authentic and by far the best Black Sabbath tribute in the UK.
For those that missed Sabbath in their first incarnation this is definitely the closest you are ever likely to get to the real thing.
A PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE like no other... ECLIPSE!
The current ECLIPSE production contains a selection of Floyd classics, including music from The Wall, Wish You Were Here, Meddle, Animals, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and The Division Bell. The second half of the show includes the whole of Floyd's epoch-making album, The Dark Side of the Moon.
Apart from a level of musicianship that is second to none, the performance includes spectacular multi-media and laser effects to provide the perfect backdrop for this wonderful music.
THE ALBUM LAUNCH
In 1993, Preston based songwriter and musician DAVE GARDNER was plucked from obscurity to sharing the stage with American songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson.
Dave is writing a book centred around the high profile UK Tours with The Kinks, Kris Kristofferson and Steve Hackett – Tales of the Road & The Wilderness will be published in Summer 2025. The evening will be a night of Roots based originals and adaptations of Traditional English Folk Songs. There will be stories and readings from the upcoming book.
The HELLFIRE PREACHERS frontman will be showcasing new songs that are featured on the brand new CD release - Tales Of The Road & The Wilderness Album.
In the Boatyard - entry is free.
BEN VINCE (Hessle Audio/Ecstatic/Where To Now?) is a composer and performer, known for his live improvised saxophone explorations and inventive techniques in creating new rhythms, textures and moods.
MILK EYED SIGH is a new collaboration comprising of long-time spars Cameron Molloy and Carl Brown. The live show also involves Luke French. The debut EP ‘Dog Verses’ is was released in early Feb via Glint Music.
MOTHERSHIP - LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE, described in Classic Rock Magazine as "... the most authentic-sounding Zeppelin tribute in the UK" return to The Conti for over two hours of rock.
Join us for Achilles Last Stand, Going to California, Since I've Been Loving You, Kashmir, Black Dog, Heartbreaker, Misty Mountain Hop and much more.
Expect all the classics, but with one or two surprises thrown in, too! It might get loud!!
With DJs NEON EYES, TYRAMYX & TIM MELIA
Get ready for an afternoon of ITALO DISCO in the Beer Garden at The Continental
Expect a chilled vibe with the mid tempo sounds of electronic drums, synthesizers, vocoders and pop vocals. FREE ENTRY
Preston’s own Retro-pop quintet COUNTY PILOTS take to the Boatyard stage!
Following the success of their last headliner at the Continental, the Pilots are predicting their biggest show yet. With Beatles, Stones, Beach Boys, and Dylan records in hand, the local lads are ready for big things in 2025 with their vintage aesthetic and energetic live show.
PLUS SUPPORT TBC
Thr00wback is a Tribute to (mostly) 00’s Pop Punk!
This five-piece band plays hits from the likes of:
GREEN DAY SUM 41 FALLOUT BOY MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE NEW FOUND GLORY BLINK-182 RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE PAPA ROACH ….and more!
If you’re ready for a full-on POP PUNK PARTY then be here on FRIDAY 20TH JUNE 2025!
A rockin’ good double-header featuring the music of THIN LIZZY and ZZ TOP!
TWIN LIZZY are a four piece tribute to Thin Lizzy and their iconic frontman Phil Lynott. The band faithfully recreates the energy and power of arguably one of the greatest rock bands of all time and has been described as the closest sounding tributes.
ZZ NOT are a tribute to ZZ TOP based in Merseyside. Featuring Rev Kev -guitar, Crusty Hill -bass and Frank Beer -drums. Playing all the hits and classics from the famous Texas trio live and rocking across the UK!
"Allegations" is the debut tour from ROB MULHOLLAND; seasoned stand-up comedian, podcaster (Dead Men Talking) and one of the kings of the North's burgeoning DIY comedy scene. A wild, high-energy barrage of belly laughs covering all the topics you're not really meant to talk about.
Not for the easily offended!
THE SMITHS UTD bring the sound of The Smiths & Morrissey back to Preston in 2025 as part of a busy year touring the UK as one the best sounding tributes to this classic band!
The Smiths Utd recreate the sound and look to emulate their heroes down to the last detail, and have been hailed as one of the most authentic and enthusiastic tributes to one of the most influential bands in British popular music history.
Billy Rowan aka The Undercover Hippy has been performing at festivals since 2008, working his way up from being a solo singer-songwriter playing in small marquee stages, to now having a full band of incredible musicians and playing main-stages at some of the UK’s best independent festivals.
The music is best described as politically driven acoustic roots reggae folk-hop, with feel good vibes and a sly sense of humour. The live show is high energy, interactive, and always leaves the crowd begging for more.
Plus special guests STATE OF SATTA
An evening of female solo performances, supporting, showcasing and elevating female solo artists in Preston.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to Trust House Lancashire
DAMSON POETS are in The Boatyard on the 23rd April. This month we have a special evening to help launch a new book by Paul Wilkins.
As well as the launch we will still have our mixture of new and more experienced readers so it’s an evening that belongs to everyone and if you want to listen, that’s great as well.
RECENT RELEASES OLD FAVOURITES
CULT CLASSICS HIDDEN GEMS
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY!
If like us you miss the big screen experience, the escapism it allows and the delight in discovering new cinema, then worry no longer, as The Continental presents Cinema at The Continental, our fortnightly film club.
🐣🎪 THE BIG EASTER PARTY with Mr Wolf! 🎭🐰
Join us for a magical Easter celebration at The Continental in Preston on Sunday, 20th April 2025, from 12 pm to 2 pm! Perfect for children aged 3-12 years, this event is packed with games, live performances, and fantastic prizes!
Hey you, don't watch that, watch this!
SKA FACE is a 10 piece Ska band playing all the best 2-Tone classics from Madness, The Specials, The Selecter, The Beat, Bad Manners and many more….
Ska Face keep it real and enjoy every minute with an infectious stage show of power, energy and damn good tunes that you just have to dance to. There is no better remedy to a stressful week than a few cheeky beers and dancing like a loon… and that’s just the band!
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS TBA
Hometown headline show for TUESDAY NIGHT WHITES!
Forming in Preston as a result of some lock-down blues, Tuesday Night Whites are a five-piece Indie Rock band who have taken the local scene by storm.
Basing the name of their beloved Preston North End, the band started off as an energetic acoustic duo, raising the roof in jam-packed clubs and bars. Since then, they have evolved into five, selling out their first headline hometown show in under 24 hours.
"The best thing I have EVER heard."
Jim Reid, Jesus & Mary Chain
INDEPENDENT COUNTRY are six cowboys from Birmingham(UK) who take Indie classics on a rollicking ride to Nashville and back.
Floppy fringes and baggy jeans are binned for pedal steel guitars and four-part harmonies as the NME meets The Grand Ole Opry. You ain’t never heard nothing like this!
WALTER MITTY’S HEAD from East Lancashire form the second part of this Tuff Life Boogie Americana special, and mine 50s rockabilly and 60s garage beat for their inspiration.
Looks like this Saturday is going to be the nicest day of the year so far, and what better way to enjoy it than down at the riverside in the company of Jazzin' the Park Productions?
Top DJs bringing their sweet Continental Selections to our Beer Garden. 1.30pm 'til 7pm. All welcome, and entry is free.
THE SOUND OF KATE!
Since arriving on the tribute scene back in 2019, Moments Of Pleasure have rapidly emerged as one of the most acclaimed tribute bands in the UK. This five piece band features the amazing vocals of Lisa-Marie Walters, as seen on BBC, ITV and heard on BBC 5 and various BBC regional stations.
Her passionate and spellbinding vocal performance is widely lauded as the next best thing to listening to Kate Bush herself!
