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.
“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!
PART OF PRESTON JAZZ & IMPROVISATION FESTIVAL
Young people from Lostock Hall Academy co-create a multimedia project including music and visual arts, with local artists Chris Davis (Soundskills) and Jon Aveyard (Preston Music Workshops).. Come and see the final piece.
FREE ENTRY, advance booking required.
EVERY THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH IN THE SNUG
SpeedQuizzing! An interactive pub quiz game that offers all of the excitement of a quiz and game show rolled into one!
It’s been described as the future of quizzing (and the original and best smartphone pub quiz) and it’s certainly proving popular, with SpeedQuizzing games taking place virtually, as well as in hundreds of pubs and bars across the UK every week.
Games are hosted via an online platform by a presenter using a laptop, and instead of usng a pen and paper, players answer the questions in real-time through the app, which you can download for free to your personal phone or tablet device. Only one device is required per quiz team.
It's really easy! Come and join in the fun!
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.
Damson Poets are in The Boatyard on the 28th May. This month they’re welcoming members of the Blackpool & Fylde Stanza Group as they read from their new anthology entitled ‘The Salt Margin’. All of the group read regularly at Damson Poets so it would be good to support them as well.
A mixture of new and more experienced readers so it’s an evening that belongs to everyone and if you just want to listen that’s great too.
“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.
Plus special guests RUSTY APPER & THE LONE STAR RIVALS
ANOTHER GREAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIG BAND EVENT AT THE CONTINENTAL
Join the BwD Big Band for this fantastic Preston Jazz Fest fringe event. An unmissable afternoon of Jazz from this award winning local ensemble. Playing music from the likes of National Youth Jazz Orchestra, 8 bit big band and Ella Fitzgerald.
PART OF PRESTON JAZZ & IMPROVISATION FESTIVAL
PoVo is a northwest-based five-piece that combines the jazz-funk fusion of the 1970s and 80s with an improvisational ethos derived from today’s latest sounds.
The result is an irresistible electric groove that’s reminiscent of their musical roots - artists like Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Grover Washington, and the Yellowjackets - but with a unique feel that remains new and fresh.
FREE ENTRY with advance booking
PART OF PRESTON JAZZ & IMPROVISATION FESTIVAL
GRAHAM MASSEY is a founding member of the seminal and internationally successful electronic group 808 STATE and his collaboration, remixing and production list reads like a “who’s who” of contemporary music from the past 30 years, including the likes of David Bowie, Quincy Jones, Bjork, Goldfrapp, SMD, Primal Scream, YMO and many others.
Demand for this FREE concert will be very high and tickets limited. GET YOUR FREE TICKET HERE
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
MADHOUSE PROMOTIONS in association with DECIBEL TOURING present…
LA-based Death Metal masters SKELETAL REMAINS are the future of Death Metal!
If you want timeless and uncompromising Death Metal with class, look no further! Having toured with the likes of Obituary, Hatebreed, Municipal Waste, Power Trip, The Black Dahlia Murder, and many more, SKELETAL REMAINS have succeeded in building up a loyal following worldwide…
With special guests BLOODYARD these guys have not played in Preston for sometime and what a way to return!
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!
Another cracking show from TUFF LIFE BOOGIE!
DAILY TOLL are a super new band from Sydney, Australia, although you could easily imagine them to be an undiscovered New Zealand outfit whose only demo got taped over by a clumsy intern from the Flying Nun label in the late 80s. Yeah, that good!
PLUS! Tuff Life Boogie is honoured to be hosting bona-fide indie-pop legend PATRICK FITZGERALD's first show for a few years at The Continental!
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.
Preston songwriter RICH CHANCE returns with his incredible band to perform hits from his album Robot Spider Zombie Dog, including Picture Show, Azalea Close, Joker Like Me and many more. A night of quirky, highly melodic and expertly executed entertainment with Rich and his band.
Get tickets quick, this show was a sell out the first time, and for good reason!
Comparisons have been made to Billy Joel, The Blockheads. Eels, Ben Folds, Randy Newman and many more.
CLASS OF ’79 are a Punk / New Wave super group whose musical pedigree is undeniable.
Members of The Rezillos- The UK Subs – Selecter – Godfathers - Eddie & the Hot Rods and Department S perform a stunning show that will take you back to the days when Punk rock / New Wave ruled the airwaves.
So strap yourself in for a nostalgic night of hits performed by four guys who have been there and got the T-shirt!
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
The Conti in Preston plays host to the city’s freshest new music night, BOATYARD WEDNESDAYS!
Presented by local promoter Empire Events, the first in this series of showcase gigs will feature THE JUICE, THE FORENSICS, and a stripped-back set from TUESDAY NIGHT WHITES!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
