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.
An extra-special event for INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK!
The legend that is DON LETTS - the Rebel Dread himself - joins us for a Q&A, Book Signing and DJ Set
Don came to notoriety in the late 70's as the DJ that single handedly turned a whole generation of punks onto reggae. It was whilst as a DJat the first punk club 'The Roxy' in 1977, that Don adopted the punk D.I.Y ethic and begun to make his first film 'The Punk Rock Movie', the only documentary on the U.K punk scene w/ Sex Pistols-The Clash and many others. This led to a period directing over 300 music videos for an eclectic mix of diverse artists ranging from Public Image to Bob Marley.
An extra-special event for INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK!
2025 marks the 20th Anniversary of HED promoting shows in the Preston area. To kick the year off in style he has put together a trio of local acts at The Continental for IVW 2025 featuring Hauspoints, Elohymn and The Jackpot Golden Boys. It should be a hoot!
ANOTHER GREAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIG BAND EVENT AT THE CONTINENTAL
The University of Huddersfield Big Band is one of the university's flagship ensembles, known for its high-energy and lively performances.
Whether swinging through classic tunes or exploring modern charts, the University of Huddersfield Big Band promises an exciting and memorable experience for all!
Award winning The Laughienda Comedy Club returns for 2025, bringing a huge night of comedy to Preston, headlined by the INCREDIBLE Danny McLoughlin! 😂
FIRST THURDAY 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 bestOpen 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!
LAID have hit the tribute scene with lightning pace, receiving high praise everywhere they play.
The band have marked their territory as the leading tribute to one of the best bands to come out of Manchester. Playing all the hits including “Sit Down”, “She’s a Star”, “Tomorrow”, “Come Home” and “Laid” they are destined for great things!
THE FREDDIE & QUEEN EXPERIENCE are the UK's Premier Queen & Freddie Mercury Tribute Band who are internationally & critically acclaimed.
The band performs all over the world with sell out shows in the UK & abroad, with most recently in UAE & Europe. They deliver a passionate & energy packed show just full of QUEEN's greatest hits!
Manchester based experimentalists HYPERDAWN have honed their own distinct, hands-on approach to music making, using live reel-to-reel tape processing, electronics and vocals. From vast off-kilter beats to melting r’n’b croons, theirs is a language between pop and performance art.
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS POLYPORES AND MILK EYED SIGH
It's Valentines Night, so grab your partners and get down to The Continental to see the awesome British Indie Tribute Band - THE CASSETTES.
They play absolute bangers from the 90s Britpop Era from bands like; Oasis, Blur, Stone Roses, The Smiths, Shed Seven and many more. They'll even sneak into the current century covering the likes of Arctic Monkeys and the Courteeners.
A heavy hitting, energetic band promise a night not to be missed!
BLACK VELVET - Guilty Pleasure Rock Indulgence!
Two solid hours of guilty pleasure rock indulgence with this four-piece female fronted rock band, performing an eclectic array of Alt, Southern & Classic Rock music!
With music from Robert Palmer, Patti Smith, Alanis Morrisette, Aerosmith, The Bangles, Kate Bush, Joan Jett, Blondie. Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty. Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Alannah Miles, Meatloaf & Cher, Mud, and lots more!
HUNG LIKE HANRATTY is the most talked about band on the punk circuit.
They were voted as the best live band in 2016 by punk planet. Their album released in 2016 on the mighty FLICKNIFE RECORDS has been a huge success world wide. Their energetic, hilarious stage show will have you in stitches, Make a point of watching them. You won't be disappointed.
Heavily influenced by 1977 punk attitude, and bands like Toy Dolls, Macc Lads, Pork Dukes, The Damned, etc, HUNG LIKE HANRATTY are at the top of their game. What you see is what you get!
Plus special guests GRAFFITI CLUB and EYE SCREAM MEN!
Performing Polish covers of songs by such popular Polish artists as Lady Pank, Perfect, Dżem, Budka Suflera, Bajm, Maanam, Varius Manx, Myslovitz, Kombii, Doda, Szymon Wydra, T.Love, Enej, Feel, Lemon, O.N.A., IRA, Łzy, Urszula, Czerwone Gitary, 2+1, Maryla Rodowicz, Anna Jantar, Irena Jarocka, Irena Santor, Halina Frąckowiak and more. This over three hour show includes some tracks performed acoustically, others with backing tracks. Aimed mostly at the Polish community, but anyone interested in discovering Polish music is more than welcome to attend!
Kate S zaprasza na koncert specjalny "Polska Noc Muzyczna z Kate S (gościnnie w duecie z mamą)", na którym zaprezentuje przeboje polskiej muzyki rozrywkowej (wersje akustyczne i z podkładami muzycznymi), niektóre z nich w duecie ze swoją mamą. W planie utwory następujących artystów: Lady Pank, Perfect, Dżem, Budka Suflera, Bajm, Maanam, Varius Manx, Myslovitz, Kombii, Doda, Szymon Wydra, T.Love, Enej, Feel, Lemon, O.N.A., IRA, Łzy, Urszula, Czerwone Gitary, 2+1, Maryla Rodowicz, Anna Jantar, Irena Jarocka, Irena Santor, Halina Frąckowiak i innych. Przewidziane ponad 3 godziny muzyki na żywo. Katarzyna Stec pochodzi z Lublina, mieszka w Preston od 14 lat. Występuje zazwyczaj z repertuarem anglojęzycznym w lokalnych pubach, klubach itp., czasem z repertuarem polskim dla polskiej społeczności.
FANTASTIC FREE ENTRY SHOW IN THE SNUG
Dave fronts The Hellfire Preachers and this is his second solo acoustic performance in 25 years.
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 Spring.
This performance contrasts from the first acoustic show with the focus being on the years on the UK Folk Circuit with Michael Chapman, John Martyn, Bert Jansch & John Renbourn.
Five years on and BRAVE RIVAL are the fast-rising, rip-roaring, rock and blues juggernaut ready to take their place in the upper echelons of British Rock Hierarchy.
Debut album ‘Life’s Machine’ drew strong praise across the board, also bringing the group to the attention of the American guitar superstar Joe Bonamassa, who rated them among his “favourite discoveries” of that year. With comparisons to the Wilson sisters from Heart, as well as legends like Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac, the DNA of the aforementioned bands flows through Brave Rival’s veins.
DANNY RAMPLING was one of the first superstar DJ luminaries in the electronic music scene, remains a true pioneer, and a visionary in the global dance arena.
Through his legendary Acid House club Shoom in the 1980s, radio shows at Kiss FM, and his Saturday night residency for his Love Groove Dance Party at BBC Radio 1, Danny Rampling was a major catalyst that helped shaped the UK dance scene from the early days in the late 80s, and is widely recognised as a founding father of the UK dance scene.
"One of the finest songwriters in Britain" - The Independent
"One of England's best kept musical secrets" - Rolling Stone
When the NME claimed that “Peter Bruntnell’s records should be taught in schools”, they were referring to the particular appeal of the quiet Devonian’s songwriting craft.
Not one, not two, but three incredible acts that we love here at the Conti!
With the AMAZING 18 year old front person Ellie Knowles, INDIFFERENTMONKEY bring you Trip Hop Rock guaranteed to blow you away.
FMA + 12 GAGE are the multi-award-winning father and son rap duo from Preston!
APHOTIC SKY are a new alternative melodic metal band, featuring former members of Twisted Obsession, Ruinous Reign and Iridium!
FORGIVE ME PRESTON, FOR I HAVE SINNED!
As part of a sell-out UK tour, the million follower social media sensation is coming to town.
Rob Manuel, creator of Fesshole and B3ta, brings the internet’s naughtiest, funniest, cringiest confessions to Preston - for one night only. Expect an evening of some of the best and worst confessions known to mankind as Rob digs into the bin of unpublished confessions and uncovers the depths of human grotesqueness. Full of humour & heart, this show is not to be missed! Oh, and there'll be live confessions from the audience too. But don’t worry, what goes on in the room, stays in the room…
Punk poet, latterly dub poet, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER exploded into public consciousness in 1982-3 via two John Peel sessions and a Melody Maker front cover and is now celebrating 44 years earning a living doing what he loves.
“The greatest thing to come out of Barnsley since the A61 to Sheffield" Jarvis Cocker
“Always enjoy the boys from The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican. Great fun." Jason Manford
The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican return to The Conti for another night of silliness, singalongs and shenanigans - expect the usual mayhem to ensue!
Popestars perform pop hymns recorded by Ghost that glorify and glamorise the disgusting and sacrilegious.
Popestars are the UK Chapter of the devil worshipping ministry of Ghost, that in order to spread its unholy gospels and, furthermore, trick mankind into believing the end is ultimately a good thing, have decided to use the ever so popular rock music medium as a way to achieve their ends.
From DON’T GO INTO THE CELLAR! Theatre Company
HG Wells’s classic tale is restored to its authentic Victorian setting in this original one-man performance, scripted and performed by Jonathan Goodwin.
Mancunian electronic pioneers 808 STATE, known best for genre defining records including: Ninety, Gorgeous, ex:el and Don Solaris, are inspired equally by the haunting of their home city’s industrial past (and, for that matter, the influence of classic Detroit techno) but still remain true to their career-long focus on what’s to come next…
Plus super-special guest DJs TONY CANNON and NICK ALMOND!
SPOUKY KIDS - MARILYN MANSON TRIBUTE
Spouky Kids are the UK's only Marilyn Manson tribute, they'll be playing all the greatest hits of the Antichrist Superstar
KORN AGAIN
Korn Again are a UK Korn tribute band endorsed by the original band. After forming in 2010, Korn Again have wasted no time in cementing their claim as the world's premier Korn tribute act!
In their first four years SUNBIRDS have had an eventful time to say the least.
Formed in 2019 by guitarist/songwriter Phil Barton with ex-Beautiful South singer and co-founder Dave Hemingway, Sunbirds have now evolved into a lean, guitar-driven four-piece and found themselves in a much happier place.
Based at their studio affectionally dubbed 'Shabby Rd' on the east side of London, Sunbirds draw from a broad range of influences ranging from The Beatles via Squeeze to Radiohead while absorbing all points in between.
Catch them at a small venue while you can!
A unique acoustic celebration of the music of Paul McCartney, Wings, and of course The Beatles. Wonderfully performed with a fascinating variety of acoustic instruments and beautiful vocal harmonies.
Steve Littlewood’s performance is pivotal and engaging as he hosts and charms with his captivating portrayal of the great man.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Damson Poets are in The Boatyard on the 29th January. We always have a 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.
FANTASTIC FREE ENTRY SHOW IN THE SNUG
DEAN MASSER is an award-winning jazz saxophonist. His aim is to continue the legacy of the bebop tradition by teaching, composing, recording, and playing for live audiences.
Catch Dean here leading this exquisite quartet:
DEAN MASSER - sax
PAUL KILVINGTON - keys
CAROLINE BOADEN - drums
GARY CULSHAW - bass
ABSOLUTION deliver the energy and passion in a live performance that any MUSE fan will have to pinch themselves at the classics delivered; such as Stockholm Syndrome, Hysteria, Plug In Baby and Knights of Cydonia plus the deep cuts that die-hard fans will love.
JUST RADIOHEAD are the UK’s leading Radiohead tribute band, replicating and performing the astonishing music of one the nation’s most influential, versatile, and talented bands.
Showcasing tracks from the explosive postgrunge debut of ‘Pablo Honey’ through to the beautiful and most recent artrock album release ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’, the band captures a memento at each stop along the entire majestic journey.
Ft. Peter Solowka & Len Liggins (ex-Wedding Present)
Cossack folk-punk pioneers THE UKRANIANS have brought Ukrainian music and culture to the attention of the West. From their origin in the late 80’s, the band have been fusing Ukrainian Roots with Western Rock and taking this new style of music all over the globe (and beyond!).
“Even if you know nothing about them – and they’re not even singing in English – it still works because it’s such a great sound” (David Gedge, The Wedding Present)
FANTASTIC FREE ENTRY SHOW IN THE SNUG
An evening with Jackson Ward and Susannah Clegg performing their self penned songs, stories and Songs they wish they wrote.
Both influenced by Old School Country, they infuse their influences in their music but add their own stamp to it
Tickets are strictly limited for this all-seated show.
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.
GREAT FREE ENTRY SHOW IN THE BOATYARD
Midnight Café is a French acoustic duo formed circa 2013, although their parents might argue that the brother and sister's vocal harmonies started from the cradle. With a definite name finally chosen in 2022 and a growing répertoire of original songs, they also offer a variety of revisited classics of jazz, blues, and rock, for you to nod along.
Their rich influences ranging from death metal to gypsy jazz makes for a very unique style, so bring your instrument along for an eclectic jam session at the end of the night.
Come celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with help from nine-piece party band TOUCH THE PEARL!
TOUCH THE PEARL
Formed in 1988, Touch the Pearl is a long-established 9-piece Blackpool-based British covers band, popular for its unique arrangements & mash-ups of dance-floor fillers from across the decades & genres … 60’s Soul, 70’s Funk, 80’s Disco, 90’s House … to the best dance tunes of the 21st century.
