Culture on Preston’s Riverside
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.
Upcoming events.
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.
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.
Preston singer/songwriter RICH CHANCE brings vibrant, quirky material from his new album to the Continental, including cult hit Picture Show (Robot Spider Zombie Dog) and a raft of fresh cuts that cleverly weave between trad jazz and New Orleans to indie rock and pop , with comparisons to Randy Newman, Billy Joel, Eels, Steely Dan and Gerry Rafferty being made to this spider-fingered pianist's style and songs.
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.
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
Ft. Peter Solowka & Len Wiggins (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)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 but two great acts that we absolutely adore 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!
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…
“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!
ONE EIGHTY TWO are the most authentic representation of the pop-punk legends blink-182. Bringing decades of experience and smashing out more than 30 years of material.
One Eighty Two will take you to California and back with an explosion of pop-punk anthems. With the iconic styles of Mark, Tom, and Travis replicated to a tee, from the much-loved stage banter to the most up-to-date image and sound, no stone is left unturned in the quest for Pop Punk Glory.
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!
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.
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!
Past Events.
It's not Christmas until you've done Carols at the Conti!
Continuing a highly popular Conti tradition, St Stephen’s Choir join us once again for an evening of Carol Singing.
Weather permitting, the event will be held outside in the Beer Garden, and we'll be serving mulled wine!
Free entry, all welcome!
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!
THE AMY WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE provide an authentic tribute to the precocious talent of Amy Winehouse, the band recreate the authentic sound of her heady mix of jazz, ska, soul and pop.
With a full stage show showcasing the talent of this songstress that will take you on a journey through the emotional roller coaster of her songwriting, guaranteed to have you singing and dancing along throughout the performance.
A raucous Xmas treat for QUEEN fans!
CLASSIC QUEEN are on a journey to redefine the tribute show with their mission statement of capturing the sound and essence of Britain’s rock royalty without impersonation or costumes.
With all the musicianship, volume, and live energy Queen themselves were famed for, expect to be taken on a journey through Queen’s greatest hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, A Kind of Magic, Hammer to Fall and Radio GaGa, along with fan favourite album cuts spanning the band’s career.
There ain't no party like a Soul Feds party and you are invited!
Classic Soul, Northern Soul, Blues Brothers and more
THE SOUL FEDERATION
An award-winning ten-piece band playing classic Soul as it should be played – with a real horn section and harmony vocals!
No costumes, wigs or make up. Just two great musicians - Tim Chu and Ian Bailey - producing an ambient collection of some of Simon & Garfunkel’s much-loved hits. Unmissable.
Tickets strictly limited for this all-seated show.
From DON’T GO INTO THE CELLAR! Theatre Company
Take a trip to Baker Street and spend Christmas with Sherlock Holmes in this engaging stage show starring award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin as the famed detective.
Features an original theatrical adaptation of the Conan Doyle classic, "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" and other festive delights!
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.
Back at The Conti for the Christmas party period, GROOVEMENTAL is a flare-wearing, sequin-toting, booty-shaking 8-piece 70's disco tribute band.
Groovin' out the best feel good disco and dance tunes that we all know and love. It’s like having all your favourite disco tunes in one band.
It’s LIVE Disco that promises to have the house ‘Groovin’!
Dig out your sparkles and dancing shoes, and indulge yourself for over two hours of music with the girls, as we celebrate the music of ABBA, Chaka Khan, Beyoncé, Blondie, LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Shania Twain, Sister Sledge, The Bangles, Pink, Alanis Morissette, Lady Gaga and so much more!
If you want to let your hair down, sing your heart out and leave feeling totally empowered, this is the show for you!