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.
A GUY CALLED GERALD is 30+ years of dance music incarnate.
One of a few special producers who entered dance when it was jackin’ and has never let up. He released the first UK acid house record with Voodoo Ray in 1988 and achieved the rare feat of having not one but two dance tracks in the UK charts at the same time with Pacific State. He formed 808 State with a drum machine, a 303, 2 Roland SH101s and two other humans. Over the course of his career Gerald has collaborated with everyone from Frankie Knuckles and Goldie to Derrick May and Herbie Hancock.
Plus special guest DJs TONY CANNON and NICK ALMOND!
THE HELLFIRE PREACHERS are unique in presenting five different themed shows. Bluegrass Beatles, Oh Brother Where Art Thou Old Timey, Bob Dylan and a special one off Rolling Stones Bluegrass Show that was created to celebrate The Stones one and only appearance at the legendary Cavern Club and the Country Nashville themed show.
The Gothic Americana Show being presented this evening is a combination of all these themed shows but with the inclusion of some original songs found on Dave Gardner’s solo album, ‘Tales Of The Road & The Wilderness’.
The show is in the snug so tickets are strictly limited!
A comedy by Daniel Thackeray, based on an idea by Gareth Kavanagh
It's 1986. Sir Clive Sinclair, renowned British inventor of the first-ever home computer, the pocket calculator and the C5 electric vehicle, is on the verge of bankruptcy. His only option is meet rival billionaire Alan Sugar and convince him to save the day. But will it mean a deal with the devil?
"A lot of laughs and worth a trip down memory lane" - Manchester Evening News
"Interesting throughout... The central battle is an enjoyable one" - Oldham Chronicle
The World’s No.1 Tribute to Mötley Crüe!
Established in 2015, Mötley Crüde is Europe's longest running and crowned winners of the world's most authentic tribute to Mötley Crüe, as voted by the official Mötley Crüe global fanclub.
Get ready for a night of non-stop anthems, face-melting riffs, and enough anarchy to make even Nikki Sixx proud!
Get ready to DANCE, DANCE, DANCE at The Big Cuban Social. featuring….
"Ritmo Latino" 5 piece SALSA BAND - the hottest Salsa band based in the North of England.
Plus pre show class & dancing with host DJ Irmita!
Don’t miss out - it’s our ONLY Cuban Social this year!
Damson Poets are in The Boatyard on the 30th July with an open mic evening.
There’ll be the usual mixture of new and more experienced readers so it’s an evening that belongs to everyone - and if you just want to sit back and listen that’s great as well!
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.
Award winning The Laughienda Comedy Club returns, bringing a huge night of comedy to Preston, headlined by the hilarious FREDDY QUINNE!
Also featuring AL STEVENSON and support from GILL GEE & CONNOR MAC
“Guaranteed laughs” - The Guardian
“One of the best nights out" - The Manc
AT THE CONTI, BLITZ and THE FERRET
TUFF LIFE BOOGIE presents a ginormous weekender in Preston that celebrates all strands of indie pop from C86 to the present day, classic jangle-meisters through to scratchy upstarts.
Just look at this line up :
Nightingales, Man from Delmonte, The Tubs, Desperate Journalist, Bradford, The Yummy Fur, Ex-Void, James King and The Lonewolves, The Jasmine Minks, The Room, Yaang, Melys, British Birds, Would Be Goods, David Lance Callahan, Sassyhiya, Moderate Rebels, Karen, The Cords, Dragged Up, National Park, Stuart Pearce, Crumbs, The Muldoons, Autocamper, The Train Set, Tigers and Flies, Big Other, Sweetpool, Brenda, Dragon Welding, Normal Service, Uhr, The Complaint That Creeps, RRRapid Kool, Hartley, Ginnel, Fat Frances, Callis, The Amber List, Vehicle, The Bordellos, Oort Clod, Oh Hippo, Captain Starlet, The Tearless Life.
Over 40 acts across three stages over three days.
Devoted to recreating the atmosphere of a live JOY DIVISION gig, TRANSMISSION emulate the sound of one of the most inventive, evocative and influential groups of their era. They were considered the pioneering band of the post-punk movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Forty years on you can still relive the dark, cavernous sound of Joy Division through Transmission, the UKs number one Joy Division tribute act.
Ingenious. Invisible. Insane.
One of the greatest science fiction tales of all time is adapted by Don't Go Into The Cellar!
Based on the classic H.G. Wells novella, Jonathan Goodwin plays a host of characters including the deranged scientist Griffin whose invisibility drug leads to his undertaking a murderous rampage across the Sussex countryside.
Tuff Life Boogie is delighted to present one of its all time favourite bands in Preston!
PROLAPSE formed in Leicester in the early 1990s and earned a cult following for their chaotic live sets, and tense and repetitious songs like Flex and Tina This Is Matthew Stone. They feature duelling vocalists Mick Derrick and Linda Steelyard, who play out an intense soap opera over a ferocious triple guitar assault and pummelling rhythm section. Their releases have included numerous singles and four albums on various labels, including Cherry Red and Radar, as well as recording four Peel sessions.
Plus stellar support from GINNEL and UHR!
One of the UK’s top tributes to THE POLICE!
Power trio FIVE-O are a Police tribute at the top of their game, playing with the same precision and energy that made The Police such a well-loved band.
Whether it’s The Police’s greatest hits or their deeper cuts, Five-O offer a show for casual fans and aficionados alike.
DE*PRESTON is a new series of lively all-dayers happening at The Continental which will challenge the widely-held notions that Preston is dull and Sundays are silent and grey.
The first one off the blocks is this terrifying DOOM/DRONE/NOISE edition featuring OMO, THRAA, DEATHBLOOM and POUND LAND with even more to be added!
70’s Vs 80’s Day Disco LIVE – Bank Holiday Boogie!
Are you more Disco or more Pop? Gloria Gaynor or Madonna? Donna Summer or Whitney Houston? Let's find out ...
Get ready to strut, spin, and sing your heart out!
This August Bank Holiday Weekend, we’re turning up the funk and cranking the synths for a daytime LIVE BAND disco showdown that’ll take you on a non-stop musical journey through the biggest hits of the 70’s and 80’s. Whether you’re a platform-shoed disco diva or a neon-loving pop king, this is your dancefloor battleground.
Free entry! All welcome.
The North West’s favourite LOVERS ROCK ROOTS REGGAE crew - ZAMAICA - play live in our Beer Garden for Bank Holiday Sunday!
Featuring new singer DON HARTLEY
Plus DJ sets from NORTH FIYAH SOUND
BBQ on from 12-8pm. Bring the family!
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.
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
Following a incredible return to the road in 2024, HUE AND CRY are bringing their wonderful electro acoustic show to The Conti in September 2025.
“They’ve lasted because they are brilliant” Radio 2
“After all the years they sound better than ever” Lorraine
“Timeless & classic pop anthems” Greatest Hits Radio
The Authentic Sound of THE DOORS!
The Doors Rising are a UK based Doors Tribute band capturing the sound, feel and experience of the psychedelic 60s.
Step back in time and re-live the music of The Doors recreated with stunning accuracy, using authentic instruments by true fans with an ear for the details.
ANOTHER GREAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIG BAND EVENT AT THE CONTINENTAL
The Ribble Valley Jazz Big Band have evolved since 2010 with like minded musicians with a passion for big band music old and new. Directed by established jazz musician Paul Rigby and featuring guest vocalist Sara Creeney.
A wonderful way to spend your Sunday Afternoon!
Tickets strictly limited for this all-seated show!
STEELY DON is an eleven-piece band based here in the north and dedicated to playing the music of Steely Dan & Donald Fagen.
Their aim is to deliver authentic performances of back catalogue charts from the classic albums of these highly regarded musicians who worked with some of the finest session players of the day to produce music that blended elements of rock, jazz, Latin and R & B blues.
The ECHOES OF THE BUNNYMEN show is an aural tribute to the alternative Fab Four.
Featuring some of the best tracks from the original line up’s amazing run of albums. Played by musicians who are huge fans of the Bunnymen, who authentically recreate the early sound of one of the UK’s best ever indie bands.
Lay down thy disbelief and groove!
Plus DJ DAVE CHAMBERS
KEN NICOL presents an audio/visual presentation of ‘The Glass Chronicles’, in conjunction with the launch of his new book, Reflections From The Ouija Board
‘The Glass Chronicles Show’ includes video, music and song, all inspired by Ken’s experience, and also readings from his new book.
Wrong Jovi are the The Best Bon Jovi Tribute Band In The World, as described by tribute band expert (Channel 4’s The Convention Crasher) and TV celebrity Justin Lee-Collins.
Wrong Jovi features some of the UKs finest professional musicians. With a set list crammed full of sing-along anthems, live favourites and rarities, audiences are guaranteed the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute show.
The AC/DC Experience is considered one of the best AC/DC tribute bands in the UK. They are known for their accurate portrayal of AC/DC's music and stage presence.
If you are looking for a tribute band that will give you the closest thing to seeing AC/DC live, then The AC/DC Experience is the band for you!
Plus special guests SLANDER
STRAIGHTEN OUT is the premier Stranglers tribute band out there!
With an extensive set-list that spans two solid hours, they perfectly recreate the 'early years' sound of that classic act…
Another great show from TUFF LIFE BOOGIE!
Indie legends THE LOFT return to The Conti after a sell out tour promoting their new album.
Jangly indie pop greats 14 ICED BEARS provide stellar support.
Add Preston's own indie-pop legends BINGO BAY and this is going to be a fantastic show!
Featuring a line-up of professional musicians with years of live pro experience behind them, The Duran Duran Experience will bring you the best show on Planet Earth.
Others may claim to offer a Duran Duran Experience, but this is THE Duran Duran Experience!
IAN PROWSE & AMSTERDAM continue celebrating the 20th anniversary of Does This Train Stop On Merseyside with their first Preston show in 20 years.
The band last played on the original tour to release their classic, they are very excited to be coming back!
Boatyard Wednesdays returns to The Continental, for an evening of live and local music from DREGS RADIO and STORMKERB.
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.
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!
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.
ANOTHER GREAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIG BAND EVENT AT THE CONTINENTAL
The North West’s-acclaimed big band Northern Jazz Orchestra are now in their third decade and performing big hitting contemporary music, ranging from funk to swing, pop and jazz. Catch their mesmerising yet thrilling live show as they soar through arrangements from some of the greats.
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.
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!
"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!
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!
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!
