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.
Get ready to watch the cult British film DEAD MAN’S SHOES (Cert 18) in a rare big-screen outing – followed by an exclusive An Audience With event with one of the film’s stars, actor Stuart Wolfenden, who played Herbie.
THAT MANCHESTER SOUND are a tribute band who play the best songs from Manchester's rich musical heritage.
From The Buzzcocks to Oasis, from The Smiths to The Stone Roses and The Courteeners, they perform all the biggest hits and guarantee you a great show. Happy Mondays! James! Inspiral Carpets! Charlatans! And much much more!
You’ll be mad fer it, are kid!
Damson Poets are in The Boatyard on the 29th April
We will 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.
Entry is free, and all are 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….
This time with very special guests…
RUFF TRADE
Manchester’s top reggae outfit!
The UK’s #1 Tribute to BLACK SABBATH!
SABBOTAGE arrived on the scene in 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.
SABBOTAGE have a repertoire of over two and a half hours’ worth of Ozzy-era Black Sabbath classics to draw from and are still adding to this to keep creating the ultimate Sabbath tribute!
Plus special guests JACKSON HEWITT!
Now in its third year, The Laughienda brings another huge night of comedy to Preston, featuring SEETA WRIGHTSON & Live At The Apollo star BRENNAN REECE!
"Guaranteed laughs" - The Guardian
Get your boots and hats on and join THE SOUTHERN ROCK BAND for a night of bourbon-soaked swamp music!
A high-energy "must-see" live act blending rock influences like AC/DC, ZZ Top and The Eagles, they deliver gritty, party-focused Southern rock with strong, catchy songwriting that evokes nostalgia while maintaining a modern, punchy sound.
Come find out why they’re selling out venues all over the country.
CLASS OF ’79 are the UK's most exciting and entertaining Punk & New Wave band to date.
What makes them unique from the rest? Well, for a start every member has a punk rock royalty pedigree having been in or still in some of the legendary bands that shaped the punk and new wave movement - namely Rezillos, Eddie & the Hot Rods, UK Subs, Selecter and Department S and unlike the mainstream who pay tribute to an artist Class of 79 pay tribute to an era.
Featuring the biggest hits from their own associated bands catalogue they back it up with tracks that are the soundtracks of your lives!
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.
Jacqui McShee’s PENTANGLE is the definitive modern folk band. Rooted in the ethos of the original PENTANGLE, the modern incarnation features the best musicians playing Pentangle's original and new songs.
Known for their brilliantly successful combination of traditional and non-traditional, PENTANGLE forged a whole new era in folk. Jacqui McShee and the band continue to do so, and over the decades have further refined the music and performance, constantly amazing and delighting audiences at gigs and festivals.
The original band played such stellar gigs as the Isle-of-Wight festivals (1969 & 1970), Newport Folk Festival, Fillmore East and West, Carnegie Hall and The Royal Festival Hall. Going way beyond traditional folk they created a new music rooted in jazz, folk and blues so it was no surprise Pentangle were billed alongside greats such as Miles Davis, Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Dylan and The Band.
Robb Weir is never a man to take what he has for granted. Having led TYGERS OF PAN TANG since their first album through a plethora of line-up changes he recognises that the current Tygers are probably the strongest since they were at the forefront of the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal). Don’t miss the chance to catch them right here at the Conti!
Plus special guests SLANDER and SNATCH-BACK
BRANDON BLOCK - LEGENDARY DJ
You would have to travel far and wide to find a place where the name Brandon Block is not known. Brandon has carried a legendary status tag ever since being the first resident on the Space terrace, with Alex P in Ibiza. He’s had his own show on MTV, and a No.3 charting hit under his Blockster moniker with ‘You Should Be Dancing‘ Brandon has also made numerous other TV appearances including Celebrity Fear Factor, Celebrity Extreme Detox, ‘Trust Me I’m a Holiday Rep’ Celebrity Scissorhands for Children in Need, and and more recently Celebrity Big brother in 2018…
Plus special guest DJs TONY CANNON and NICK ALMOND!
Performing the music of THIN LIZZY and the legendary PHIL LYNOTT.
TWIN LIZZY are a four piece tribute to Thin Lizzy and their iconic frontman. 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.
Plus special guests TBA soon!
DogHaüs are a classic punk and post-punk covers band.
Dust off your bondage trousers, lace up your Doc Martins, the best Preston punk and post-punk covers band will fill up your ears with your favourites from The Damned, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, Ramones, The Cure, Joy Division, Magazine, Slaughter and the Dogs and more (they’ll even throw in a rendition of ‘DöG DaYs’ if you’re good). See you at the front, punks!
Plus special guests SWEET KNUCKLE, featuring ex-members of Factory Records' Tunnelvision and Section 25.
PISTOL WHIPPED is a prominent SEX PISTOLS tribute band based in the northwest. Known for capturing the raw energy of the original 1977 punk rock movement, they are quickly becoming the UK's No. 1 Premier Sex Pistols Tribute.
Bringing the most comprehensive selection of Sex Pistols songs ever assembled, the band aims for an authentic performance, imitating Johnny Rotten's vocals and stage presence.
Plus special guest SHAZBOT RAMONE!
Get ready for big Northern laughs in Going Viral: Silver Surfers vs TikTok Teens!
Daisy House is meant to be a quiet retirement home, but behind its worn sofas is a lively, mischievous community. When sharp-tongued teenager Bea arrives through a “care in the community” scheme, she dismisses both the place and its residents. Meanwhile, Kyle, a self-styled journalist, charms his way inside while hiding a more troubling motive. He aims to sabotage and ultimately sell their home.
Their fightback is chaotic, heartfelt, and hilarious. Expect singing, gloriously bad dancing and Hester’s unforgettable and wildly unconventional game of ‘Finger Bingo.’ Surprisingly, their antics catapult them to viral fame, turning them into unlikely TikTok sensations.
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, SALLY PEPPER and COCK BATTETH!
Screening of the award winning play THE KNOT from Certain Curtain Theatre Company.
Winner of a BBC Alfred Bradley Special Award for verse drama.
What really lies beneath the ties that bind us? Every family has its secrets. The Maddock family has more than most.
Soon - there will be no secrets
Soon - there will be no family
Tense drama and black humour fuse to present a powerful story of one family's refusal to confront the knot of secrecy that is slowly choking it to death...leading to the explosive confrontation that will finally unravel The Knot
ROSALIE CUNNINGHAM is a rock star … she exudes an effortless charisma and quiet confidence. The music she makes is meticulously but lovingly designed to blow minds.’ –METAL HAMMER
Multi award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rosalie Cunningham (ex Purson/Ipso Facto) released her Mercury Music Prize nominated, self titled début album in 2019 through Esoteric Antenna, earning a Top 10 placing in the UK’s official independent chart and attracting fantastic reviews and stellar ratings from Classic Rock, Uncut, Mojo and Kerrang.
She released second solo album ‘Two Piece Puzzle’ to universal acclaim in 2022. The Times – 4/5 ‘fantastic’; Powerplay– 10/10 ‘a heady mix … all infused with Rosalie’s unique ability to entertain and enthrall the listener’; Shindig– 5/5 ‘sexy, loud and bursting with ideas’; Uncut– 8/10 ‘dazzling’.
plus special guests BROTHER
MÖRDERSTEIN are the ultimate tribute to German Industrial Metal Gods Rammstein.
Paying tribute to Rammstein’s “Neue Deutsche Härte” sound, this six-piece industrial act from the postindustrial North, has taken the British tribute scene by storm, (and fire), one venue at a time!
From packed out shows throughout the British Isles, to playing at major tribute festivals, MÖRDERSTEIN provides a remarkable rendition, just like the real thing, as attested by U.K. audiences everywhere.
Get ready for a high-voltage night of pure rock ’n’ roll as THE AC/DC EXPERIENCE deliver an electrifying live show packed with the power, attitude, and raw energy that made AC/DC one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
This is no watered-down tribute — it’s a full-throttle celebration of the songs that defined generations. From the opening riff to the final encore, expect wall-to-wall anthems, blistering guitar solos, pounding rhythms, and that unmistakable AC/DC swagger.
From the late ‘70s to the present day, GARY NUMAN has influenced and inspired many bands and acts within the music industry. Nine inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Beck, Damon Albarn, the list goes on!
THE LIQUID ENGINEERS are the UK’s foremost and premier tribute to the career of Gary Numan. They cover material from every album and every era. Performing the classic hits with a modern approach without taking away that pure uniqueness of the Numan “sound.”
SIMON HOUGH - lead singer of BIG COUNTRY for over a decade
With a distinguished 45-year career in the music industry, former BIG COUNTRY frontman SIMON HOUGH now leads a powerhouse five-piece band of world-class industry veterans. Fresh off a Heritage Chart No. 1 hit with "Falling" from his last album, Simon and the band deliver a masterful fusion of soul, rock, and jazz.
THE SIMON HOUGH BAND has been formed with an incredible new line-up featuring…
SIMON HOUGH: Vocals & guitar former frontman of BIG COUNTRY
GIL ALAN: former Bass player & vocals BIG COUNTRY
NICK JOHNSON: Lead guitar & vocal from THUNDERCLAP NEWMAN
DANNY JONES: Lead guitar vocals indie band OUTSIDER
MARTIN SHORROCK: Drummer & vocals from DENNY LAINES’ band.
LIAM SUTHERLAND: Keyboards & vocals, studio/keyboard engineer, SNOW PATROL, THE SKIDS
Another tour of brilliant stand-up comedy from DAN NIGHTINGALE, host of the Have A Word podcast, and some of his very funny mates. First half is just Dan doing some crowd work and then running out his new set. Second half will be two pro sets from some of the best acts in the country. A great night of entertainment from some of your favourite comics.
Dan will be joined in Preston by Eshaan Akbar both nights & Rob Mulholland 27th / Simon Wozniak 28th
RUNNING TWO NIGHTS - Thursday 27th & Friday 28th August
Another tour of brilliant stand-up comedy from DAN NIGHTINGALE, host of the Have A Word podcast, and some of his very funny mates. First half is just Dan doing some crowd work and then running out his new set. Second half will be two pro sets from some of the best acts in the country. A great night of entertainment from some of your favourite comics.
Dan will be joined in Preston by Eshaan Akbar both nights & Rob Mulholland 27th / Simon Wozniak 28th
Dust off your cowboy boots, grab your best hat and get ready to two-step your way through the ultimate daytime country music party!
LIVE BAND · DOUBLE TROUBLE VOCALISTS
Feel every stomp and strum with an incredible live band and two powerhouse vocalists bringing country’s biggest anthems to life. From Shania Twain to Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks to Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood and beyond - this is a hit-packed celebration of the songs that defined (and are still defining) country music.
ALL DANCING. ALL COUNTRY. ALL DAY.
PAUL ROSE is a renowned guitarist, composer, and producer from Newcastle, England. He is celebrated for his virtuoso playing style and has worked with notable artists such as Ted McKenna, Bill Evans, and John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick.
Rose's music spans various genres, including rock, blues, country, funk, jazz, and ambient, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He has won awards like "Guitarist of the Year" and has collaborated with multi- Grammy winners, further cementing his status in the music industry.
Joining Paul Rose is Paul Burgess (10cc) on Drums, Nick Steed (Colosseum, THR33) on Keys, and Chris Bevington on Bass Guitar.
WRONG JOVI are the The Best BON JOVI Tribute Band In The World!
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.
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 DAVE CHAMBERS DJ SET
A FANTASTIC FREE ENTRY, ALL-SEATED SHOW for PRESTON JAZZ FESTIVAL
Advance booking required. The Dean Masser Quartet for this special evening features an all-star band with Gary Culshaw (Bass), Caroline Boaden (Drums) and John Bailey (Guitar).
Together we will be celebrating the remarkable career of Dexter Gordon - a jazz legend who remains a firm favourite with new and old audiences alike.
Come and enjoy an evening of phenomenal jazz from a stellar quartet celebrating the music of Dexter Gordon and more, from 7pm.
AMNESIA are a high-octane 5-piece band from Liverpool, dedicated to reviving the euphoric energy of 90s club classics—100% live. No backing tracks. No laptops. No decks. Just pure musical talent, turning iconic dance anthems into an electrifying live experience.
From “Show Me Love” to “Freed From Desire”, “Set You Free”, “Rhythm of the Night”, and more, AMNESIA delivers a non-stop setlist of hands-in-the-air bangers that pack dancefloors across the UK.
Get ready to rave—this is clubland, reborn.
ACOUSTIC MAC play the timeless music of FLEETWOOD MAC.
This 5 piece band perform the classic tracks with an "acoustic" feel which brings a new and unique perspective to the music. Each of their performances includes the classic album “Rumours” in its entirety.
Thr00wback is a Tribute to (mostly) 00’s Pop Punk and Alt-Rock!
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 many more!
If you’re ready for a full-on POP PUNK PARTY then be here on SATURDAY 9TH MAY ‘26!
An internationally recognised musician and multidisciplinary artist, RACHEL CROFT exists in the space where cinematic songwriting, raw vocal power and visual authorship collide.
Her work does not arrive quietly — it unfolds, frame by frame, sound by sound — drawing listeners into something immersive, deliberate and unmistakably her own. Her music and visuals have been featured across Netflix and BBC Two, with premieres on major international platforms including CMT (USA) and the BBC, placing her work on a global cultural stage.
Plus special guest SOPHIE ALLEN!
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!
Recent Releases * Cult Classics * Old Favourites * Hidden Gems
Cinema at The Continental returns in May with Brian Welsh’s BEATS
Two teenage boys in Scotland in 1994, best friends with no control over their lives, risk everything to attend an illegal rave, hoping for the best night of their boring lives.
UK // 1hr 40 // Cert: 18
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 3rd May!
AARON LIDDARD is a saxophonist and bandleader making original music that’s accessible, groove-led and rich in melody.
Drawing on funk, soul and jazz influences, he delivers uplifting, high-energy performances with strong rhythms and expressive improvisation. Whether you’re a jazz fan or simply love live music with feel, warmth and momentum, this is a show that connects instantly and stays with you.
Catch him here with this fantastic trio featuring John Ellis (hammond) and Myke Wilson (drums)
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.
