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.
Damson Poets are in The Boatyard on the 27th August 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!
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
Award winning The Laughienda Comedy Club brings another huge night of comedy to Preston, headlined by the hilarious PAUL TONKINSON! 😂😂
Also featuring KATIE TRACEY and support from AMIT MISTRY & CHLOE REYNOLDS
“Guaranteed laughs” - The Guardian
“One of the best nights out" - The Manc
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
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!
The Snug plays host to the Icelandic singer-songwriters KALLI and TRYGGVI.
“Overall, a stunning piece of work” – Never Enough Notes.
“Achingly beautiful with so many layers, what a treasure!” – Maverick.
“The Eagles would be proud” – Independent.
HELEN MAY will also be performing, along with MARK WHITESIDE on percussion.
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
Boatyard Wednesdays returns to The Continental on September 17th, featuring performances from two of the north-west’s most exciting new metal bands — COVERT and SILENCE REIGNS.
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.
"A hilariously caustic spy farce" - Theatre Eye
1985. Tasked by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with carrying out an audacious piece of international espionage that could alter the course of the Cold War, renowned poet Philip Larkin must steal a top secret document from the handbag of Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev's wife, Raisa.
But can the Hermit of Hull – ageing, infirm and almost pathologically grumpy – really turn James Bond and complete his dangerous mission?
Step into the sonic universe of one of Britain’s most iconic voices with URBAN HYMNS, the ultimate Richard Ashcroft tribute band. From the anthemic heights of The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony and Lucky Man to the soulful introspection of Ashcroft’s solo masterpieces like A Song for the Lovers and Break the Night with Colour, this band delivers a powerful, authentic celebration of his entire musical journey.
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!
From Don’t Go Into the Cellar! Theatre
In this original and faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley's perennial Gothic horror, award-winning actor and writer Jonathan Goodwin plays a host of characters, including both Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation.
Dramatic macabre storytelling at its atmospheric best!
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!
LOS FASTIDIOS!
The Los Fastidios sound is a powerful melodic street-ska & punk which mixes classical 80’s British Punk-Oi! sounds with a lot of skanking, and some reggae, rock 'n' roll, hardcore rhythms with a touch of pop.
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS TBC
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.
FEATURING WIGGY & DANCERS
A night of pure 80s/90s nostalgia!
Re-live the legendary 80’s and 90’s scene with ‘Wiggy Clive’ and special guests from the original Granada TV Hitman & Her show – including his high energy dancers. DJs, acts and singers.
“As life-affirming as music gets”- The Herald
“The UK’s best lyricist” - King Creosote
WITHERED HAND is the pseudonym of Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Dan Willson. Since the release of his debut album ‘Good News’ in 2009, Dan has become a celebrated figure in the Scottish music scene and further afield. A well-travelled touring singer-songwriter, he has quietly amassed a devoted cult fanbase while staying true to a singular artistic vision.
Plus special guests TBC
TWO WHEELS GOOD Tour
A 40th anniversary celebration of Steve McQueen
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of Prefab Sprout's seminal album Steve McQueen, founding member Martin McAloon will be touring the whole album in 2025.
Known as Two Wheels Good in the USA the album includes the hits; When Love Breaks Down, Faron Young, Appetite, Johnny, Johnny & Moving the River.
Steve McQueen went on to sell millions of records worldwide and was included in the NME's 100 greatest albums of all time. He will also be playing other hits from across his brother Paddy's catalogue of exceptional songs.
A night of PURE PUNK ROCK MAYHEM featuring world-famous original punk act 999! Featuring Nick Cash, Guy Days and Arturo Bassick
Joined on the night by vintage Swedish punkers DEAD POLLYS and hot new act COCK BATTETH! Get here early.
The most authentic tribute to the music of The STONE ROSES. Reni's beats, Mani's grooves, John's riffs & Ian's monkey business.
Each member of ULTIMATE STONE ROSES is a die-hard fan of the original band who has dedicated themselves to mastering the music of their heroes.
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.
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.
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY. Free entry! All welcome.
The North West’s favourite LOVERS ROCK ROOTS REGGAE crew - ZAMAICA - play live in our Beer Garden!
Plus DJ sets from NORTH FIYAH SOUND
BBQ on from 12-8pm. Bring the family!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
