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.
Bonfire Night 2025
FREE ENTRY
Fire Shows begin at 6pm and 7pm (each show is approx 20 minutes)
Meet the circus performers and have your picture taken with some fire, right after each show!
Award winning The Laughienda Comedy Club brings another huge night of comedy to Preston, headlined by Have A Word star DAN NIGHTINGALE! 😂
Also featuring ANTHONY J. BROWN and support from JAKE BREEZE & MEL JUDSON
“Guaranteed laughs” - The Guardian
“One of the best nights out" - The Manc
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.
From the makers of MOTHERSHIP and ECLIPSE!
BURN – Deep Purple Tribute present over two hours of searing rock and roll from one of the greatest rock bands of the seventies.
Expect all the classics – Highway Star, Fireball, Space Truckin’, Woman from Tokyo – but also MkIII classics like Stormbringer, You Fool No One, What’s Going On Here, and, of course… BURN!
THE BOOK LAUNCH
In 1993 DAVE GARDNER, a Preston based songwriter and musician, was plucked from obscurity to sharing the stage with American songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson. He’s also shared stages with The Kinks, Michael Chapman, Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, John Martyn and Pentangle, amongst others.
Today Dave fronts The Hellfire Preachers. His latest solo project Tales of the Road & The Wilderness book is his debut as a published author.
The book has a soundtrack album of the same name with each song inspired by each chapter in the book.
In the Boatyard - entry is free.
ANOTHER FANTASTIC FREE ENTRY GIG IN THE SNUG
GRAIN ELECTRIC - Songwriter Americana band.
“You’ll be hard pushed to find a better example of British Americana. The sound is American country, but the words are unmistakably British. The dry humour, the wry wit, the ironic, the sardonic and the plain tongue-in-cheek set them apart from the cliched, copyists and imitators.” Clint West Americana UK
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.
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!
ANOTHER FANTASTIC FREE ENTRY GIG IN THE SNUG
JACKSON WARD is a singer/songwriter and guitarist. Influenced by the old school Americana/Country sound, he's adding his own spin on it.
After another busy year of playing he's excited to be back in The Snug. This will be an evening of Jackson's original songs with MATT WELLS accompanying him on the Mandolin and Lead Electric Guitar.
DOCTOR WU
A great blend of rhythm and blues, jazz and rock
Join us for an evening with Doctor Wu, where rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock converge to create an evening with plenty of groove.
Doctor Wu will be playing music by Steely Dan, Robben Ford, Cream, B.B. King, Steve Winwood, John Mayer, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Boz Scaggs and the Allman Brothers. Should be a blast!
Playing hits from the UK Glam Rock era 1971-1976
Are you ready to step back in time and re-live the electrifying era of Glam Rock?
Look no further than the GLAMROCKERZ, a live five-piece band that pays homage to the unforgettable Glam Rock era of 1971 to 1976.
With their energetic performances and a set list packed with everyone's favourite hits from Suzi Quatro, David Bowie, Slade, T Rex, Mud, The Bay City Rollers, and many more!
Damson Poets don’t have a meeting in December so our Christmas event is on Wednesday, 26th November. They’ll be having a Secret Stanza again as it was so popular last year. The idea is that you send one poem that someone else will then read on the night as part of their usual 5 minute slot.
Entry is free, and all are welcome.
ANOTHER FANTASTIC FREE ENTRY SHOW IN THE SNUG
Lancashire based singer songwriter Ian M Bailey has been a part of the North West music scene for many years.
Performing material from his back catalogue up to current day, here’s a chance to hear these songs stripped back to just acoustic guitar and voice.
“This intimate collection is brimming with moments of sublime beauty that frequently take your breath away." (Shindig Magazine)
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.
Tickets are strictly limited for this all-seated show.
The Laughienda Comedy Club returns to The Continental, bringing a huge night of Christmas laughs, headlined by the hilarious RICH WILSON!
Also featuring NICK DOODY and support from KATHY RIVETT and ADAM ANWAR
“Guaranteed laughs” - The Guardian
“One of the best nights out" - The Manc
Join the great Victorian novelist Charles Dickens as he brings to life one of the most famous ghost stories of all time. A tale of revenants and redemption, hauntings and humbug, seasonal spooks and sentiment.
Award-winning actor and writer Jonathan Goodwin performs as Dickens in this one-man performance, co-directed by Goodwin and Gary Archer.
GREEN HAZE are the ultimate tribute to one of the best rock bands the world has ever seen – Green Day.
Being inducted into the Rock’n’Roll hall of fame in their first year of eligibility, joining just a handful of bands to ever do so – Green Day have forever cemented themselves as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
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.
Get ready to sleigh your way into the Christmas spirit with A Very Bublé Christmas, the ultimate festive celebration of the King of Christmas himself, Michael Bublé!
Join us in the magical lead-up to Christmas, this classy and heartwarming evening is a must for anyone who adores the sparkle of the season and the smooth sounds of Bublé’s iconic Christmas album.
Dig out your sparkles and dancing shoes, and indulge yourself for over two hours of LIVE 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!
Dr Robert (The Blow Monkeys) and Matt Deighton (Mother Earth, Oasis) come together on The Instant Garden. Every so often an album appears that surprises and delights and somehow defies categorization. Such is The Instant Garden.
Dr Robert and Matt Deighton have conjured up a garden full of earthly delights and mysterious depths. It’s really unlike anything else.
The Spirit of Swing featuring Stevie Kay is the epitome of the UK's Frank Sinatra tribute scene.
Timeless and sophisticated. Stevie embodies the essence of Sinatra, exuding that unmistakable swagger and authenticity reminiscent of the genre's originators.
From the heart of the UK to international stages, Stevie captivates audiences with his electrifying performances, transporting them to an era of swing and sway with Sinatra's iconic anthems.
Backed by his sensational 9-piece band, Stevie invites you to relive the golden age of Frank Sinatra in a show brimming with class, sophistication, and style.
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…
BOB ON
Authentic Bob Marley tribute band knocking out all the classics!
Come celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with us and 9-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.
Former BAD COMPANY singer Robert Hart and guitarist Dave “Bucket” Colwell take you down an amazing Rock n’ Roll rollercoaster ride with songs from the legendary band.
Expect BAD CO. songs played the way they’re supposed to be played!
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.
ANOTHER GREAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIG BAND EVENT AT THE CONTINENTAL
Doncaster Jazz Alumni (DJA) is a professional ensemble made up of past members of the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association. Their mission is simple: Give back to music what it gave to them - unforgettable experiences, friendship, skills for life and wonderful memories.
‘THIS TOWN’ ACOUSTIC TOUR
Coming off the back of a US tour supporting Benson Boone, and a legendary Jools Holland debut, BROOKE COMBE’s debut album “Dancing On The Edge Of The World” is a lush collage of orchestral beauty, irresistible rhythm, and a voice that could have come directly off of a 1965 Motown record. The Scottish artist is bringing a new edge to Northern Soul.
For over five decades, CLIMAX BLUES BAND has stood as a cornerstone of British music, crafting an unmistakable sound that blends deep-rooted tradition with progressive musicianship.
Their international breakthrough Couldn't Get It Right, featuring the distinctive voice of Colin Cooper, soared to #3 on the US Billboard charts and remains a radio staple today. Albums like FM Live and Gold Plated cemented their reputation for both artistic integrity and commercial success.
Yes, THE Sad Café!
Regarded as one of the best live bands in the 80s they will be performing all the fan favourites including Everyday Hurts, My Oh My, Strange Little Girl and US hit La Di Da along with many others from the band’s immense back catalogue.
DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO CATCH THIS CLASSIC ACT HERE AT THE CONTI!
ANOTHER GREAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIG BAND EVENT AT THE CONTINENTAL
DG Kollectivity are a 'modern' ensemble that is musically eclectic, embracing different musical genres such as Jazz and Latin. One particular speciality is in performing production music from a golden age of film/TV/Library (60's/70's). The standard line up is 13 horns (includes two flutes) and five piece rhythm section (two keyboards).
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.
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.
“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
Join us for a spooky, hands-on pumpkin carving session with local children’s entertainer, Mr Wolf!
Each ticket includes access to the pumpkin patch, carving tools, and a short film screening during your creative session. Arts and crafts supplies are provided at every table for extra decorating fun. Perfect for kids and families looking at getting into the Halloween spirit!
Join us for a frightfully fun HALLOWEEN PARTY with a full circus show!
Enjoy amazing performers, silly games, spooky surprises, and Halloween fun for the whole family.
Perfect for kids aged 4+, with entertainment and thrills to make your day unforgettable!
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.
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.
Catch them at this MASSIVE show with special guests DEATH TRAILS and THOS F*CKING SNOWFLAKES!
FANTASTIC FREE ENTRY SHOW IN THE SNUG
RIBBLE! Two Northern men, a fiddle, a guitar, and a large beard. So far, so what?
Well, add in a 90s drum synth, some mighty arrangements of meaty fiddle tunes, some songs, some wrong turns, battle scars earned busking the streets of Salisbury, a barrowload of end-of-the-pier banter and the feeling that your mad rum-soaked uncle is roaring at you to dance on the tables, then you’re getting close to what Ribble is about.
ROCK AM RIVER returns to the Conti for its fourth year on October 18th!
Join us at Preston’s iconic riverside pub, where an incredible lineup of live acts will take to the stage in The Continental’s Boatyard venue.
With performances from Loose Articles, YAANG, TV Face, The Empire Police, Sky Valley Mistress, Tuesday Night Whites, Circus, ATH and Brother, Rock am River brings together the best and brightest upcoming artists from around Lancashire and the North-West, for an unmissable day of live music.
