THE FERRET is 20!

"The Ferret is 20!" is a series of special events celebrating 20 years of The Ferret in Preston. Between May & August, we'll be presenting a series of shows featuring some of our favourite artists from around the world - as well as grassroots artists from the across the North West & around the UK.

AND, thanks to public funding by Arts Council England, this series of shows will all be FREE ENTRY &/or very low-cost. Our aim is to encourage more people to experience world-class live music in the intimate setting of The Ferret.

We'll be asking you to tell a friend, invite someone who has never been to The Ferret, invite someone who loves live music but hasn't been to a gig in yonks, maybe invite someone who doesn't even realise what's right on their doorstep.

THE BUG CLUB

Wales // Sub Pop // Wall-to-wall riffs

+ People Person
Manchester // DIY Post-Punk & Indie-Psychedelia

+ El Winstanley
Chorley // Eccentric Bilingual Living Room Pop

Thursday 30th July 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

FIRST 50 TICKETS ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!
Then just £5 per ticket (while stocks last).

Claim your free tickets here:

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

>>> THE BUG CLUB

The Bug Club are a tight-knit, collaborative effort focussed on telling tales of the everyday that we often take for granted, shot through with humour and riffs-a-plenty.

If you've somehow managed to miss the hype, now's your chance to fix that. Welsh indie duo The Bug Club have been quietly (and sometimes very loudly) becoming one of the UK's most exciting guitar bands. Armed with razor-sharp riffs, brilliantly offbeat lyrics and enough wit to keep you grinning between songs, they've built a cult following that's rapidly outgrowing the word "cult."

NME said of their 2024 release On the Intricate Inner Workings of the System…., “…its 11 songs crackle with incisive melodies and funny pop culture-addled lyrics – they reference The Great Escape’s Virgil Hilts one minute, and move on to the horror of Lonsdale slip on daps the next – but they’re in and out in under 26 minutes. Zero fat.”

Hailing from Caldicot in South Wales and now flying the flag for legendary label Sub Pop, The Bug Club serve up infectious indie rock that's equal parts garage swagger, clever songwriting and glorious chaos.

Their latest record (“Every Single Muscle”) gives the band an excuse to continue their never-ending tour and feed their baying fans, engorged and expectant thanks to this band’s relentless record-releasing hot streak, a new batch of typically playful, riff-laden, smart Bug Club Tunes.

+ People Person
Manchester // DIY Post-Punk & Indie-Psychedelia

+ El Winstanley
Chorley // Eccentric Bilingual Living Room Pop

The Ferret is 20!

THE BUG CLUB
+ People Person
+ El Winstanley

Thursday 30th July 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

Claim your free tickets at skiddle.com/e/42587534

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

_________________

All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

The Cherished Times +

GC Holmes

Sunday 26th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

FREE ENTRY!

The Cherished Times - Blackpool based Alt/Rock band. If Pink Floyd & Eagles came face to face with The War on Drugs…

GC Holmes - British singer, songwriter & producer.

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

THE FERRET is 20!

"The Ferret is 20!" is a series of special events celebrating 20 years of The Ferret in Preston. Between May & August, we are presenting a series of shows featuring some of our favourite artists from around the world - as well as grassroots artists from the across the North West & around the UK.

AND, thanks to public funding by Arts Council England, this series of shows will all be FREE ENTRY &/or very low-cost. Our aim is to encourage more people to experience world-class live music in the intimate setting of The Ferret.

We'll be asking you to tell a friend, invite someone who has never been to The Ferret, invite someone who loves live music but hasn't been to a gig in yonks, maybe invite someone who doesn't even realise what's right on their doorstep.

RAE MORRIS

Blackpool-born Alt-Pop songwriter returns to the place it all began.

+ Audrey’s Dance
+ Dave Shurr

Fri 24th July 2026

Doors 7pm

The Ferret, Preston

FIRST 50 TICKETS ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!
Then just £5 per ticket (while stocks last).

Claim your free or £5 tickets here:

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

>>> RAE MORRIS

Returning to the Ferret for the first time in more than 10 years, Blackpool born singer-songwriter Rae Morris is bringing new material to the place where it all began.

Whilst attending sixth form college, Preston became an important stomping ground; honing her craft of live performance in venues and bars around the north-west. After being signed to Atlantic records aged 19, Rae went to on release three studio albums of critical acclaim, touring extensively with the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club, Tom Odell and Jungle. As Rae's music evolved towards a more experimental, alt-pop sonic, reminiscent of artists such as Tori Amos and Patti Smith (with whom she had the pleasure of sharing a festival stage with), one thing that has always remained is her ability to tell a deeply personal story using the piano and voice. As she writes songs for her next body of work, a Ferret homecoming couldn't be more perfectly timed. Expect reflections on motherhood and identity with a hefty dose of northern appreciation!

>>> Supporting Rae Morris we’ve got some Ferret friends joining us!

Audrey's Dance are returning after working on their new album which is out soon! They last played the Ferret in 2024 so we’re buzzing to have them back on the stage.

And DIY Indie musician and producer, Dave Shurr who last visited us in 2023!

Rae, Audrey’s Dance and Dave are all deeply connected to The Ferret, so we’re incredibly excited to have a beautiful night full of friends and gooooood times.

The Ferret is 20!

RAE MORRIS
+ Audrey’s Dance
+ Dave Shurr

Friday 24th July 2026

Doors 7pm

The Ferret, Preston

Claim your free tickets at skiddle.com/e/42530577

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

_________________

All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

DiSMISS (Greece)

+ Parrilla
+ Cock Batteth

Thursday 23rd July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

FREE ENTRY!

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

DISMISS (Previously known as Bad Habits) started out as one of the most genuine expressions of rock & roll and ended up being the definition of it. 

Classic rock nostalgia, punk explosions, and modern references, in a perfect balance between the alt '00s and the raw rock power of the '70s, is the recipe for one of the most high-energy acts you will catch live nowadays, which explains why they are on a steady upward trajectory in the years of their existence.

Capturing the essence of diverse rock influences, from the hyper-energetic The Stooges to the trashy-glam of the New York Dolls and the songwriting mastermind of The Replacements, the group, established in late 2020, took to the studio to show off their full potential and distinctive sound.

It wasn't long before gained serious traction in the alternative music scene, with their first singles being selected for two editorial Spotify playlists, which led them to their first national tour and electrifying sold-out shows, highlighting their aptly-named “Rock & Roll extravaganza” gigs as their greatest strength.

Rooted in uncompromising authenticity, Dismiss serve as a beacon for relatable self-expression and the obliteration of senseless stereotyping with their sharp Rock & Roll edge. 

YES! Our Thursday night FREE GIG with DISMISS (all the way from GREECE) just got a massive UPGRADE. Not only will you get TWO excellent support bands in the shape of PARRILLA + COCK BATTETH. But it will be the GRAND UNVEILING / TEST RUN of our BRAND NEW SUPER SPECIAL LIGHT SHOW. Get ready to have your minds blown.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

DiSMISS (Greece)

Thursday 23rd July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

FREE ENTRY!

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

Hairdye + Chrome Manta Ray + Foxpalmer (s0l0)

Sunday 19th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 4PM

FREE ENTRY!

HAIRDYE is a female-led 3-piece teen punk rock band from Newport. Formed in 2024, the band released their first EP in 2025, with singles receiving radio play across Radio Wales and BBC Radio 6.

The band have received huge support from Adam Walton, who dubbed their Horizons live set “the most thrilling 17 minutes” of radio he’s played in more than 30 years.

During 2026 the band will be playing Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, as well as heading out on a mini-tour in the North West of England as well as releasing a second EP.

Influenced by New Seattle-era Newport, along with a whole host of Californian punk bands, Hot Wax, The Muffs and more, Hairdye are a the product of the city they love, gritty, fun and one of a kind.

Chrome Manta Ray are a four piece high-energy rock band hailing from the streets of Liverpool, blending raw punk attitude with heavy metal edge, delivering fast riffs, powerful vocals, and an electrifying live sound.

Foxpalmer (solo) bringing a unique mix of Rock, Americana style folk and lush indie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hairdye + Chrome Manta Ray + Foxpalmer (solo)

Sunday 19th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 4PM

FREE ENTRY!

All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).
Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.
Dog-friendly venue.

The beautiful game.

Slightly less terrifying surroundings.

⚽️Enjoy watching the beautiful game in slightly less terrifying surroundings at The Ferret Alt Fan Zone!⚽️

WORLD CUP FINAL!

8PM KICK OFF! - DOORS OPEN FROM 4PM

COME AND WATCH SOME LIVE MUSIC FROM 4PM-7PM THEN STICK AROUND FOR THE GAME!

theferret.live/listings/hairdye

COMMON GROUND ALL-DAYER ft.

Chimps of the Future, Bingo Bay, Hummus, Face Ache & Michael Brindley

+ DJ Buckers (Beer Garden Session)

+ ENGLAND v FRANCE on the big screen! 10PM Kick Off.

Saturday 18th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 3PM til late

FREE ENTRY!

Chimps of the Future - A Discordian band from Lancaster, North of England. “We're delighted you've finally found us. Our intentions are clear, we intend to make music which will inspire acts and moments of wonderism. Hail Eris, All Hail Discordia”

Bingo Bay - Alt/rock/pop band from Preston, formed in 2005 by singer/songwriter Kevin Cross. Catchy, melodic songs fused with elements of pop/punk/garage and funk with the odd ballad. 

Hummus - Saucy 4-piece prog band based in Lancaster. Rhythmically confusing est. 2023.

Face Ache - Faux-orchestral (with an 80s tinge).

Michael Brindley - Laid-back acoustic pop with emotional, melodic songwriting and an easygoing style. His debut single Polaroid Daydreaming leans into nostalgic, stripped-back pop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

COMMON GROUND ALL-DAYER ft.

Chimps of the Future, Bingo Bay, Hummus, Face Ache & Michael Brindley

+ DJ Buckers (Beer Garden Session)

+ ENGLAND v FRANCE on the big screen! 10PM Kick Off.

Saturday 18th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 3PM til late

FREE ENTRY!

All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).
Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.
Dog-friendly venue.

Genuine, emotive indie rock with echoes of The Stranglers, The Smiths and Afghan Whigs. Relentlessly anthemic, passionate and unforgettable.

Tin Gods + Empty Space + Underclass. + The Chess Club

Friday 17th July 2026

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

£4 ADV / £5 on the door

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TIN GODS - Genuine, emotive indie rock with echoes of The Stranglers, The Smiths and Afghan Whigs. Relentlessly anthemic, passionate and unforgettable.

EMPTY SPACE - Original indie rock from Empty Space. Fresh as a band, seasoned as musicians, delivering punchy guitar rock at gigs across the North West. If you like good music, you'll love Empty Space.

UNDERCLASS. - "Best rock band in wigun." Young, loud and unapologetic, Underclass bring raw garage rock energy.

THE CHESS CLUB - Preston’s The Chess Club are building momentum with explosive live shows and a sound ready for bigger stages. New on the scene, get involved early.

///\\\///\\\

Tin Gods + Empty Space + Underclass. + The Chess Club

Friday 17th July 2026

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

£4 ADV / £5 on the door

https://www.skiddle.com/e/42589386

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Accessible ground-floor venue and facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

THE FERRET is 20!

"The Ferret is 20!" is a series of special events celebrating 20 years of The Ferret in Preston. Between May & August, we'll be presenting a series of shows featuring some of our favourite artists from around the world - as well as grassroots artists from the across the North West & around the UK.

AND, thanks to public funding by Arts Council England, this series of shows will all be FREE ENTRY &/or very low-cost. Our aim is to encourage more people to experience world-class live music in the intimate setting of The Ferret.

We'll be asking you to tell a friend, invite someone who has never been to The Ferret, invite someone who loves live music but hasn't been to a gig in yonks, maybe invite someone who doesn't even realise what's right on their doorstep.

CROCODILES

USA // Psychedelic Noise-Pop + Lo-Fi Garage Punk

+ HUNGRY

+ poor effort.

Tues 14th July 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

FIRST 50 TICKETS ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!
Then just £5 per ticket (while stocks last).

Claim your free tickets here:

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

>>> CROCODILES

Nearly 20 years ago, two teenage punks met at an antifascist gathering in their hometown of San Diego. A quick bond was formed over politics, poetry andmusicand the two very quickly became inseparable. Many projects followed, ranging from abrasive punk bands to harmonious '60s-indebted pop groups.

For the last 18 years, Charles Rowell and Brandon Welchez have been creating together under the name Crocodiles. Forever shape-shifting, the band have been celebrated and been maligned, but they have never been boring. And they have been nearly impossible to pin down. Are they psych-punk? Noise-pop? Art-gaze? They are all of this and none of this and more than this. Put simply, Crocodiles are one of the great rock 'n' roll bands of their generation. After nearly two decades, nine albums (including their latest dark-hearted salvo Greetings From Hell), and hundreds of shows around the globe the duo show no signs of letting up.

>>> HUNGRY

"Hungry come at us firing on all cylinders with their latest single Cambridge Is On Fire, a rip roaring fiery post punk slamdunk with vitriolic vocals from Peck and the fearsome backbone of the adopted Mancs.

Unabated guitar energy and Manchester's most engaging, crowd-mingling front man meets the forgotten histories and uneasy myths of the East Anglian fens as the city's fun-punks, HUNGRY return with new single, Cambridge Is On Fire. The band's first new music of the year follows a monumental 2025, which found the band tailing thrilling Midlands duo, Gans on a comprehensive UK tour and the release of their essential, debut EP, Are You The Best Yet?

Offering a body of recorded work to back up hot and heavy gigs that are reliably and repeatedly up the wall, Hungry's five-track EP not only included the heavy streaming fan favourite, Sick Of It, but also lead singles, Morning Coffee and the title track. Tacking the insightful and observant, frequently political views of twenty-something outsiders onto riff-led, boppable punk rock, Hungry's 2026 return brings the band's intellectual curiosities in line with their high-energy methods of delivery."

- Louder Than War

>>> poor effort.

"Originally from an outlying mill town, becoming a Salford resident and Manchester nighthawk, poor effort is the product of Matty Dagger. Having scraped together a makeshift studio setup during lockdowns, then putting self-learnt production techniques and poetry to tape, no fewer than 30 demos emerged which have brought him to the attention of various (now) collaborating producers, visual artists and musicians.

Listening to his work, you can expect the music to dip in and out of alternative, hip-hop, post-punk and electronic influences, with the focus largely revolving around Dagger's observational lyricism portraying the essence of bored Britain."

- Louder Than War

The Ferret is 20!

CROCODILES
+ HUNGRY
+ poor effort.

Tues 14th July 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

Claim your free tickets at skiddle.com/e/42460239

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

_________________

All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

FMA + 12 GAGE

With guests Your Personal Vendetta

Sunday, 12th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY

///\\\///\\\

FMA + 12 GAGE

An explosive father-son rap-metal duo with rapid-fire delivery, thought-provoking lyricism and genre-bending beats. Known for their chemistry and high-energy performances, they blend heavy instrumentals with sharp storytelling.

YOUR PERSONAL VENDETTA

Bringing angry goth rave to the stage! Their shows are known for their high energy and emotionally charged alt rock sound.

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Accessible ground-floor venue and facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

Alt Grad Ball

ft.

Sky Valley Mistress, Ravine, Stormkerb, Blinded & Mutt

Saturday, 11th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

Tickets:skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/The-Ferret/Empire-Events-Alt-Grad-Ball/42502435/

…or £10 otd, £5 with a valid student ID!

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CALLING ALL GRADS! Join us at The Ferret in Preston for an epic Alt Grad Ball, featuring some of the brightest talent the county has to offer.

THEN…

⚽️Enjoy watching the beautiful game in slightly less terrifying surroundings at The Ferret Alt Fan Zone!⚽️

ENGLAND V NORWAY on the big screen.

10pm Kick Off! FREE ENTRY FROM 9PM!

ALABASTER

With Lucas Williams, Lee Richards & Henry Sherridan

Friday, 10th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY

///\\\///\\\

>>>Alabaster

A 4-piece band from Llandudno, North Wales. A young up and coming band with raw emotion, passion and energy. The band has a distinctive sound with a variety of influences ranging from 90’s/2000 Indie blending with Classic Rock.

>>>Lucas Williams

Hailing from Fleetwood, Lancashire, Lucas is a singer-songwriter who has been performing live since the age of 12. Having built experience playing a variety of local venues and events, he has more recently taken his music to the streets through busking, connecting with audiences in a raw and authentic way.

>>>Lee Richards

Born and raised in the North West of England, Lee Richards found solace and inspiration all around him. From a young age, music became his constant companion, shaping his worldview and igniting a passion that would drive his artistic journey.

Drawing influence from the soulful melodies of rock, the heartfelt lyrics of blues, and the timeless storytelling of folk, Lee developed a unique sound that seamlessly weaves together elements of these genres. With acoustic guitar in hand, pouring heart and soul into each chord and lyric.

>>>Henry Sherridan

Tthe House of Wolves frontman returns with a powerful solo set.

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Accessible ground-floor venue and facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

BAZOOMS

(Chaotic Grunge + Alt-Rock from Poland)

With guests Destroya

(Gnarly Grunge from Leeds)

Sunday, 5th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY

///\\\///\\\

BAZOOMS

BazOOms are a fierce all-female trio from southern Poland, bringing loud, chaotic grunge and alt-rock with unstoppable stage energy. Wild, fearless and impossible to ignore, their look and attitude match the noise they make. Catch them fresh off the release of their debut album Girls Bathroom.

DESTROYA

A fierce and focused burst of industrial-tinged alt-rock energy. The trio wastes no time launching into a wall of grinding guitars and snarling vocals that instantly grab the crowd’s attention. Their sound balanced chaos and precision full of momentum.

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Accessible ground-floor venue and facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

The Ferret & Whinge present:

WHINGEFEST ALL-DAYER XII

THE FERRET IS 20! EDITION

Sat 4th July

3pm - late

The Ferret, Preston

Live Music Line-Up:

COWBOY HUNTERS

WAX HEAD

WHINGE

dull.

WET MAN

STORMKERB

EL WINSTANLEY

Another all-day affair. Live music & DJs all day and night.

ALL ADVANCE TICKETS ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!
Then just £5 on the door (while stocks last).

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

THE FERRET is 20!
2006-2026

"The Ferret is 20!" is a series of special events celebrating 20 years of The Ferret in Preston. Between May & August, we present a series of shows featuring some of our favourite artists from around the world - as well as grassroots artists from the across the North West & around the UK.

AND, thanks to public funding by Arts Council England, this series of shows will all be FREE ENTRY &/or very low-cost. Our aim is to encourage more people to experience world-class live music in the intimate setting of The Ferret.

We'll be asking you to tell a friend, invite someone who has never been to The Ferret, invite someone who loves live music but hasn't been to a gig in yonks, maybe invite someone who doesn't even realise what's right on their doorstep.

>>> COWBOY HUNTERS:

69 years have passed since the cowboys attacked. When the world needed them most, Cowboy Hunters were in the pub. This is a story of Farty Rock redemption. Tie your shoes.

>>> WAX HEAD:

A visceral gang of youth rolling around in a sweaty pit of garage-psych riffage. Debut album ‘GNAT’ out now via Sour Grapes Records.

>>> WHINGE:

Your genial hosts. Whingefest veterans since 2k19.

“Whinge. Great name for a crazy band of misfits who their label boss proclaims as ‘fuckin crackers’. Then again he would know being in a band of weirdos himself. Which is why they’ve clicked, along with label mates Michael, Yaang and the up and coming fury of dead things. You can stick your normal up your arse and come along for the ride with this bizarre collection of ‘More DIY than B&Q’ tunes you can pop a knee to.” - Louder Than War

>>> dull.

Lancaster’s post-punk and experimental noise duo, laying down motorik drums and fuzzy bass grooves. Their approach leans into tension and juxtaposition rather than tidy hooks. Fiery urgency wrapped in deliberate simplicity.

>>> WET MAN:

Dive into the world of Wet Man, a solo electroclash sensation whose sound is an electrifying homage to the rebellious spirits of Iggy Pop, The Cramps, Suicide, Lou Reed, and Cabaret Voltaire. With a fusion of punk energy and electronic beats, Wet Man's music is a high-octane ride through the fringes of rock and roll culture, wrapped in a shroud of gritty narratives.

Wet Man's performances are anything but solitary. Each show is a high-energy spectacle, where the stage becomes a battleground of frenetic beats and provocative themes. Songs about lizard alien conspiracy theorists, notorious English scandals, and the raw essence of rock and roll culture are delivered with an intensity that commands the audience's attention.

>>> STORMKERB:

Stormkerb are a rising Preston-based post-punk, post-rock, and post-hardcore band. Known for loud guitars, shifting dynamics, and gloomy yet catchy tracks, their music is heavily inspired by local brutalist architecture. The band emerged from the city's underground DIY music scene, as well as being involved in the local arts scene, collaborating on exhibitions focused on post-industrial life in Preston.

>>> EL WINSTANLEY:

Welcome to El’s living room, the cosy world where she leaves her self-awareness at the door to write sweet but eccentric songs, warm with sincerity, sung in English and Spanish. Using any instrument quiet enough not to wake up the kids, she combines retro synth and rudimentary drum loops with stoner guitar, the sparkling omnichord, and dashes of doo-wap harmonies layered through a loop pedal 

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\

The Ferret & Whinge present:

WHINGEFEST XII

THE FERRET IS 20! EDITION

Sat 4th July

3pm - late

The Ferret, Preston

Live Music Line-Up:

Cowboy Hunters
Wax Head
Whinge
dull.
Wet Man
Stormkerb
El Winstanley

The Ferret, Preston

ALL ADVANCE TICKETS ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!
Then just £5 on the door (while stocks last).

Claim your free tickets at theferret.live/tfi20

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

_________________

All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

TICKETS: skiddle.com/e/42516865

The Matchbox + Double Yellows + Filthy Laugh

Friday, 3rd July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY

THE MATCHBOX

“Carrying a torch for something that happens over and over again in Manchester” – Guy Garvey (Elbow & BBC Radio 6)

“A young band that’s starting to make waves in the British rock scene” – Far Out Magazine

DOUBLE YELLOWS

Rock and roll with attitude. A Rock Power Trio from the northwest, with a common goal, conquer the planet and bring rock back into the mainstream. 

FILTHY LAUGH

Filthy Laugh is an acoustic/folk based indie band who live in Lancaster, UK.

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Accessible ground-floor venue and facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

The Ferret Quiz!

Weds 1st July

Now after the football!
Doors at 4pm
Football kicks off at 5pm.
Quiz starts 8pm.

The Ferret, Preston

Finally, due to popular demand, we present The Ferret Quiz with your host: quiz maestro Ste-J.

WIN! £50 bar tab plus gig tickets & more!

What’s it all about?

Music & more! General Knowledge, Film & TV, History, Geography, all sorts tbh. So… it’s a music quiz but not just a music quiz. Got it?

£1 entry per person.

Bring your smart phones - this is a SPEED QUIZZING situation. 

Play live on the big screen, compete in real time, and battle it out for prizes and glory. Fast, interactive, and guaranteed to get everyone involved.

The quiz starts at 8pm sharp, so get down early, grab a drink, and settle in. (We're showing the England match on the big screen from 5pm. Quiz starts after the match).

Whether you're fiercely competitive or just looking for a fun night out, gather your music-loving friends and put your knowledge to the ultimate test.

THE FERRET QUIZ

Weds 1st July

Doors at 4pm
Football kicks off at 5pm.
Quiz starts 8pm.

The Ferret, Preston

THE FERRET electronic music OPEN MIC

Tuesday, 30th June ‘26

The Ferret | Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY!

Preston's Electronic Music Open Mic (EMOM) returns to The Ferret this Tuesday, 30th June.

Slots are up to 20 minutes. Some pre-booked slots have gone but we do have a few left - so email emompreston@gmail.com to grab one. Additional walk-in slots will be available on the night. First come first served.

This is an open stage night for electronic and experimental musicians, aimed at giving local artists a supportive space in which to play live and experiment. Open to all forms of electronic/experimental music including: ambient, chiptune, drone, drum & bass, dub, electronica, electropop, experimental hip-hop, field recordings, glitch, house, industrial, looping, noise, soundscape, synthwave, techno, trance & more!

Get out of your home studio or bedroom, and come out to a fun, supportive night with other enthusiastic tech heads, dabblers and music fans. You don’t need to be an established artist with a full repertoire. This is for anyone who wants to try their hand at playing live in a safe, motivating environment.

Computers, digital boxes, DJ controllers, drum machines, gadgets, groove boxes, keyboard synths, loop stations, modular synths, phone apps, samplers, sequencers… and everything in between. All welcome!

Come out and meet other music makers, producers and creative types from all walks of music making. There should be plenty of time to talk gear, production techniques and a whole range of inspiring ideas.

The event will run from roughly 7pm-11.00pm with wiggle room depending on interest.

Slots are up to 20 minutes. Some pre-booked slots have gone but we do have a few left - so email emompreston@gmail.com to grab one. Additional walk-in slots will be available on the night. First come first served.

Take to The Ferret stage with full live-music PA & sound engineer. We will have a table for you to setup on, and another one to the side, for the next performer to prep their gear. In order for the event to run smoothly, we ask that you prepare a mono or stereo mix of your setup before handing your outputs over to us; we will not be able to mix your outputs for you in the given time. Vocal mics & mic stands available.

Sorry - no acoustic guitars – unless they are being used to generate soundscapes or some other style of music in keeping with the night (e.g. through pedals, FX units etc.)

Additionally, feel free to bring a USB stick containing visuals you'd like to be projected during your set.

Entrance is FREE for both performers and spectators, so gather your friends and fellow electronic music enthusiasts to join us for an incredible night of creativity and musical exploration!

The Ferret, Preston
Tuesday, 30th June
7pm - 11pm
Free Entry

All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).
Accessible ground floor venue & facilities.
Dog friendly venue.

Slots are up to 20 minutes. Some pre-booked slots have gone but we do have a few left - so email emompreston@gmail.com to grab one. Additional walk-in slots will be available on the night. First come first served.

Everywhere At Once is a nationwide grassroots music festival taking place from June 26–28, 2026, spearheaded by the Music Venue Trust (MVT) and The National Lottery.

It will feature over 1,200 gigs across 500+ UK grassroots venues, acting as a "festival on your doorstep" during Glastonbury's 2026 fallow year, aiming to support local venues.

Everywhere At Once powered by The National Lottery presents:

The Lathums

Sunday 28th June 2026

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

SOLD OUT! Join the Wait List: https://www.universe.com/events/everywhere-at-once-the-lathums-tickets-5C9Z20

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The Lathums are an English indie rock band from Wigan, Greater Manchester, formed in 2018 when vocalist/guitarist Alex Moore, guitarist Scott Concepcion and drummer Ryan Durrans were placed together at The Music Project college; bassist Matty Murphy joined later.

Their sound blends jangly guitar pop with energetic rock and thoughtful lyrics. Signed to Island Records soon after forming, their debut album How Beautiful Life Can Be (2021) went straight to No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, followed by From Nothing To A Little Bit More (2023) and Matter Does Not Define (2025).

The band have built a devoted fanbase with sold‑out tours and radio hits, earning them a strong place in the UK indie scene.

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All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).
Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.
Dog-friendly venue.

Everywhere At Once Festival (powered by National Lottery) - The UK's biggest music festival on your doorstep! 1200+ gigs. 500+ venues.1 weekend.

the juice

+ Parisella

Saturday 27th June 2026

7pm - 11pm

The Ferret, Preston

TICKETS: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/The-Ferret/The-Juice---Preston/42435729/#about

THE FERRET is 20!

"The Ferret is 20!" is a series of special events celebrating 20 years of The Ferret in Preston. Between May & August, we'll be presenting a series of shows featuring some of our favourite artists from around the world - as well as grassroots artists from the across the North West & around the UK.

AND, thanks to public funding by Arts Council England, this series of shows will all be FREE ENTRY &/or very low-cost. Our aim is to encourage more people to experience world-class live music in the intimate setting of The Ferret.

We'll be asking you to tell a friend, invite someone who has never been to The Ferret, invite someone who loves live music but hasn't been to a gig in yonks, maybe invite someone who doesn't even realise what's right on their doorstep.

_________________

AND! This edition of The Ferret is 20! joins forces with Everywhere At Once Festival (powered by National Lottery) - The UK's biggest music festival on your doorstep! 1200+ gigs. 500+ venues.1 weekend.

Everywhere At Once x The Ferret is 20!
Another belter show as we welcome back Ferret Friends™ - PET NEEDS - explosive, relentless & showstopping!

PET NEEDS

Essex // High Energy Punk Rock

+ guests TBA

Local grassroots artists are encouraged to apply for support slots. See below.

Fri 26th June 2026

7pm - 11pm

The Ferret, Preston

FIRST 50 TICKETS ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!
Then just £5 per ticket (while stocks last).

Claim your free tickets here:

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Claim your free tickets at skiddle.com/e/42455606

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

>>> PET NEEDS

Founded with humble bedroom-band beginnings by brothers Johnny and George Mariott and now joined by Jules (drums) and Ryan (bass) - PET NEEDS' career has been sky-rocketing ever since the release of their acclaimed debut 'Fractured Party Music' back in 2021. From getting signed, to SOLD OUT shows, rave reviews, to rabid fans, and embarking on extensive global tours with the likes of Frank Turner, The Lottery Winners, Flogging Molly; demand for these four lads from Essex has been on a trajectory with the stratosphere. Having attracted attention with their relentless live shows and powerful studio releases, PET NEEDS have attracted praise from the likes of Backseat Mafia, The Rodeo, Times Radio, NARC Magazine and more with the latter dubbing the showstopping Frank Turner-produced album 'Primetime Entertainment' as a record of "joyous experimentation".

>>> PLUS GUESTS TBA

Local grassroots artists are encouraged to apply for support slots. Please listen to the acts on the bill and put yourselves forward for relevant shows only. Applications can be made via our Apply To Play form which you can find here.

Everywhere At Once Festival x The Ferret is 20!

PET NEEDS
+ guests tba

Fri 26th June 2026

7pm - 11pm

The Ferret, Preston

Claim your free tickets at skiddle.com/e/42455606

Capacity is limited, so grab a FREE TICKET now to guarantee entry. PLEASE only take as many tickets as you need - if you need to return any tickets, please let us know so other Ferret Friends can use them.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

#theferretis20 #tfi20

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All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

SURGE (USA)

+ Midnight Swim

Thurs 25th June

The Ferret, Preston

FREE ENTRY

Doors 7pm

Surge (USA) -

From their very first rehearsal, it was clear that SURGE had tapped into something electric—a sound that’s unapologetically loud, proud, and rooted in the spirit of rock ‘n roll. Blending modern edge with classic hard rock swagger, the band’s “modern-classic” style has electrified audiences, delivering high-energy stage shows that keep fans on their feet and hungry for more.

2024 proved to be a landmark year for SURGE, featuring a standout performance at America’s Biggest Labor Day Party - Rocklahoma, supporting rock legends Lita Ford and Stephen Pearcy of Ratt at the iconic Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles, and releasing their third single, “Crazy Little Bitch,” along with a high-energy music video showcasing the band’s raw, in-your-face style.

Now signed to Chicago-based Pavement Entertainment, SURGE is in the final stages of completing their highly anticipated full-length debut album.

Midnight Swim -

Formed in Greater Manchester in 2023, Midnight Swim blend sharp guitars, glossy melodies and huge hooks into loud, emotionally charged pop-rock inspired by Paramore, The Maine and You Me At Six. Their new single ‘Shaking You From My Feelings Would Be Easier If You Were Dead’ captures their signature mix of bitterness, energy and massive choruses. Since forming, they’ve shared stages with Deaf Havana, Emarosa, WSTR and Arm’s Length, while building momentum with their debut EP Into The Night and upcoming debut album.

SPOKEN WORD and COMEDY
Bróccán Tyzack-Carlin: Good News! It's Been Destroyed
Weds June 24, 2026 (8pm)
Duration: 60mins

Award-winning comedian and poet Bróccán Tyzack-Carlin turns his eye towards the state of the nation, everything changing too quickly and the rumours that his dad's a dog – he's not a dog, stop saying he is.
Join the co-founder and host of cult nights Everything Is F*cked and Poetry and Comedy for Palestine, as he tries to make sense of the world around him, and life as he knows it, being destroyed. Is it for the best? Only time will tell! But probably not.

Praise for previous work:
★★★★★ ‘Riveting, hilarious...addictive’ EdFringe Review
★★★★★ ‘At the top of his game’ Bunbury Magazine
★★★★ ‘His unique style sets him apart’ North-West End
★★★★ ‘A star’ Broadway Baby
‘Star of the future’ The Sunday Times

Winner - Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Show
Winner - G&B Comedy New Act Competition
Winner - Manchester Word War Slam
Finalist - Hammer and Tongue National Slam
Nominee - Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Performer

Instagram: @broccantyzack

Venue details: The Ferret, Fylde Road, Preston PR1 2XQ

Part of Enjoy The Show’s #Edfringe Preview season in Preston
Tickets £8 from Skiddle

The beautiful game.

Slightly less terrifying surroundings.

We’re showing most of the England and Scotland World Cup matches here at The Ferret! We’ll be showing…

👉Weds 17th – England v Croatia – 9pm KO
👉Tues 23rd – England v Ghana – 9pm KO

And we’ll also be putting it on the big screen right after some of our gigs! Stick around for…

👉Fri 19th – Scotland v Morocco – 11pm KO (after the Ben and the Believers / Regular Breaks / The Limes gig)

theferret.live/listings/batb-june

👉Wed 24th – Scotland v Brazil – 11pm KO (after the Enjoy The Show Spoken Word & Comedy gig)

theferret.live/listings/ed-fringe-24-june

👉Sat 27th – England v Panama – 10pm KO (after The Juice / Parisella gig)

theferret.live/listings/the-juice-eao

Thrash Legends Acid Reign are coming back to The Ferret Preston!

Acid Reign

Saturday 20th June 2026

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

Tickets: http://skiddle.com/e/41998898

Born out of the steel-and-sarcasm heartland of Harrogate, Yorkshire, Acid Reign have spent four decades proving that British thrash metal has a pulse, and a wicked sense of humour.

Formed in 1985 by vocalist Howard "H" Smith, drummer Mark Ramsey Wharton, bassist Ian Gangwer, and guitarist Gary "Gaz" Jennings, the band quickly carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting and irreverent acts on the UK metal circuit. Blending high-speed riffs with satirical, socially conscious lyrics, they brought something distinctly British to a genre largely dominated by American acts.

The band went on to share stages with thrash royalty including Nuclear Assault, Exodus, Flotsam and Jetsam, Dark Angel, and Candlemass, building a devoted fanbase through relentless touring across the UK and Europe.

Their debut album The Fear arrived in 1989, followed by Obnoxious in 1990. Though the shifting tides of the early '90s metal landscape eventually took their toll, Acid Reign played their final show at the iconic London Marquee Club in 1991, bowing out with their heads held high and their mosh pits still raging.

The story didn't end there. In 2015, frontman H rebooted the band with an all-new lineup, declaring it not a reformation but a reboot, with everyone in the band having Acid Reign in their DNA. Since their return, the band has toured extensively across the UK and Europe, earning a fearsome live reputation built on high energy, mass stage diving, and violent pits. Their comeback included a headline slot at Bloodstock that has since become the stuff of legend.

In September 2019, they released The Age of Entitlement via Dissonance Productions, their first full-length album in 29 years, to widespread critical and fan acclaim. Produced by Jayce Lewis, it proved Acid Reign hadn't mellowed with age; if anything, they'd gotten angrier, sharper, and more vital.

Now, with their fourth studio album Daze of the Week set for release on the 15th May 2026, the reign is far from over.