ALABASTER

With Lucas Williams, Lee Richards & Henry Sherridan

Friday, 10th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY

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>>>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

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

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.

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

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

_________________

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. 

Ben & The Believers

with Regular Breaks + The Limes

Friday 19th June

The Ferret, Preston

FREE ENTRY

Doors 7PM

Ben & The Believers are a Lancashire-based indie rock band built around the songs of songwriter and producer Ben Titley. Eclectic in both sound and influence, the band move effortlessly between driving indie rock, darker atmospheric moments, raw guitar energy and emotionally charged songwriting. 

Their live shows balance intensity, melody and spontaneity, with performances that can shift from intimate and reflective to loud, euphoric and chaotic within the same set.

Rather than sticking rigidly to one genre, the band embrace contrast — combining big choruses, textured arrangements, restless guitars and moody atmospheres with songs that feel immediate, human and alive. There are flashes of classic rock ’n’ roll spirit throughout, but filtered through a distinctly modern independent voice.

With Regular Breaks - an indie/alternative band from the North-West of England, who create reflective, honest songs that gently push beyond the boundaries of the traditional singer-songwriter territory.

Formed in 2025 by co-writers Bill Nessworthy and Antony Jones, and later joined by drummer Ross Vickery and bassist Ian Matthews, the band blend intimacy with experimentation — weaving alt-rock weight and post-rock intricacy into emotionally direct songwriting.

And The Limes - Swiftly gaining a great reputation for their energetic performances & catchy melodic songs, The Limes formed in the Spring of ‘24 with their popularity and presence in the local music scene growing exponentially. Interaction is a strong trait of The Limes, with the crowd often invited to get involved with sing alongs.

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.

The Ferret is 20: We welcome back one of our favourite acts of 2025, the incredible Zawose Queens! Soaring chizeze fiddle, buzzing illimba thumb piano, ngoma drums that chatter & thunder - a blend of the organic, harmonic & modern-day electronic...

THE ZAWOSE QUEENS

Tanzania // Real World Records

+ DR AKP

UK-based Nigerian artist

+ TAEYBS

Lo-Fi Avant-Pop

+ Jazzin The Park DJs

African Vinyl + Broken Beats

Thurs 18th June 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

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

Grab your tickets here:

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

>>> THE ZAWOSE QUEENS

The Zawose Queens are Leah and Pendo Zawose of the Tanzanian Wagogo people, whose joyous otherworldly vocals and polyphonic rhythms deftly blend the acoustic, electronic, traditional and modern.

There is spirit and fire in the music of The Zawose Queens. There's the vibrations of the ancestors, coming through on traditional instruments - soaring chizeze fiddle, buzzing illimba thumb piano, ngoma drums that chatter and thunder - and voices that go deep, high and out there. There's the connection to nature, to ceremony and ritual, in their dance-inspired fusion, their blend of the organic, harmonic and modern-day electronic. There are lyrics that tell, in their native kigogo, of the passion for music, the wonders of life. Of pride in environment, in tradition. In their East African roots.

Pendo and Leah Zawose showcase the fluid polyrhythms and rapturous polyphonic singing of the Gogo (aka Wagogo) people of the arid, hilly Dodoma region of central Tanzania. The most famous exponent of this musical tradition is the late, great Dr Hukwe Zawose (Pendo's father and Leah's grandfather).

Maisha, the debut album by The Zawose Queens (on Peter Gabriel's Real World Records), marks the first time that women from this famous musical family take their place as lead vocalists and performers. Emboldened by workshops in songwriting and music production with visiting UK-based producers Oli Barton-Wood (Jordan Rakei, Obongjayar, Nilufer Yanya) and Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, Onipa), The Zawose Queens began writing their first ever songs. The resulting collection of songs range from the stripped back and traditional-sounding to those treated with subtle electronic elements, with beats and drops and found sounds and switch-ups.

+ DR AKP

UK-based Nigerian artist

+ TAEYBS

Lo-Fi Avant-Pop

+ Jazzin The Park DJs

African Vinyl + Broken Beats

The Ferret is 20!

THE ZAWOSE QUEENS
+ guests

Thurs 18th June 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

Claim your free tickets at skiddle.com/e/42448161

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 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

“Make The Ferret Mad Again” -  Stand Up Comedy in the Heart of Preston! 🤣🎤

The walls are closing in, my friend. Only one thing can pull us from the abyss of 2026 and that's the wholesome sound of laughter. And who can bring this laughter to the people: why, only one man has the chuztpah to do it! It's Fil Milton and his new act night to end all new act nights!

Make the Ferret Mad Again has been rocking the casbah for the past three years now and we're going from strength to strength! And this month is no exceptionas we regenerate the most popular being a new act comedy night that takes place in the lanced boil of Preston, The Ferret, with a lineup to make you go, "I have certainly enjoyed that" This month we have another amazing line-up that looks something like this!

Matthew Davenport MC
Amit Mistry
Saskia Wycroft
Kev O’Brien
Jay Gorman
Stuart Thomas
Anna Thomas
Jess Corcoran
Fil Milton

—
MTFMA: A monthly comedy night for Preston, and we’ve got the privilege of hosting the laughs at our gaff.

Curated by Fil Milton and featuring guest hosts each month, Make The Ferret Mad Again will land at The Ferret every 3rd Tuesday of each month.

These hilarious nights are FREE ENTRY and the laughs will kick off from 7:30pm (doors at 7pm). Everyone who has been to a MTFMA night says it's dead good, so you can't argue with advertising like that!

Come and enjoy some Ferret funnies, and Make The Ferret Mad Again!

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Tuesday 16th June 2026
Free entry
7pm Doors / 7:30pm Start Time
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month

Preston DJ Social

Sunday 14th June

3–7PM

The Ferret, Preston

We’re nearly in the middle of the year and we’ve only had one “normal” social. The next one is at @theferretpreston 3PM - 7PM on Sunday the 14th of June. Were keeping it simple, play some tunes and hang out. If the weather's good, we might be outside in the sunshine. Looking forward to seeing everyone in a chilled-out, laid-back setting.

Open deck sign-up is on the day, newcomers and friends welcome. Sets are 15 minutes (were more of a social than an open deck), play what you love and what makes you happy. We use AlphaTheta 3000Xs so please update your Rekordbox (6.8.2 or higher) and sync your librarys.

The Ferret doesn’t serve food but they let us order in from local takeaways, please support them and get your drinks from the bar. Free Sunday parking near by. Were 15 minutes from the train station, 20 minutes from the bus station.

See you there!

Sugarstone make their long-awaited return to the stage, with a huge homecoming show at The Ferret in Preston.

Empire Events Presents:

+ special guests

Saturday, 13th June

The Ferret, Preston

TICKETS: www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/The-Ferret/Sugarstone-at-The-Ferret/42308139/

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Sugarstone are BACK.

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Empire Events Presents:

+ special guests

Saturday, 13th June

The Ferret, Preston

TICKETS: www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/The-Ferret/Sugarstone-at-The-Ferret/42308139/

All ages welcome (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'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 Ferret is 20! UK HIP-HOP SPECIAL

VERB T

The Four Owls // High Focus Records

HALF DECENT

Oxford-based rapper & producer

DJ MARK SKI

DJ & producer // FFSYTHO? live DJ

BRAPSCALLION
Lo-Fi House + Hip-Hop

PIQUE ROSCO
Northern Hip-Hop Wordsmith

WARRIOR TALES
Hip Hop & Spoken Word

BIG THINGS DJs
Beats & pieces

Fri 12th June 2026

7pm - late

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/42447131

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Check out the amazing lineup:

>>> VERB T

Verb T is one of the most prolific hip hop artists in the UK and a member of supergroup The Four Owls, he has worked with most of the biggest names in UK hip hop including Jehst, Sway, Harry Love and many more. Verbs is an artist with a unique style and lyrical outlook embracing classic 90's U.S hip hop as well as experimenting with new styles with his own production. Noted influences include artists such as Slick Rick, Al Green, De La Soul, and Jimi Hendrix. Verb T's music has covered topics of social awareness, paranoia, drug addiction and self improvement.

A cornerstone of UK underground hip hop, Verb T is known for his razor-sharp storytelling, dark humour and unmistakable laid-back flow. Emerging from London's late-90s open mic scene, he built a cult following through acclaimed solo releases, collaborations with producer Harry Love, and landmark projects on Low Life Records and High Focus Records.

A founding member of The Four Owls alongside Fliptrix, Leaf Dog and BVA, Verb T has toured extensively across the UK, Europe and the US, sharing stages and records with names including Sway, Jehst, DJ Premier, Kool G Rap and R.A. The Rugged Man.

With a catalogue spanning underground classics like Bring It Back To Basics, Morning Process and the Foggy trilogy with Illinformed, Verb T remains one of UK rap's most respected and consistent voices, still pushing forward with recent releases including The Tower Where The Phantom Lives and 2025's To Love A Phantom with Vic Grimes.

>>> HALF DECENT

Half Decent is an Oxford-London based rapper and producer turning heads in the UK and beyond. Half Decent puts relatable and thought-provoking lyrics at the forefront of his eclectic sound. He's a keen observational lyricist, who blurs the lines between genres, making him a truly unique artist.

>>> DJ MARK SKI

DJ Mark Ski is a Northampton hip-hop DJ, turntablist and producer widely regarded as the "Godfather of the Northampton Hip-Hop scene". Known for his razor-sharp cuts and heavyweight live sets, he's shared stages with some of the genre's biggest names and currently serves as live DJ for FFSYTHO, bringing raw energy and classic hip-hop craftsmanship to every performance.

BRAPSCALLION
Lo-Fi House + Hip-Hop

PIQUE ROSCO
Northern Hip-Hop Wordsmith

WARRIOR TALES
Hip Hop & Spoken Word

BIG THINGS DJs
Beats & pieces

The Ferret is 20! UK HIP-HOP SPECIAL

VERB T
HALF DECENT
DJ MARK SKI
BRAPSCALLION
PIQUE ROSCO
WARRIOR TALES
BIG THINGS DJs

Fri 12th June 2026

7pm - late

The Ferret, Preston

Claim your free tickets at skiddle.com/e/42447131

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.

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

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

DOLL CIRCUS (Germany)

+ Amnia

Thurs 11th June

The Ferret, Preston

FREE ENTRY

Doors 7pm

Doll Circus -

Doll Circus is a five-piece whirlwind from the midst of bavaria. Terry Lee, Katharella, Mini Vanilli, Vero Pistolero and Shake, the Snake: Kickin your ass with razorsharp heels, hitting your ears with hot Spice N' Roll, pounding your stomachs with heavy beats.

Amnia -

Amnia are a four-piece alternative rock band from Chorley, blending melodic songwriting with a raw, energetic live show. With a new EP on the horizon, they're bringing a set of material that draws from across the modern rock and alternative spectrum.

DOUBLE BILL:

SPOKEN WORD
The Chubby Northerner: Condoms & Cucumbers
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (7.30pm)
The Ferret, Preston PR12XQ
Duration: 60mins

Condoms & Cucumbers is a bold, witty, and disarmingly honest solo show that unpacks the messy, often contradictory rules of masculinity and asks what it really means ‘to be a man’
Blending spoken word, theatre, comedy, and audience interaction, it invites you to help rewrite the rules of “being a man.” From locker rooms to leotards, sex ed to Brits abroad, it unpacks the pressures and stereotypes that shape male identity. Funny, honest, and thought-provoking, this is a shared experience that sparks conversation and challenges us to talk more openly.
Instagram: @thechubbynortherner

STAND UP COMEDY
Henning Nilsen: A Letter to My Parents
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (8.45pm)
The Ferret, Preston PR1 2XQ
Duration: 60mins

Viral sensation Henning Nilsen recalls the emotional journey from leaving his Finance job to making his challenging Edinburgh Fringe debut. What makes an accountant from Norway quit his stable job and move to the UK to pursue a career in stand-up comedy? In this brutally candid show, Henning attempts to answer these questions.
Henning is an award-winning stand-up comedian making waves in the UK. He's a viral sensation with over 100 million online views and has in a short time gained a large following through his dry humour videos. He regularly performs at the top comedy clubs in the UK and has toured internationally in the US, Europe and Asia. His first solo show '1 And Done' had sold out shows at the Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe in 2025.
Strong language/swearing. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes references to suicide/self harm.

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

Part of Enjoy The Show’s #Edfringe Preview season in Preston
Double bill tickets £15 from Skiddle

🎤Open Mic Night at The Ferret🎤

Slight change of date this month…

Tuesday 9th June

with host: Jamie Brewer!

📅 Tuesday, 9th June 2026
🚪 Doors Open at 7 PM
📍 The Ferret, Preston
🎟 FREE ENTRY

Join us as we welcome local bands and musicians to The Ferret stage to showcase fresh new material and hidden gems. Expect an exciting mix of emerging talent and seasoned performers, alongside our wonderful host Jamie Brewer!

🕖 Open Mic Slots from 7PM
All performers are welcome - Arrive early to secure your spot! Bring your acoustic or electric guitars, backing tracks, keyboards, or whatever you need to show us what you’ve got.

🎶 Basic Backline Provided
We’ve got a drumkit, bass amp, and guitar amp ready for you. Drummers, please bring your breakables. For specific requirements, just get in touch beforehand.

💡 First-Come, First-Served Slots
Make sure to arrive early to grab your moment in the spotlight!

Don’t miss this chance to be part of another amazing year of live music at The Ferret!

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📅 Tuesday, 9th June 2026
🚪 Doors Open at 7 PM
📍 The Ferret, Preston
🎟 FREE ENTRY

The Ferret is very excited to announce we'll be hosting Billy Bibby - founder member of Catfish and the Bottlemen - for an acoustic tour of 'The Balcony' where he'll be playing the album in its entirety, including a few bonus tracks for good measure!

The Ferret presents:

BILLY BIBBY

Founding member of
Catfish and the Bottlemen.

THE BALCONY TOUR

Friday 5th June

The Ferret, Preston

TICKETS ON SALE MON 24TH NOV at 7PM.

Billy Bibby was the founding member and lead guitarist of Catfish and the Bottlemen and he was instrumental in writing and releasing their debut album, 'The Balcony,' which charted Top 10 and was certified 2x platinum in the UK, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Since then, Billy has fronted other bands, HAIG and Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles, touring extensively across the UK and building a significant following. For this unique tour, Billy will solely focus on and celebrate his contribution to 'The Balcony' album, something he has never done before!

Billy Bibby will be performing the first Catfish album in its purest form with a stripped-back acoustic set featuring all the tracks recorded on it. The Balcony Tour will be full of nostalgia, powerful delivery and include short anecdotes about the times spent writing and recording it with the band. This is a must-see for Catfish fans! 

From Billy - "I'm so excited to be playing these songs again! After 11 years, this album has become somewhat of a cult indie rock classic, and I'm so proud that I was a part of that which reached so many people's ears around the world!

SPECIAL thanks to every one of you who also bought it! This is a thank you to you guys and a closure for myself to be able to go and gig these tracks again and have some fun singing them with you all helping sing them back!

Let's tear some roofs off with our lungs!"

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The Ferret presents:

BILLY BIBBY

Founding member of Catfish and the Bottlemen.

THE BALCONY TOUR

Friday 5th June

The Ferret, Preston

Tickets: skiddle.com/e/41607237

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

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

THURSDAY LIVE, keeping it simple:

Live Music.
Every Thursday.
At The Ferret.

We’re back on Thursday 4th June with:

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.

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

Oliver J. Skorge - Oliver is an UK based songwriter & musician. Taking inspiration from the poetic lyrics of Peter Doherty and John Lennon, Oliver has recently played in Liverpool, Lancaster and Preston, taking his songs on tour.

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🗓️ Thursday 4th June

📍 The Ferret, Preston

⏰ Doors 7PM

👉 FREE ENTRY!

All ages welcome. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Accessible ground floor venue, stage, bar & facilities.

Dog friendly venue.

🎤Jay’s Open Mic MixrUPt Mixtape Jam with Aziz Ibrahim🎤

Preston Jazz fest

The iconic Open Mic night returns – and it’s bringing serious energy with it.

Hosted by DJ Johnny Jay and the legendary Aziz Ibrahim (ex-Stone Roses / Simply Red), this is a night that celebrates musical freedom, collaboration, and cultural expression. Bring your instrument, your voice, your words, your beats – whatever you make music with – and get involved.

Expect an anything-goes mixtape jam of sounds, styles, and spontaneous magic. 🎶🔥
Performers AND listeners welcome – come through and support Preston’s most unpredictable and inspiring night of music.

No sign-up, no gatekeeping – just turn up and plug in.

Aziz Ibrahim is a renowned Manchester-born guitarist and composer, celebrated for his innovative fusion of rock, blues, and South Asian musical influences. With a career spanning over three decades, he has collaborated with iconic artists such as The Stone Roses, Simply Red, Ian Brown, Paul Weller, and Steven Wilson.

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📅 Tuesday, 2nd June
🚪 Doors Open at 7:30PM
📍 The Ferret, Preston
🎟 FREE ENTRY