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!

- - -

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/

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

Sugarstone are BACK.

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

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.

_________________

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!

-

📅 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!"

---

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.

-

🗓️ 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.

-

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

Join us for the ultimate challenge with a purpose – the Preston Sup & Mooch, 15 Miles, 15 Pubs Charity Walk in support of Lancashire Mind!

This unique event is perfect for anyone who wants to make a difference while enjoying the beautiful scenery and pub culture of Lancashire.

📍 Where: Preston, Lancashire

📅 When: Saturday 30 May 2026

💵 Price: WALK ONLY: £15 per person, WALK AND PARTY: £19 per person, PARTY ONLY: £7 per person

⭕ Pin Badges: £4.50 per badge on TicketTailor (due to fees) or available on the day for £4.00 if there are any left! All sales will be for collection on the day.

We will announce the exact route details closer to the event date to ensure the best possible experience for all participants. Stay tuned for updates and get ready for an unforgettable day!

@Prestonsupnmooch

The Ferret presents:

JAMES WALSH

(Starsailor)

&

BEN OTTEWELL

(Gomez)

+ Granfalloon & Michael Brindley

Friday 29th May 2026

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

Tickets £25 advance

Tickets: 

Experience an unforgettable night as two of the best voices of the past 30 years return to The Ferret for a special double bill, after their triumphant 2025 show. James Walsh of Starsailor and Ben Ottewell of Gomez will share the stage for a powerful evening of live music.

James Walsh - Starsailor frontman and solo artist - first found success as the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist with multi-platinum indie-rock band Starsailor.  While known for iconic hits like Good Souls and Alcoholic, James has also carved out a powerful solo career, releasing acclaimed albums including Turning Point (2014), Tiger on the Bridge (2019), and Small Illusions (2021).

James has a prolific back catalogue, and his latest EP ‘Renewal’ offers the trademarks of James’ all-encompassing signature sound - beautifully-crafted songs, tender balladry, gorgeous melodies and candid lyricism which transports the listener into another dimension thanks to his captivating and endearing delivery.

Whether performing solo or with a band, James Walsh brings raw emotion and timeless songs to life with powerful, intimate live shows. From Starsailor hits to heartfelt solo tracks—every performance is unforgettable.

www.instagram.com/jameswalshmusic

Ben Ottewell is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist best known as a founding member of the critically acclaimed British band Gomez. Ottewell’s distinctive baritone voice and blues-inspired guitar work became central to Gomez’s unique sound. 

Gomez formed in the late 1990s, quickly gaining attention for their eclectic style, which blended blues, rock, folk, and indie influences. Gomez’s 1998 debut album, Bring It On, was a breakout success, winning the prestigious Mercury Prize and propelling the band to international recognition. 

Throughout Gomez's career, Ottewell's soulful voice and introspective lyrics resonated with fans, earning him a dedicated following. His solo career saw him exploring a more stripped-down acoustic sound, showcasing his raw talent and emotive storytelling. Ben is well known for his unmistakable voice and talent for blistering and inspired guitar solos. 

And as GQ Magazine once wrote and anyone listening can attest, "[his] voice is not of this world.”

www.instagram.com/benottewell

—

The Ferret presents:

JAMES WALSH (Starsailor)
&
BEN OTTEWELL (Gomez)

+ Granfalloon & Michael Brindley

Friday 29th May 2026

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

Tickets £25 advance

Ticket link: skiddle.com/e/42161456

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

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

THE FERRET electronic music OPEN MIC

Tuesday, 27th May ‘26

The Ferret | Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY!

Preston's Electronic Music Open Mic (EMOM) returns to The Ferret this Tuesday, 27th May.

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, 27th May
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.

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

Who's a big baby? I think we all know the answer to that question. You know you've become completely ubiquitous when someone makes a general statement and we all think of the same person. So, go on... who were you thinking of? That's right... my uncle Steve. What a baby. So let's do a comedy night!

Make the Ferret Mad Again is a whole mess of a cheesecake and come in three lovely flavours, the most popular being a new act comedy night at the sweetmeat of Preston, The Ferret, with a lineup to make you go, "Cheese is a type of meat!" This month we have another amazing line-up that looks something like this!

Fil Milton MC
Andrew Lancaster
Hella Frei
Amir Bux
Amy Nic
Mark Devine
Katie Slater
Will Smith
...and a secret surprise guest!

—
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 - except this month, which is the 4th Tuesday.

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!

- - -

Tuesday 26th May 2025
Free entry
7pm Doors / 7:30pm Start Time (and I might actually stick to that for a change)
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month (but not this month)

Rock band Corella return like a bolt from the blue, offering a brand new ferocity and sense of purpose on their thunderous second album.

The Ferret presents:

CORELLA

+ Adult Leisure

Friday 22nd May 2026

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

Tickets £20 + bf

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

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CORELLA

Rock band Corella return like a bolt from the blue, offering a brand new ferocity and sense of purpose on their thunderous second album.

“A Beautiful World to Lose” sees the four-piece take their formative influences – from Bloc Party to Foals – and hone them until they're razor-sharp, while working in the unique ingredients that give them their own, instantly recognisable sound. This is a record that buzzes with the energy the band are renowned for at their live shows, like lightning in a bottle, taking their songwriting and musicianship to new heights.

THE FERRET is 20!

This year marks The Ferret's 20th Birthday! Throughout the year, we'll be bringing back some of our favourite artists from across 20 years of incredible live music, as well as introducing you to some incredible brand-new acts (as per).

And now, we’re very excited to announce a new project! 

“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! - Show #1

BONNIE TRASH

Ontario - Canada - Post-Punk + Goth Rock

TWO TONNE MACHETE

NW + North Wales - DIY Feminist Punk

TAY TEMPLE

Alt Rock with a splash of Punk

Thurs 21st May 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

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/42434771

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Check out the amazing lineup:

>>> BONNIE TRASH

Bonnie Trash is the project of twin sisters Emmalia and Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor, wedding post-punk's steeley-eyed austerity to goth rock's brooding grandeur. Rather than fashioning nightmares into reality, the band paints reality as a nightmare; rife with pain, suffering, and gothic theatre.

Like their forebears Joy Division, Black Sabbath, or John Carpenter, Bonnie Trash understands that everyday atrocities haunt the periphery of our lives. A black cloud looming on the edge of our vision. Curses abound. You can't ward them off. You'd best make an unholy racket.

Where their first full length, Malocchio (2022), shrouded Bonnie Trash's nightmares in dusky dreamlike reverb, Mourning You (2025) is vivid and immediate. Mourning You is less a post-mortem fantasia than a sudden, swift dagger to the heart. This is sorrow not as a lingering bruise, but a gushing wound.

Bonnie Trash has performed at renowned festivals across Canada, and has shared the stage with TRAITRS, Chastity, Dilly Dally, Bria Salmena, and The OBGMs. In 2025, they embarked on their first UK and USA tour, and played to a sold-out crowd at Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg. They have been featured in Guitar World, Metal Hammer, Classic Rock Magazine, Exclaim!, BrooklynVegan, and The Line of Best Fit.

>>> TWO TONNE MACHETE

TWO TONNE MACHETE are a feminist alt punk band who make authentic, high energy, feel good punk anthems based in North West England and North Wales. Fronted by Emily's powerful vocals and guitars, their sound is bass-driven, melodic and unrelenting-landing somewhere between Mannequin Pussy, IDLES, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Distillers. Fiercely political and unapologetic, their songs tackle misogyny, control, toxic masculinity, sexuality and dissent with full-throttle energy and depth, keeping punk ethos front and centre.

Proudly DIY yet fast gaining momentum, TTM have been featured on BBC Introducing Merseyside and Radio X (John Kennedy), nominated for Radio Wigwam's Best Band, and won Best Band and Best Song at the Punk AF Awards 2025. With standout festival appearances at Focus Wales, Manchester Punk Festival and Rebellion Festival, they're building serious buzz.

>>> TAY TEMPLE

Alt Rock with a splash of Punk, Tay Temple is one of Manchester’s most ferocious acts. 

Her music is centred in proudly asserting her queerness, advocating for self-expression and finding power in your own narrative.

Tay’s striking and dynamic live performance captivates audiences with untamed guitars, thrashing drums and soaring vocals that are ultimately a joyous outlet of rage. Citing influences of Dream Wife, Crawlers & Avril Lavigne.

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The Ferret is 20! - Show #1

BONNIE TRASH
TWO TONNE MACHETE
TAY TEMPLE

Thurs 21st May 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

Claim your free tickets at theferret.live/tfi20 or skiddle.com/e/42438587

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.

Lancashire Music Association presents:

LANCASHIRE SOUNDS

with special guests

BRITISH BIRDS + HAUSPOINTS + PYRAMID EYES

Tuesday 19th May, Doors 7pm

The Ferret, Preston

FREE ENTRY - TICKETS REQUIRED - see below…

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An evening of live music celebrating Lancashire's world class music scene, featuring special guests British Birds, Hauspoints + Pyramid Eyes. This edition of Lancashire Sounds focuses on the music coming out of one of the county's former industrial hubs, Chorley.
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Demand for this FREE concert will be high and tickets are limited.

FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE...

Please only pick up tickets if you wish to attend. Should your plans change - please return your tickets via Skiddle & they will be passed on to waiting fans. Visit skiddle.com/orders to cancel your order.

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British Birds:

Hatched in 2023 via tape loops and cheap nylon stringed guitars, Chorley-based British Birds soar from the depths of psych-tinged melancholy to the heights of disco-doused dystopia and back. From within the precariously soundproofed walls of their inconspicuous makeshift arthouse they meticulously craft their sound; dedicating themselves to the whole craft from recording, producing and releasing their records, to screenprinting their merch.

Thumping drums, grab-you-and-don't-let-you-go basslines, earwormy synth and sweet n shriek harmonies bolster frontman Bobby's cathartic vocals and staunchly stylistic guitar which jangles like Harrison's inner demon. The band have impressed fans around the country and beyond during tour support slots for The Lovely Eggs, Pale Blue Eyes and The Bug Club and their 3 live sessions for BBC 6 Music's Marc Riley.

British Birds were formed in 2023 after the closure of frontman Bobby Mambo's DIY venue Brock n Broll HQ which hosted acts such as Burger Records' Boytoy of New York, Salt Lake City's Max Pain & The Groovies, Castrovalva of Leeds, Manchester-based Fruit Tones, and Hannes Ferm from Stockholm. Bobby proceeded to piece together his new space with screen printing facilities and a recording studio which is largely built around his love of analogue equipment. This place provided the anvil and hammer to British Birds' debut LP In Search of Mr Rykyn, a self-reflective, self-made, self-released record, released in February 2024, full of swirling melody, nostalgic sensibility and unshakable melancholy.

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Hauspoints:

Exploring a distinctly northern viewpoint on modernity, Hauspoints’ songs are like a love letter to popular culture, finding beauty in the mundane minutiae and celebrating the quirkiness of human existence.

Established on a dilapidated industrial estate at the foot of an overgrown hill in darkest Lancashire, their debut album, Eel Feeling, is a beat-heavy rasp that treads an unfurrowed path aside multiple genres without straying too far into the obscure.

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Pyramid Eyes:

Pyramid Eyes combines ambient textures with minimal, glitchy beats to create a dreamlike sound. Everything from cinematic soundscapes to mind-bending polyrhythms.

Influenced by experimental electronic artists like Boards of Canada and Plaid, his use of quiet / loud dynamics have also drawn comparisons to post-rock acts like Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

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FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM Skiddle: skiddle.com/e/42434722

Please only pick up tickets if you wish to attend. Should your plans change - please return your tickets via Skiddle & they will be passed on to waiting fans. Visit skiddle.com/orders to cancel your order.

Made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

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To become a Lancashire Music Association member today FREE OF CHARGE, go to www.lancashiremusic.org

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

The Ferret presents:

Your Personal Vendetta + BOI TOI + Cock Batteth

Sunday 17th May
The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm.

FREE ENTRY.

Your Personal Vendetta:

Welcome to the vendetta. The home of your rage, your sanctuary for a broken heart, your requital for the hurt you have endured.

Described as having a unique mix of dark synth, grunge, rock, and rave culture influences.

Known for their high-energy shows and emotionally charged alt-rock sound, they bring the perfect mix of intensity and heart.

BOI TOI:

Synth and punk-driven 5 piece, playing songs about Guinness and love and the Northern Rail prices.

Cock Batteth:

Blackpool’s Cock-Batteth are a three-piece riot of “Glitz & Glam weird ass Rock ’n’ Roll,” they smash dirty, raw riffs into disco-punk grooves with a sassy strut and zero apologies. Equal parts punk snarl and sleazy dancefloor stomp... like chewing orange gum under a flickering mirrorball.

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

A synth-fuelled, psych rock, shoegaze showcase with more TBA!

Psyched Up!

Saturday 16th May, 2026

Doors 4PM

TICKETS: skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/The-Ferret/PSYCHED-UP-at-The-Ferret/42332454/

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PSYCHED UP! returns to The Ferret in Preston for its third year! 🔮

A synth-fuelled, psych rock, shoegaze showcase, with performances from Hawk Owl, Dead Stilettos, BONK, Collectors., Wupie & Febrae.

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Psyched Up!

Saturday 16th May, 2026

Doors 7PM

TICKETS: skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/The-Ferret/PSYCHED-UP-at-The-Ferret/42332454/

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

Accessible ground-floor venue and facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

The Ferret presents:

RAVINE
FLOK
RILEY MARSH

Friday 15th May
The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm.

Tickets £4 adv / £5 on the door.

Alternative Rock, Grunge & Indie with brand-new band Ravine, Manchester's rising stars Flok & singer-songwriter Riley Marsh (last seen at The Ferret supporting Tom Hingley).

RAVINE:

Ravine are a four-piece alternative band built on raw guitars, heavy atmosphere and emotionally charged songwriting. Blending gritty alt-rock with modern grunge energy, their sound channels tension, vulnerability and release through loud, unapologetic live performances.

FLOK:

FLOK is a four piece Alternative Indie Rock band based in Manchester, who specialise in combining catchy, emotional songwriting with new wave sounds, their music aims to make you move, as well as think. They aim to continue the Manchester music tradition, while adding their own experiences to the landscape.

RILEY MARSH:

Riley Marsh is a singer-songwriter based in Derbyshire, he takes influence from Alt Rock, Grunge and Folk. Riley’s live performances are passionate, energetic and raw.

“One of the most exciting and hotly tipped musicians in the UK right now - find out what the hype is about!” - Freshly Squeezed: A New Music Podcast

Tickets: https://www.skiddle.com/e/42428290

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

The Ferret presents:

Acoustic thursday.

Thursday 14th May
The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm.

FREE ENTRY.

A laid-back evening of live acoustic music with Jamie Brewer, Michael Brindley, toenails & Kristian Evans.

Join us this Thursday for a relaxed, intimate acoustic evening right here at The Ferret! Doors open from 7PM, and it’s Free Entry, so whether you're winding down after work, or looking for a cosy night out, come pull up a chair and let the music do the talking with some of our fav acoustic acts.

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

Bringing Together Lancashire's Music Community!

Live Episode of the Preston Based Podcast Hosted by DJ Rambo Rich who champions Local Music Artists.

This is a Live Episode of the "What's That Music About??" Podcast held at the Iconic "The Ferret" In Preston, Lancashire!

Tuesday, 12th May

7pm-10pm

FREE ENTRY!

Bringing Together Lancashire's Music Community

The aim of this event is to unite the lively music scene in Lancashire. We are concentrating on initiatives that showcase local talent and create a platform for emerging music artists from the region. Set in the iconic Preston venue, "The Ferret," this promises to be an evening brimming with music, networking, and a sense of community.

On the line up:

Performing - YELAH & REBEL GIRL - SOUFUL DUO

YELAH & REBEL GIRL, both established solo artists, have joined forces to create a new soulful duo. Together, they fuse jazz influences, rich melodies, and raw, expressive vocals into a distinctive, genre-blending sound.

Talk with DANCE4DEPRESSION 

DANCE4DEPRESSION is an event set up to raise awareness of mens mental health. The events themselves are great fun but the message is a serious one. We want to change the status quo on mens mental health right here in our local area. Encourage people to look after each other and not be ashamed to ask for help when they need it.

Performing - Jackson Ward - Singer/Songwriter

Jackson Ward is a country and Americana singer-songwriter based in Chorley, UK, known for his authentic, raw original music and local performances. He frequently plays at venues like Foxtails and Lucky 8s in Chorley, often featuring his original EP material.

Talk with Jason Marx

A House and Disco DJ with 15 years in the dance scene performing across the UK and Europe supporting the likes of MK, James Hype, Craig Charles, Trevor Nelson & more. Jason is an energetic presence behind the decks - with 2026 slots lined up to support Joel Corry and Paul Oakenfold as well as being booked for Creamfields - Expect big grooves and a few twists & turns from this seasoned selector.

Performing - Acoustic FM - Band/Act

Acoustic FM is the dynamic acoustic duo of Fitzsy and Mark, bringing big energy and wonderful vibe wherever they play. Fitzsy, a weekly performer with a powerful voice and sharp humour, commands the stage, while mark's incredible guitar playing turns heads and creates an atmosphere the moment he starts playing.

Together they capture the fun high-energy sprit of Tenacious D, mixing crowd-pleasing covers, great musicianship, and plenty of laughs. with Fitzsy's vocal's and Marks standout guitar work, Acoustic FM are a duo destined to make serious waves on the music scene.

Performing - Imogen Evans - Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist

Imogen Evans is a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist from the North West of England, known for her feature on BBC Introducing. She recently performed at Preston's very own "Chew's Yard" as well as 'The Ferret". You can Listen to her Latest Release called "Break Me (I.C.E)" on Spotify.

Performing - Connor Banks - Singer/Songwriter

Connor Banks is a Young Singer/Songwriter from Preston, Lancashire, UK. With a passion for storytelling through music, Connor has been Captivating audiences with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. His journey in music began at a young age, and he has since built a strong following through his performances across the North West. Connor's dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with listeners have set him apart in the music scene.

The 9075 - Tribute to The 1975

Saturday, 9th May 2026

The Ferret, Preston

Tickets £17.50

https://www.skiddle.com/e/42260921

The 9075, formed in 2019, are the world's first tribute dedicated to celebrating the music and essence of The 1975. With a 2-hour show, The 9075 brings the spirit of the original band to life, creating unforgettable nights filled with nostalgia and excitement. 

Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the music, The 9075 promises an unforgettable experience that pays homage to one of the most iconic bands of our time.

The 9075 - Tribute to The 1975

Saturday, 9th May 2026

The Ferret, Preston

Tickets £17.50

https://www.skiddle.com/e/42260921

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

Accessible ground-floor venue and facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.