The Cherished Times +

GC Holmes

Sunday 26th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

FREE ENTRY!

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

GC Holmes - British singer, songwriter & producer.

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

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

THE FERRET is 20!

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

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

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

RAE MORRIS

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

+ Audrey’s Dance
+ Dave Shurr

Fri 24th July 2026

Doors 7pm

The Ferret, Preston

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

Claim your free or £5 tickets here:

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

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

>>> RAE MORRIS

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ferret is 20!

RAE MORRIS
+ Audrey’s Dance
+ Dave Shurr

Friday 24th July 2026

Doors 7pm

The Ferret, Preston

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

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

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

_________________

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

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

DiSMISS (Greece)

+ Parrilla
+ Cock Batteth

Thursday 23rd July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

FREE ENTRY!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DiSMISS (Greece)

Thursday 23rd July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

FREE ENTRY!

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

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

Hairdye + Chrome Manta Ray + Foxpalmer (s0l0)

Sunday 19th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 4PM

FREE ENTRY!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hairdye + Chrome Manta Ray + Foxpalmer (solo)

Sunday 19th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 4PM

FREE ENTRY!

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

The beautiful game.

Slightly less terrifying surroundings.

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

WORLD CUP FINAL!

8PM KICK OFF! - DOORS OPEN FROM 4PM

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

theferret.live/listings/hairdye

COMMON GROUND ALL-DAYER ft.

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

+ DJ Buckers (Beer Garden Session)

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

Saturday 18th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 3PM til late

FREE ENTRY!

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMON GROUND ALL-DAYER ft.

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

+ DJ Buckers (Beer Garden Session)

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

Saturday 18th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 3PM til late

FREE ENTRY!

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

THE FERRET is 20!

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

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

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

CROCODILES

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

+ HUNGRY

+ poor effort.

Tues 14th July 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

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

Claim your free tickets here:

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

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

>>> CROCODILES

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

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

>>> HUNGRY

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

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

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

- Louder Than War

>>> poor effort.

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

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

- Louder Than War

The Ferret is 20!

CROCODILES
+ HUNGRY
+ poor effort.

Tues 14th July 2026

7pm - 10:30pm

The Ferret, Preston

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

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

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

_________________

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

Accessible ground-floor venue & facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

FMA + 12 GAGE

With guests Your Personal Vendetta

Sunday, 12th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY

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

FMA + 12 GAGE

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

YOUR PERSONAL VENDETTA

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

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

Accessible ground-floor venue and facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

ALABASTER

With Lucas Williams, Lee Richards & Henry Sherridan

Friday, 10th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY

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

>>>Alabaster

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

>>>Lucas Williams

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

>>>Lee Richards

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

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

>>>Henry Sherridan

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

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

Accessible ground-floor venue and facilities.

Dog-friendly venue.

BAZOOMS

(Chaotic Grunge + Alt-Rock from Poland)

With guests Destroya

(Gnarly Grunge from Leeds)

Sunday, 5th July

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY

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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 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.

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.

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

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!

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.

🎤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