Dawn over 53 Degrees which is one of the main music venues in the city, situated in the heart of the student area of Preston

Preston may be a small city but its music scene certainly isn’t; and with thriving cities such as Manchester and Liverpool only a few miles away, the biggest acts are never too far.  Our city has some great local venues that are more than happy to provide the best live music for all tastes.

53 Degrees is one of the largest music venues in Preston and has had some huge bands perform there, from The Coral to Ellie Goulding and many more.  The venue can hold up to 1,500 people and is the best place to visit for new and established artists.

It also hosts many comedy and club nights, which make it different from any venue in Preston. Music ranges from drum and bass to house, techno to indie and all new music. More information about upcoming shows can be found on the venue website.

Mad Ferret is known for hosting live music from a very wide variety of genres.  This is one of Preston’s smaller live music venues, but offers a range of different acts every night of the week.  One of these nights also includes an open mic night, for anyone wanting to share their own music.  Acts that have played there include the now very famous Ed Sheeran to up and coming Pulled Apart by Horses.  The venue also holds a once a year event called ‘GlastonFerret’; a two- day festival that takes place within the bar.  Find out more on on the Mad Ferret website.

For something more unique, visit The Continental, which was recently awarded the honour of West Lancashire Pub of the Year by Camra in 2010.  The venue hosts studio theatre, live literature and live jazz music events.  One of our city’s biggest beer festivals is held here once a year, where people from all over the North West come to enjoy four days of great food, great drinks and the best live music.  Find out more on the New Continental website.

A smaller, low key, live music venue is The Adelphi, situated in the heart of Preston.  This is a very popular bar and usually hosts live music at weekends, which you are charged a small fee to watch.  Every year, this venue hosts a hugely popular event called Bangfest; three days of live music and entertainment, and the tickets cost just £5.  Find out more on what’s coming up at The Venue

Words by Holly Sutton, Image credit to Tony Worrall