If you are a student at the University of Central Lancashire or you are planning to attend there next year, and you love music, you might be wondering what Preston has in store for you! Live music in Preston is thriving, and it is also just a stone’s throw from cities such as Manchester and Liverpool where there is always plenty of live music on the cards. We’re big on helping you find the best music around as a student, whether it’s some of the best summer festivals in the UK you shouldn’t miss or the local gig listings and best live music venues in your town. With over 32,000 students in the city, Preston has just one university in town – The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), and this means that there are plenty of student within that who are into music, whether that’s performing or just attending live music in Preston. From indie music, to rock, open mic nights for anyone to sing, large venues, small vinyl record stores with performance areas, and outdoor venues, Preston has a lot to offer. This is a guide to some of the best live music venues in Preston. Person playing the guitar with a band

Baker Street Preston

Avenham Street Baker Street Instagram A renovated building that dates back to 1818, this bar is spread over three floors and hosts live music and DJs at the weekends. It’s a place where the party starts every weekend, if you’re after drum & bass, live sax, techno and trance DJs, with a bohemian paradise, great cocktails and craft beers, and space to catch up with your friends whether you’re drinking, dancing, or both!

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1842 Restaurant and Bar

Corn Exchange 1842 Instagram Located in the former Corn Exchange in the centre of the city, this grand restaurant and bar offers a luxurious night out. Alongside the great drinks and good food, there is regular live music playing at this venue too! Most Friday and Saturday night’s there are resident DJs and live bands helping you to start a night out well.

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Vinyl Tap

Adelphi Street Vinyl Tap Instagram On the outskirts of the city centre but within easy walking distance of town, this rock and roots vinyl-themed bar is the perfect alternative night out. Every Thursday night is a live music and poetry night, and there are plenty of live music nights throughout each week from rock bands, blues bands, and folk artists. Not only that, but there are over 1000 vinyl records to look through, and you can choose to play vinyl or bring your own to play on the turntables in the bar. From the Joy Division to Pixies, and through to Green Day and modern bands, there’s plenty of punk, post punk, blues, and rock to sing along to at Vinyl Tap, and also some refreshing craft ale and pub snacks and grub to eat.

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The Ferret

Fylde Road The Ferret Website Making a racket since 2006, The Ferret is an institution for live music in Preston! Live music, up-and-coming bands and DJs in the heart of the city, this alternative club and live music venue is open late on the weekends. This is where you’ll catch the next big thing in rock, indie, and alternative artists that come to play The Ferret from all around the world. Bands and artists like Idles, Ed Sheeran, and The Buzzcocks have all played The Ferret over the years, so you’re sure in for a good time and a glimpse into future big artists when you come here. For fans of American-style dive bars and fresh new music in a smaller venue, this is the place to be! Person playing drums

Flag Market Outdoor Market

Although this isn’t technically a gig venue, the Flag Market is a hub of activity all year round and somewhere to go in Preston if you’re having a dull day and require a pick-me-up. Throughout the year you’ll stumble upon protests, dance events, live music, and food stalls. It’s a diverse space full of diverse events each year, including the Caribbean Carnival, which has been running for over 50 years. People enjoying live music

Quick train to Manchester and Merseyside

Preston sits in a good place geographically if you want to venture further afield for your live music fix. Just an hour away by car or rail, both cities have vast musical heritage and plenty of gig venue of all shapes and sizes. In Manchester you’ve got Gorilla, the Ritz, the Victoria Warehouse, the Apollo and the Academy venues, Yes, Band on the Wall, and New Century Hall, and that’s before you get to the bigger venues like Manchester Arena, Co-Op Live and the two football grounds and cricket ground that host shows. Similarly, in Liverpool you’ve got a thriving scene with venues all over the city, including Content, Jacaranda Records, the Invisible Wind Factory, Mountford Hall, the Academy, Hangar 34, as well as the Arena and Anfield hosting large shows. The Pier Head also hosts annual events, and the history of Mathew Street and the Cavern are always there with live music playing. There’s always plenty of events throughout the year for you to mark on your calendar if you love live music. A band performing live music

From New Year’s Eve celebrations to celebrating St Patrick’s Day, and looking forward to the big music festivals in the summer and beyond. For students in Preston who love music, you’ll find plenty of live music in Preston, from good old-fashioned pubs to larger music venues. If you’re willing to travel a little further afield, the music cities of Manchester and Liverpool are easily accessible via train and bus in around an hour. Are you in a band or trying to make a career as a singer in Preston? Do you just love going out to watch live music? Let us know what you think of Preston as a town for music. Read Next: Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance at Uni

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