2025 Preston jazz fest Line up​

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Sat 10 May - Jazz DAY

Room ME414 (Creative Innovation Zone), 4th Floor, Media Factory UCLan, Cold Bath Street, PR1 1JN 

Youth Jazz musicians of all levels and abilities are invited to a FREE Jazz Workshop Day. An event, run by Lancashire Music Service and their professional tutors.

Click here to book

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Sun 18/5, 19:30 - 22:00

The Richard Iles Quartet Remembering the Music of Miles Davis

The Boatyard @ The New Continental, South Meadow Lane, PR1 8JP

An all-star assembly of some of the UKs finest musicians paying homage to the music of the legendary Myles Davis featuring Paul Kilvington, Caroline Boaden, Gary Culshaw & Richard Iles

Reserve your free advance ticket now to avoid disappointment @ bit.ly/remeberingmilesdavis

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Mon 19/5, 18:30 - 20:30

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO running MUSIC EVENTS WORKSHOP 

The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ

Have you ever thought about putting on your own event but don't know where to start? It's time to make ideas reality. Come and find out how you can do this in an inclusive, relaxed, informal workshop hosted by Tony Rigg. Tony is one of the world’s leading experts on music events as well as co-author/ editor of the Future of Live Music (Bloomsbury 2020). Tony also founded UCLan’s MA Music Industry Management course, the Lancashire Music Association and was Operations Director for Ministry of Sound.  

Reserve your free advance ticket now to avoid disappointment @ bit.ly/runyourownevents

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Tues 20/5, 18:30 - 20:00 - Lostock Hall Academy – the Time Will Tell Project 

The Boatyard @ The New Continental, South Meadow Lane, PR1 8JP

Young people from Lostock Hall Academy co-create a multimedia project including music and visual arts, with local artists Chris Davis (Soundskills) and Jon Aveyard (Preston Music Workshops).. Come and see the final piece.

Reserve your free advance ticket now to avoid disappointment @ bit.ly/lhaproject

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Wed 21/5, Doors 19:00 – The Postmen plus special guests the Ruth Gardziel Trio 

The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ

The Postmen formed in Tom’s Famous Basement one Friday evening, having just watched Tati’s Jour de Fete, and decided then and there to mix Woody Guthrie with The Pixies, Half man Half Biscuit with Arthur Askey, & favela inspired Sambas with council estate choruses. First class, top tunes, delivered straight from The Postmen’s venacular sorting office… la lute continue… 

Ruth Gardziel brings her unique interpretation of classic songs ranging from cool jazz to blues and soul, ably supported by the respected jazz pianist Dave Nelson and the highly versatile guitarist Les Gillon. 

No booking required – But arrive early to avoid disappointment​

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Wed 21/5, 13:00 - 14:00 – A Beginners Guide to Songwriting

Room ME216, Media Factory, UCLan, PR1 1JN 

Join Beth Roberts, singer/songwriter of renowned Preston band, Slipping Upstream. This participatory workshop will provide new songwriter with the tools they need to approach songwriting, whether they have any prior musical ability and songwriting experience or not.

Click here to book your free place

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Thurs 22/5, 19:00 - 21:00 – Beginners Guide to Sound Recording and Studios

Room ME216 Media Factory, UCLan, PR1 1JN 

Open the door the world of sound recording and step in.

Click here to book your free place

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Thurs 22/5, 19:30 - 21:00 – John Bailey and Les Chisnall

Chain House Brewing co & Tap Room. 129-141 Market Street W., PR1 2HB

John Bailey on guitar and Les Chisnall on piano are a virtuosic duo playing music reminiscent of Bill Evans and Jim Hall’s iconic ‘Undercurrent’ album. 

Les Chisnall has worked with some of the world’s finest Jazz musicians, including Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Mike Walker, Andy Schofield, Richard Iles, Steve Berry, Iain Ballamy to name but a few. Recent projects have included an album with Neil Yates New Origins and his continuing collaborations with Steve Berry. 

John Bailey is one of the finest guitarists in the country and the ‘go to’ guitarist for many prestigious artists including singers Russell Watson and Aled Jones. 

No booking required – But arrive early to avoid disappointment​

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Fri 23/5, 12:00 - 15:00 – Harmony Hub 

ARTCH, 22-24 Gradwell Street (off Marsh Lane), PR1 8SD  

A wellbeing event for music people and creatives.

Click here to reserve your free place

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Fri 23/5, 18:00 - 20:00 – Step up to Salsa

ARTCH, 22-24 Gradwell Street (off Marsh Lane), PR1 8SD  

Experience to joy of Salsa music in a fun session that will get you up and dancing. No prior Salsa dancing experience necessary.

Click here to reserve your free place

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Fri 23/5, 19:00 - 23:00 – Afro Rhythms

CHEWS YARD, 111 Market Street West, PR1 2HB  

An evening celebrating African music styles and culture including Afrobeat and Amapiano.

No booking required – But arrive early to avoid disappointment​

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Sat 24/5, 10:15 -10:45 - Dementia Awareness Singalong

Ingol Library, Ventnor Place, PR2 3YX

Jon Aveyard and members of the Blue Flamingo Singalong Choir perform some of their songs and give you the opportunity to sing along to many others as part of this Dementia Awareness Week activity.

No booking required, just turn up to join in or watch

 

Sat 24/5, 12:30 -13:30 - Family Drum Circle

Catherine Beckett Centre, 112 Deepdale Road, PR1 5AR

In a gathering open to anyone regardless of age, ability or experience, we will use a wide variety of instruments to improvise percussion patterns.

No booking required, just turn up to join in (or watch)

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Sat 25/5, 14:00 – 15:30 - Djembe Workshop

Catherine Beckett Centre, 112 Deepdale Road, PR1 5AR

This participatory workshop, open to anyone regardless of ability or experience, will teach patterns for the djembe and other percussion instruments.

No booking required, just turn up to join in (or watch)

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Sun 25/5, 16:00 - 19:00 – Jazz Club – The Jim Faulkner Quartet 

CHEWS YARD, 111 Market Street West, PR1 2HB  

Paying homage to the music of Jimmy Raney featuring a selection of Jimmy’s favourite standards and original tunes. Celebrating his classic pairing with Stan Getz, Jim is joined by Saxophonist Kyran Mathews, Steve Berry on Double Bass and Dave Walsh on Drums. ​

No booking required, but arrive early to avoid disappointment

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Tuesday 27/5, 19:00 - 20:30 - Preston People’s Choir

UCLan Media Factory room 226, Kirkham Street, PR1 1JN

Join members of the Preston People’s Choir to learn simple songs in harmony. No music reading. Everyone welcome regardless of ability or experience.

No booking required, just turn up and participate

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Tuesday 27/5, 19:00 - 23:00 -Electronic music open mic

The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ

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, chip-tune, drone, drum & bass, dub, electronica, electro-pop, experimental hip-hop, field recordings, glitch, house, industrial, looping, noise, soundscape, synth-wave, techno, trance, JAZZ & 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. 

Slots are up to 20 minutes. Email emompreston@gmail.com to get a slot. Additional walk-in slots will be available on the night. First come first served.

Or turn up to watch

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Wednesday 28/5, 12:00 – 14:00 - Blue Flamingo Singalong Choir

St Teresa’s Social Centre, Queensway, Penwortham, PR1 0DS

Join the regulars at the Blue Flamingo to sing songs, mainly from the 1960s and 1970s. Hot drinks and snacks provided courtesy of Blue Flamingo dementia cafe.

No booking required, just turn up to join in (or watch)

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Wednesday 28/5, 18:15 – 20:15 - Worldwise Samba Drummers

UCLan Media Factory room 226, Kirkham Street, PR1 1JN

Have a go at samba drumming alongside members of Preston’s Worldwise Samba Drummers. Instruments provided. No previous experience required.

No booking required, just turn up to join in (or watch)

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Thursday 29/ 5, 19:00 -20:30 - Ukuleles/Handbells/Recorders

St Bernard’s Community Hub, Elswick Road, PR2 1NT

Bring your ukes, descant recorders and tenor recorders or use the provided handbells and learn some well-known pieces of music for this extraordinary ensemble. Basic music reading required.

No booking required, just turn up to join in (or watch)

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Friday 30/5, 10:00 -11:00 - Jubiloso

Mandala, 18 Derby Street, PR1 1DT

Music making open to anyone, delivered so as to be suitable for people with learning disabilities. Use provided percussion or bring your own instruments. (Any necessary support staff are required to attend.)

No booking required, just turn up and participate

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Friday 30/5, 12:00 -13:00 - Illumination Community Choir

Central Methodist Church, Lune Street, PR1 2NL

Join the Illumination regulars for some lunchtime singing. No music reading, all levels of ability welcome, delivered so as to be accessible for blind people.

No booking required, just turn up and participate

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Friday 30/5, 18:00 – 19:00 - Savick Family Samba Band

St Bernard’s Community Hub, Elswick Road, PR2 1NT

Learn simple samba patterns using instruments small and large. Open to anyone. Families particularly encouraged. Delivered so as to be accessible for people with hearing impairments.

No booking required, just turn up to join in (or watch)

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Friday 30/5, 19:30 – 22:00 – Cold Bath Street

The Boatyard @ The New Continental, South Meadow Lane, PR1 8JP

CBS have been one of the mainstays of this festival since it began in 2017. For the group, known for its musical integrity, no-safety-net improvisations and championing of grassroots music making, 2025 marks the end of one era and the beginning of a fascinating new one.   

This very special night sees the launch of CBS Director Simon Partridge's book 'Music Improvisation Magic' - the result of more than ten years research with the group. It also features the final concert of the Preston-based band before the project metamorphosizes into workshops, talks and sessions across the UK. As is only fitting for the occasion, as well as providing a brand-new live interpretation of the 'Dream of Space' soundtrack, CBS welcome the return of alumni to the stage for one MEMORABLE final jam!  

No booking required, just turn up to watch

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CITY WIDE JAZZ - Saturday 31/5

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10:00 -11:00 – Guitar Man Olly’s Fun Family Music Workshop

Winckley Square, PR1 3JJ

Music making open to anyone. Join Guitar Man Olly and participate in a fun workshop with a selection of available instruments.

No booking required – But turn up early to avoid disappointment​

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11:00 -13:00 – Live Performance from Music Workshop Participants

Avenham Park near Ribblesdale Place entrance

A series of short performances coming out of the week’s participatory workshops. Expect cheerful strumming, drumming, singing and ringing from the people of Preston.

No booking required, just turn up to watch

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12:00 - 13:00 - Off the Rails Jazz Orchestra

Preston Market

Be entertained by this 18-piece world music big band that is Off the Rails

No booking required, just turn up to watch

 

14:00 - 16:00 - Young Jazz on the Square 

Winckley Square, PR1 3JJ

This event is for young music makers to showcase their talent. The bill includes Lancashire Schools Jazz Orchestra, Honk and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. If you would like to play there is still time to apply for a slot if you email trigg@uclan.ac.uk

No booking required, just turn up to watch

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Sun 1/6, Doors 19:30 - PoVo 

The Boatyard @ The New Continental, South Meadow Lane, PR1 8JP

Join the incredible PoVo for a night of Jazz-funk! This North West based 5-piece combines jazz-funk fusion of the 70/80's with an improvisational ethos.​

Click here to reserve your free ticket

 

Mon 2/5, 19:00 - 20:30 – Preston Music Stories – Film Premiere

Soundskills, Brookfield, PR2 6UE

Experience the first screening of a film about music in Preston.

No booking required, just turn up to watch

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Tue 3/6, Doors 12:30 - 17:00 – Lancashire Music Summit 2025

53 Degrees, UCLan, PR1 7HN

Join the Lancashire Music Association for the second Lancashire Music Summit: an event for any, and all music stakeholders, including those working on public domain music and related activities, professionals, semi-professionals, and anyone interested in developing a sustainable career in the music industry. ​

Become a LMA member at www.lancashiremusic.org and reserve your free advance ticket @ bit.ly/lancsmusicsummit2025

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Tue 3/6, 19:00 - 21:00 – Lancashire Live feat. The Lovely Eggs and more 

The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ

An evening of live music celebrating Lancashire’s world class music artists and scenes. ​

Demand for this FREE concert will be very high and tickets limited. For details of how to get a ticket goto www.theferret.live

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Wed 4/6, 20:00 - 22:00 – Jay’s Open Mic MixrUPt Mixtape Jam with Aziz Ibrahim

The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ

 DJ Johnny Jay and Aziz Ibrahim take over The Ferret for the return of their legendary Open Mic night! This event is the perfect opportunity to come with whatever you make music with and share your music and culture. 

No booking required to attend or play – Just turn up! 

 

Thurs 5/6, 19:30 - 22:00 –

Graham Massey’s TOOLSHED ​​

The Boatyard @ The New Continental, South Meadow Lane, PR1 8JP

Graham was a founding member of the seminal and internationally successful electronic group 808 State and his collaboration, remixing and production list reads like a “who’s who” of contemporary music from the past 30 years, including the likes of David Bowie, Quincy Jones, Bjork, Goldfrapp, SMD, Primal Scream, YMO and many others.

TOOLSHED started as an electronica club in Manchester’s Northern Quarter of the late 90s, playing host to many of the post rave improvisers such as Autechre, Mathew Herbert, Kieren Hebden & Squarepusher. Graham Massey ran the ‘House Band’ made from a revolving line up of local improvisers invited to jam around his computer and vintage synthesiser collection. Twenty-six years later the project continues the idea with a line-up of some of the North West’s finest musicians performing this special show.

Demand for this FREE concert will be very high and tickets limited. To get a ticket goto bit.ly/toolshedpreston25

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Fri 6/6, Doors 19:30 - A Special Gig to be announced 

The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ

Watch this space for more info

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Sat 7/6, 12:00 - 19:00 - The Finale - Jazzin' the Park 

A Festival on Winckley Square, PR1 3JJ

This has become one of Preston’s most loved music events. A real sense of occasion for communities to come together in harmony. The perfect day for family picnics in one of Preston’s most beautiful places. Alcoholic Drinks and other refreshments will be available from the Friends of Winckley Square Bar. An array of venders will be supplying a variety of delicious foods, and ice cream. 

No booking required – Just turn up!

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We would like to thank you for supporting and participating in the festival over the years, which has now been running since 2018.

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We hope you will agree we have planned a fantastic festival for 2025 with something for everyone! 

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Community is the beating heart of the festival so it is with great pride that we were recognised in the Educate North Awards 2025. Preston Jazz and Improvisation Festival was a finalist in this year's Community Engagement Award category for the 2024 festival.

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Moving forward, we would love to hear from anyone who would like to be part of our 2026 festival, put on a gig, perform, etc..., and welcome any ideas about what you might like from us.

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We are a festival for the people of Preston and the surrounding areas, and we want you to know this is YOUR festival.