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Preston Jazz Festival 2025

A jazz band playing on a stage with the Preston Jazz Festival logo displayed behind them

Preston Jazz and Improvisation Festival is back in 2025.

Between Saturday 10 May and Saturday 7 June, music lovers can enjoy three weeks of world class gigs, get involved in workshops and even perform, brought to you by Preston Jazz Fest.

This annual festival of music and culture will be welcoming back the ever-popular Young Jazz in the Square 2025 event on Saturday 31 May, wrapping up the festival in style on Saturday 7 June with the Jazzin' The Park finale on Winckley Square.

Many events are free to attend and take place in ventilated venues.

Festival line-up

Jazz DAY - Saturday 10 May

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.

  • Time: 9:30am
  • Location: Room ME414 (Creative Innovation Zone), 4th Floor, Media Factory UCLan, Cold Bath Street, PR1 1JN
  • How to book: UCLan - Lancashire Music Service

The Richard Iles Quartet Remembering the Music of Miles Davis - Sunday 18 May

An all-star assembly of some of the UK's 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.

A Beginners Guide to Running Music Events Workshop - Monday 19 May

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.

Lostock Hall Academy Time Will Tell Project - Tuesday 20 May

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

Come and see the final piece.

The Postmen plus special guests the Ruth Gardziel Trio - Wednesday 21 May

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, and favela inspired Sambas with council estate choruses.

First class, top tunes, delivered straight from The Postmen's vernacular 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.

  • Time: 7pm
  • Location: The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ
  • How to book: No booking required

A Beginners Guide to Songwriting - Wednesday 21 May

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.

Beginners Guide to Sound Recording and Studios - Thursday 22 May

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.

  • Time: 7:30pm - 9pm
  • Location: Chain House Brewing co and Tap Room. 129-141 Market Street W., PR1 2HB
  • How to book: No booking required

Harmony Hub - Friday 23 May

A wellbeing event for music people and creatives.

  • Time: 12pm - 3pm
  • Location: ARTCH Studios, 22-24 Gradwell Street (off Marsh Lane), PR1 8SD
  • How to book: Skiddle - Harmony Hub

Step up to Salsa - Friday 23 May

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

  • Time: 6pm - 8pm
  • Location: Chews Yard, 111 Market Street West, PR1 2HB
  • How to book: No booking required

Dementia Awareness Singalong - Saturday 24 May

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.

  • Time: 10:15am - 10:45am
  • Location: Ingol Library, Ventnor Place, PR2 3YX
  • How to book: No booking required

Family Drum Circle - Saturday 24 May

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

  • Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
  • Location: Catherine Beckett Centre, 112 Deepdale Road, PR1 5AR
  • How to book: No booking required

Djembe Workshop - Saturday 24 May

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

  • Time: 2pm - 3:30pm
  • Location: Catherine Beckett Centre, 112 Deepdale Road, PR1 5AR
  • How to book: No booking required

Jazz Club - The Jim Faulkner Quartet - Sunday 25 May

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.

  • Time: 4pm - 7pm
  • Location: Chews Yard, 111 Market Street West, PR1 2HB
  • How to book: No booking required

Preston People's Choir - Tuesday 27 May

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

  • Time: 7pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: UCLan Media Factory, room 226, Kirkham Street, PR1 1JN
  • How to book: No booking required

Electronic music open mic - Tuesday 27 May

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

  • Time: 7pm - 11pm
  • Location: The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ
  • How to book: No booking required to watch

Blue Flamingo Singalong Choir - Wednesday 28 May

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.

  • Time: 12pm - 2pm
  • Location: St Teresa's Social Centre, Queensway, Penwortham, PR1 0DS
  • How to book: No booking required to watch, just turn up to join in

Worldwise Samba Drummers - Wednesday 28 May

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

  • Time: 6:15pm - 8:15pm
  • Location: UCLan Media Factory room 226, Kirkham Street, PR1 1JN
  • How to book: No booking required to watch, just turn up to join in

Ukuleles/Handbells/Recorders - Thursday 29 May

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.

  • Time: 7pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: St Bernard's Community Hub, Elswick Road, PR2 1NT
  • How to book: No booking required to watch, just turn up to join in

Jubiloso - Friday 30 May

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.)

  • Time: 10am - 11am
  • Location: St Bernard's Community Hub, Elswick Road, PR2 1NT
  • How to book: No booking required to watch, just turn up to join in

Illumination Community Choir - Friday 30 May

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.

  • Time: 12pm - 1pm
  • Location: Central Methodist Church, Lune Street, PR1 2NL
  • How to book: No booking required to watch, just turn up to join in

Savick Family Samba Band - Friday 30 May

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.

  • Time: 6pm - 7pm
  • Location: St Bernard's Community Hub, Elswick Road, PR2 1NT
  • How to book: No booking required, just turn up to join in (or watch)

Cold Bath Street - Friday 30 May

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!

  • Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
  • Location: St Bernard's Community Hub, Elswick Road, PR2 1NT
  • How to book: No booking required, just turn up to watch

City Wide Jazz - Saturday 31 May

Guitar Man Olly's Fun Family Music Workshop

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

  • Time: 10am - 11am
  • Location: Winckley Square, PR1 3JJ
  • How to book: No booking required

Live Performance from Music Workshop Participants

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.

  • Time: 11am - 1pm
  • Location: Avenham Park near Ribblesdale Place entrance
  • How to book: No booking required

Off the Rails Jazz Orchestra

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

  • Time: 12pm - 1pm
  • Location: Preston Markets, 28 Market St, Preston PR1 2AR
  • How to book: No booking required

Young Jazz on the Square

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.

For more information see Young Jazz in the Square 2025.

  • Time: 2pm - 4pm
  • Location: Winckley Square, PR1 3JJ
  • How to book: No booking required

PoVo @ the Conti - Sunday 1 June

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.

Preston Music Stories - Film Premiere - Monday 2 June

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

  • Time: 7pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: Soundskills, Brookfield, PR2 6UE
  • How to book: No booking required

Lancashire Music Summit 2025 - Tuesday 3 June

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 Lancashire Music Association and reserve your free advance ticket.

Lancashire Live feat. The Lovely Eggs and more - Tuesday 3 June

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

  • Time: 7pm - 9pm
  • Location: The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ
  • How to book: Demand for this concert will be very high and tickets limited, keep an eye out at The Ferret for ticket details.

Jay's Open Mic MixrUPt Mixtape Jam with Aziz Ibrahim - Wednesday 4 June

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. 

  • Time: 8pm - 10pm
  • Location: The Ferret, Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ
  • How to book: No booking required to attend or play - Just turn up

Graham Massey's Toolshed - Thursday 5 June

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 and 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.

A Special Gig to be announced - Friday 6 June

More information is yet to be announced about this event.

Visit Preston Jazz Festival to see updates.

The Finale - Jazzin' the Park - Saturday 7 June

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.

For more information see Jazzin' the Park 2025.

  • Time: 12pm - 7pm
  • Location: Winckley Square, PR1 3JJ
  • How to book: No booking required - Just turn up

Follow the socials

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Map addresses for Preston Jazz Festival 2025

  • Winckley Square, Preston, PR1 3JJ
  • The New Continental, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JP
  • The Ferret, 55 Fylde Road, Preston, PR1 2XQ
  • UCLan Media Factory, Kirkham Street, Preston, PR1 1JN
  • Chain House Brewing co and Tap Room. 129-141 Market Street West, PR1 2HB
  • ARTCH Studios, 22-24 Gradwell Street, PR1 8SD
  • Chew's Yard, 103-111 Market Street West, Preston, PR1 2HB
  • Ingol Library, Ventnor Place, PR2 3YX
  • Catherine Beckett Centre, 112 Deepdale Road, PR1 5AR
  • St Teresa's Social Centre, Queensway, Penwortham, PR1 0DS
  • St Bernard's Community Hub, Elswick Road, PR2 1NT
  • Central Methodist Church, Lune Street, PR1 2NL
  • Avenham Park near Ribblesdale Place entrance
  • Preston Market, 28 Market Street, Preston, PR1 2AR
  • Soundskills, Brookfield, PR2 6UE
  • 53 Degrees, Brook Street, Preston, PR1 7HN