The first week of March is set to see plenty of noteworthy activities and events happening in and around Preston, including several to mark International Women’s Day.
Cinemas across Preston will be hosting a number of live events from National Theatre Live to The Royal Ballet and more, and local venues in Preston will be offering a range of things to do, including a comedy night, an open mic, gigs, and a brand-new film festival.
Read more: Preston author and illustrator set to launch new poetry collection with special event
Read on for some of the highlights for the coming week starting Monday 2 March with links to our event listings. And if you’re an organiser or venue, make sure you submit your event to quickly and easily put it in front of the people of Preston.
Tuesday 3 March
The Dark Side of AI and Cyber Risk to Business – Unleashed
The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre
Understand how your organisation could be exposed to hackers and gain the latest knowledge to reduce your business risk.
Open Mic Night
The Ferret
Join host Jamie Brewer as local bands and musicians are welcomed to The Ferret stage to showcase fresh new material and hidden gems.
Wednesday 4 March
Guided Walk: Notable Residents of Winckley Square – famous and infamous
Winckley Square Gardens
For over 225 years, this area has been home to extraordinary men and women – some famous, some infamous – whose lives shaped the city and beyond.
The Laughienda Comedy Club
The Continental
Another huge night of comedy, featuring Sarah Millican tour support Sally-Anne Hayward, an award-winning comedian and regular compere at Glastonbury Festival.
Thursday 5 March
Couch to 5k Run Club
Chew’s Yard
Hosted by the inspiring Riversway Road Runners, everyone is welcome so if you have fancied taking up or returning to running, here’s your chance.
Northside
The Ferret
Manchester legends Northside return, warming up for the Happy Mondays tour in March, with an exclusive show at The Ferret. Madchester energy turned all the way up.
Book Club
Chew’s Yard
A relaxed discussion of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, a witty, sharp-hearted novel set in 1960s America, following brilliant chemist Elizabeth Zott.
Connor Banks and Guests
The Conti Snug
A Nashville-style writers’ round showcasing the stories behind the songs. Connor Banks hosts an intimate evening of original music, joined by Gary Quinn, Jackson Ward and Kassidy Kiernan.
Blessed Saint John
Samlesbury Hall
A talk exploring the religious struggles of a Samlesbury priest, whose faith and livelihood were tested amid the political, civil, and ecclesiastical upheavals of 17th century England.
Friday 6 March
Soul, Funk, Motown, R&B, Old School Hip Hop grooves spun by Warrior
Chew’s Yard
Warrior DJ sets are a back and forth journey through genres and decades, rising in pace and energy throughout. Expect commercial hits, forgotten classics and deep cuts.
Vélez
The Ferret
Vélez, fronted by Spanish-born Cloe Vélez, are a Manchester-based four-piece. Their music is infused with latin jazz, and lyrically influenced by an array of different artists.
The Guns N’ Roses Experience
The Continental
Get ready to embark on an electrifying journey as the Guns N’ Roses tribute band brings the explosive energy and raw power of the legendary rock icons.
Saturday 7 March
Give to Gain: Women Growing together in the North West
Dalvee Restaurant
An inspiring, welcoming and connection-led event bringing together women from the food, drink, hospitality, marketing and creative industries for International Women’s Day.
Share Her Story: International Women’s Day Event with Friends of Edith Rigby
Central Methodist Church
Take a keepsake and share the story of a woman who matters to you, either by sharing orally with the group or by writing her memory in the Community Memory Book.
International Women’s Day All-Dayer
The Ferret
Madrid street punks GRIPPERS are joined by Death Trails, Two Tonne Machete, Dead Sheep, Playmate, Cock Batteth and Sally Pepper for a female-led punk and alt-rock all-dayer.
Dragonfly International Film Festival
The Continental
A screening and awards event celebrating diverse and creative short filmmaking from around the globe, hosted by Lancashire legend John “Gilly” Gillmore.
Preston Yoga Social
The Balanced Bean
A relaxing hour of yoga with Claire Marie Yoga, suitable for all levels. This session is all about moving, breathing, and unwinding in a friendly, social atmosphere.
Eerie Encounters Guided Tour
Samlesbury Hall
Ghost hunter Joanna Walpole leads a tour through the reputedly haunted rooms of Samlesbury Hall. Will you spot something supernatural?
Sunday 8 March
Share Her Story: International Women’s Day Event with Friends of Edith Rigby
The Harris
Take a keepsake and share the story of a woman who matters to you, either by sharing orally with the group or by writing her memory in the Community Memory Book.
Caribbean Carnival Taster
Chew’s Yard
DJ Donald from Phoenix Sound will be selecting tunes to build the hype for this year’s Caribbean Carnival, which takes place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May in Moor Park.
International Women’s Day Open Deck
The Ferret
DJs from across Lancashire are invited to hang out, make new friends, and play what they love in a safe and supportive space at this woman-identifying and trans inclusive open deck.
Cinema picks
National Theatre Live: The Audience
Odeon, Vue
Helen Mirren stars in The Audience as Queen Elizabeth II. The play depicts the weekly meetings between the Queen and the Prime Ministers of the country, which occurred throughout her reign, as she offers advice on a variety of issues. This play served as the inspiration for The Crown, and is now set to appear in cinemas for the first time since its original debut in 2013.
Royal Ballet & Opera 2025-26 – The Royal Ballet: Giselle
The Arc Cinema, The Flower Bowl, Odeon, Vue
Giselle is an enchanting romantic tragedy about a young woman who falls in love with a nobleman. The story dives into the supernatural, and features incredible performances from a cast of talented dancers for this stunning ballet from director Peter Wright.
Othello
The Arc Cinema, Odeon, Vue
David Harewood leads a star-studded cast in a fresh exploration of a Shakespearean classic. A story of ‘manipulation, jealousy and toxic masculinity’.
James Acaster – Cinemagoers Welcome
Odeon, Vue
Popular British comedian and former Taskmaster contestant, James Acaster is bringing his latest comedy show to the big screen. The show, originally titled Hecklers Welcome, saw James perform in front of a crowd where all fan interactions were not just admissible, but actively encouraged. Now, the show is being made widely available for the first time since it was performed.
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