All the shows coming to Preston and Chorley in July including a month of free live music

As the summer holidays hit next month, parents may be keener than ever to find some shows to entertain the kids with or in desperate need of some child-free time as well.

Although the Preston Playhouse season only runs from September through to June, there are still plenty of events on at Chorley Theatre, Guild Lounge and Chew’s Yard- the latter have even put on a special month of free live music.

To save you from scrolling through their websites yourselves, we’ve collated all the show listings from across the three venues below.

As well as the date, you can find some quick show information and the price of tickets.

Chorley Theatre

July 4: Sing It Big Youth Choir Summer Concert – This unique night of song in Chorley Theatre’s Studio sees incredibly talented young performers showcase their growth through individual solos, small ensemble numbers, and full group choral pieces. Tickets £6

July 8-July 11: Shrek The Musical, Jr – Presented by Chorley Youth Theatre, this 60-minute stage adaptation of the hit film, promises to be an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. Tickets £10/£8 (family of four £42)

July 15-18: Tapestry– Performed in the studio by members of the ‘evolve’ performance programme;, this play sees stories of love, laughter and relationships interconnect with comedy and drama culminating in an explosive ending. Tickets £10

Guild Lounge

July 3: Laughter at the Lounge Comedy Club – The venue's monthly comedy club returns with comedians Garrett Millerick, Kay Nicholson and Chris Washington. Tickets £19

Chew’s Yard

Although not a traditional theatre, Preston entertainment venue Chew's Yard has lined up a whole series of free shows this month.

Chew’s Yard has announced it is bringing back its popular Summer Socials, a month-long programme of free live music and DJ events taking place throughout July.

Running across weekends from July 4 to July 31, Summer Socials will showcase an eclectic mix of acoustic performances, house, disco, indie, Britpop, funk, soul and Balearic sounds, creating the perfect destination for after-work drinks, weekend gatherings and relaxed afternoons in the city centre syas the venue.

Frank Whiteley, Operations Manager said: "We're really excited to be bringing Summer Socials to Chew's Yard this July. We've put together a fantastic programme of live music, DJs, comedy, an open mic and a summer market offering something for everyone, whether you're joining us for a relaxed afternoon with acoustic performances or spending the evening enjoying house, disco and classic summer sounds.

“Our garden is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere in the sunshine, while our food and drink hall means the events can be enjoyed whatever the weather. Best of all, every event is completely free, making it easy for people to come together, enjoy great food and drinks, and make the most of summer in Preston."

Guests can enjoy live acoustic performances during the day before DJs take over into the evening, with every event completely free to attend.

The programme includes:

Saturday, July 4: Acoustic with Will Procter at 2pm, followed by Deep House & Minimal Tech with DJ Gaz West at 8pm

Sunday, July 5: All day disco Uptown Discotheque & DJ Brian Hudson at 3pm

Thursday, July 9: Open Mic from 7pm hosted by Kindred

Saturday, July 11: Acoustic with Harvey Parker at 2pm, then All Night Long House with MCAVOY at 8pm

Friday, July 17: Indie, Britpop, Funk & Soul DJ Dave Chambers at 7pm

Saturday, July 18: Acoustic with Kindred at 2pm, followed by House & Disco with DJ Rambo Rich & Waltz at 7pm

Thursday, July 23: Reet Funny, free comedy night doors open at 7pm, comedy starts at 8pm. Tickets are available on Skiddle here.

Saturday, July 25: Acoustic with Christy XY at 2pm, then 2000s House with DJs Locky & Foley at 8pm

Friday, July 31: Balearic with DJ Mark Weston at 7pm