Chew’s Yard announces huge weekend of free events for its second birthday at the start of May
A popular Preston venue has announced a weekend of celebrations for its second birthday, featuring comedy, music, food and community festivities
Chew’s Yard will celebrate its second birthday with a packed weekend of free events from Thursday April 30 to Sunday May 3, bringing together stand-up comedy, live DJs, a street parade, and a vibrant food and drink offering.
The venue’s food and drink hall will be open throughout the weekend, featuring five independent traders: Chamo, Seitanic, Trough, Where's Wala and Escapade, offering a diverse mix of street food and drinks.
The hall opens from 5:00pm on Thursday and from 12:00pm Friday through Sunday.
The celebrations begin on Thursday, April 30 with the Reet Funny Birthday Special, a live comedy night hosted by Kelly Mac and headlined by Sam Serrano who was recently named one of Chortle’s “Hotshots” and is quickly becoming established as one of the UK’s most exciting new comedic voices.
The show offers audiences a chance to catch them ahead of their upcoming Edinburgh Fringe run, alongside a lineup of rising comedy talent.
Doors open at 7:00pm, with the show starting at 8:00pm.
Tickets are free and available in advance Tickets: Reet Funny Free Comedy Night | Chew's Yard Preston Thu 30 April 2026
On Friday May 1, celebrations move outdoors with a lively birthday parade starting at Chain House Brewing Co. at 7:00pm.
Led by the Worldwise Samba Drummers, the procession will travel along Market Street West before arriving at Chew’s Yard, bringing music, colour and energy into the venue’s garden and food hall.
The event is free and open to all ages.
Saturday, May 2 sees the return of the Market Street Social Block Party, taking over multiple venues along Market Street West from 2:00pm.
The event will feature a broad spectrum of underground music including house, disco, reggae, funk, soul, hip hop, acid jazz, neo soul, afro and bass.
At Chew’s Yard, in collaboration with Jazzin the Park Productions, guest DJs MarkSki and Marcos Dacosta will deliver a soulful blend of funk, soul, hip hop and acid jazz.
NYTCLAS will host Government Sound System with North Fiyah Sound DJs, while Chain House Brewing Co. & Taproom will feature DJs Bolts, Cottam and Mr Breen. Entry is free, with early arrival recommended.
The celebrations conclude on Sunday, May 3 with Nu Skool x Old Skool, a Bank Holiday session featuring local DJs Mark Freejack and Jason Marx.
Running from 7:00pm until midnight, the night will showcase classic anthems and crowd favourites with a party atmosphere.
Entry is free, with the event open to over 18s only.
Operations Manager Frank Whiteley said, “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to plan an exciting weekend of celebrations.
“It was important to us to make all events free and accessible, creating a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
“Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult until 8pm, and we’re also proud to be a dog-friendly venue.”
Chew’s Yardadds that its ‘2nd Birthday Weekend’ highlights the venue’s role at the heart of Preston’s independent cultural scene, offering a diverse, inclusive programme of entertainment, food and community celebration.