New Life for Preston’s Live Music Scene as 53 Degrees Set for Big Relaunch

Operated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), 53 Degrees has long been a cultural cornerstone in the region. The venue, which first opened in 2005, hosted legendary acts like the Arctic Monkeys, Calvin Harris, Kasabian, and Adele at key points in their early careers.

While it has continued to host university events and graduation ceremonies in recent years, the venue has been largely dormant when it comes to touring shows. That’s about to change.

UCLan has announced a brand-new partnership with leading live music promoter Louder, aiming to reinvigorate the space and reintroduce Preston to a consistent programme of gigs and club nights.

The goal? To attract 30,000 visitors to 53 Degrees over the next year through a packed schedule of shows, including big-name live acts and DJ events, breathing fresh life into the local music and nightlife economy.

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A Welcome Boost for the Local Events Industry

This move couldn’t come at a better time for the wider events sector. At a moment when grassroots music venues across the UK face growing financial pressures, seeing a 1,500-capacity venue like 53 Degrees returning to regular programming offers a major positive for the industry — and a new opportunity for promoters, agents, and suppliers working in the North West.

Preston, often overshadowed by nearby cities like Manchester and Liverpool, is set to benefit massively from increased footfall, greater artist routing potential, and a broader cultural offer for residents and visitors alike.

Speaking about the plans, a UCLan spokesperson said the university was “proud to be investing in a venue that has played such a big part in Preston’s cultural history and will again in its future.”

Meanwhile, Louder’s team expressed excitement at the opportunity to create a regular destination for music lovers in the region.

The reopening of 53 Degrees is a clear signal that demand for regional live events remains strong — and that with the right venue, partners, and programming, there’s real potential for success outside of major cities.

For promoters, this is a moment to explore fresh markets, build connections with a new generation of gig-goers, and be part of a historic venue’s next chapter.

Header image credit: 53 Degrees/Facebook.com