This summer’s Salt & Tar Music Festival gave Bootle a major economic lift, generating almost £1 million for the local economy, new research has revealed.
An independent evaluation by North West Research found that the four-day festival in August contributed an estimated £980,928 to the area, thanks to strong visitor numbers and increased local spending.
Featuring headline performances from Billy Ocean, The K’s, Ocean Colour Scene, and Sugababes, the event attracted more than 10,000 visitors to Bootle. Remarkably, 97% of attendees said the festival was their main reason for visiting the town.
Visitors travelled from across the Liverpool City Region and beyond, with 24% coming from outside Sefton and the wider city region – bringing valuable new spending into the local economy.
The festival also encouraged more people to use public transport, with ticket sales for trains and buses to Bootle rising sharply. Over the festival weekend, the town recorded 3.6 times more journeys than on a typical Thursday to Sunday, equating to around 2,000 extra trips.
According to the evaluation, festival-goers spent a combined total of £732,036 across accommodation, food, drink, and entertainment. Average spending varied by visitor type:
- Sefton residents spent £73.10
- Day visitors spent £82.26
- Overnight visitors spent £176.31
Beyond the economic impact, Salt & Tar delivered significant social and cultural benefits. 95% of attendees said they would recommend the event, and 68% said it exceeded their expectations.
With standout performances and a buzzing atmosphere throughout the weekend, Salt & Tar has firmly established itself as a major highlight in the region’s cultural calendar.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said:
“Salt & Tar is a brilliant asset for Bootle and a catalyst for the town’s regeneration.
“This year’s event brought world-class entertainment to our community but also delivered a significant economic boost for local businesses.
“The fact that nearly £1 million has been injected into the local economy demonstrates the power of cultural events to drive growth, create opportunities and put Bootle firmly on the map as a destination for arts and culture.
“We are committed to building on this success and ensuring that Salt & Tar continues to play a central role in the town’s transformation.”
*Figures account for adjustments and include a regional multiplier to reflect wider economic impact.
