Two weeks to go until Salt and Tar Music Festival returns to Bootle

Published July 30, 2026
Last Updated July 30, 2026
By Editor

Music fans are being reminded that there are just two weeks to go until the 2026 Salt and Tar Music Festival gets under way in Bootle.

The popular festival will take place at a temporary new home at The Lock & Quay event grounds from Thursday, August 13 to Monday, August 17.

Up to 4,000 people are expected to attend each day for five days of live music, food and drink beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

This year’s headline acts include Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Billy Ocean, The Waterboys and The Saw Doctors.

Although Salt and Tar is moving away from its usual location while work continues on the transformation of Bootle Strand, organisers say visitors can expect the same vibrant atmosphere that has helped establish the festival as a highlight of Sefton’s summer events programme.

Gates will open at 4pm each day, with food, drink and live entertainment available in the Festival Village before the main stage performances begin.

Grassroots musicians from Scrapyard Studios CIC and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts will perform on the Festival Village stage from 4pm each day.

A selection of Sefton-based food traders will also be at the event, including The Bus Yard, Pitamu, TikTaco and 600 Degrees Pizza.

Bootle business The Crafty Scouse Birds will return with a stall selling festival accessories.

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:

“We’re delighted that the Salt and Tar festival is returning for another fantastic year. With just two weeks to go, excitement is really building.

“While the transformation of the Strand site continues, Lock & Quay is the perfect temporary home for the event, allowing us to continue bringing great live music and entertainment to Bootle.

“The festival has become a firm favourite in Sefton’s events calendar, attracting visitors from across the borough and beyond, and supporting local businesses along the way.”

The temporary move to The Lock & Quay comes as redevelopment work progresses around Bootle Strand.

The wider regeneration project will see Salt and Tar’s usual home evolve into a major destination for events, leisure and culture in the heart of the town.

Visitors can expect a packed programme of performances throughout the five-day festival, covering a wide range of musical genres.

There are still tickets remaining for the Salt and Tar Music Festival here.