<\/p>\n
Lock & Quay, Bootle\u2019s much-loved, community-owned pub and canalside venue, will host the 2026 Music Weekender. This short-term relocation is due to the current work to regenerate the Bootle Strand area, which includes an expansion of the permanent Salt and Tar venue.<\/p>\n
Known for its commitment to reinvesting all profits back into the local area, Lock & Quay is the region\u2019s only community pub. It has a large garden and green space adjoining the canal, which will be transformed into a vibrant festival site for next year.<\/p>\n
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council\u2019s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cSalt and Tar\u2019s Music Weekender has become a key asset for Bootle, attracting visitors from across Merseyside and beyond.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0supporting the town\u2019s regeneration\u00a0and also\u00a0delivering\u00a0real\u00a0economic and social benefits.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWith the Strand transformation progressing well, Lock & Quay is the perfect temporary venue to host the festival in 2026 while we continue to make the permanent site bigger and better for future events.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 2026 Salt and Tar Music Weekender will be an event on the same scale with the same capacity, the same great atmosphere, the same friendly\u00a0staff\u00a0and the same number of tasty food vendors that have become so popular in previous years.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u00a0can\u2019t wait to take Salt and Tar on tour for the 2026 Music Festival and bring back the good time Salt and Tar vibes to Bootle\u2019s canalside.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Brian Dawe, CEO of SAFE Regeneration, the organisation behind Lock & Quay\u00a0said:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re\u00a0genuinely excited about\u00a0what\u2019s\u00a0happening on Bootle\u2019s canal-side. The partnership between Salt & Tar and Lock & Quay is all about working together, bringing amazing artists, live performances, and a real sense of community to the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBy joining forces,\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0not just putting Bootle on the map for music and culture;\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0building something special for everyone who lives here. 2026 is going to be a big year, and I\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0wait to see how our collective efforts shape a brighter, more connected future for Bootle.\u201d<\/p>\n Almost 12,000 people visited Bootle for the 2025 Salt and Tar Music Weekender, which featured headliners Billy Ocean, The Sugababes, The K\u2019s and Ocean Colour Scene. The event generated an estimated \u00a3980,928 for the local economy.<\/p>\n Many artists appeared over the 2025 Weekender, including a number of up and coming local artists such as Keyside, The Solaas and Megan Wyn, who had the chance to showcase their music to a large festival audience.<\/p>\n The ongoing regeneration works at Bootle Strand, including the completion of demolition and upcoming construction of a revitalised Mons Square. Salt and Tar venue is being expanded as part of the transformation. These improvements are the reason the Music Weekender will be \u2018on tour\u2019 for 2026.<\/p>\nBook your tickets for Salt and Tar weekender here<\/a>. <\/h3>\n
Find more music events across Liverpool here<\/a>. <\/h4>\n
\nFind out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h4>\n
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n