The music event will return in 2026
The crowd watch The Real Thing play at Salt and Tar in Bootle this evening(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The first headliner for Salt and Tar has been confirmed. The Bootle-based music festival returned last year for another four-day weekend entertainment from August 7 to 10. Now, the music festival has confirmed its first headliner for 2026.
Salt & Tar has already attracted thousands of visitors and played host to some of the world’s biggest music stars including Status Quo and Tom Jones who both performed at the Music Weekender festival in August 2024.
Thousands of people attended the canalside venue over the course of the four-day event which also included performances from local bands and artists.
Salt and Tar welcomed Billy Ocean, The K’s and Sugababes and Ocean Colour Scene at its 2025 event as thousands turned out for a weekend of music.
Rock band The Waterboys have been confirmed as the first headline act and will take to the stage on Friday, August 14 2026.
The band was formed in 1983 by Scottish musician Mike Scott.
The band are known for hits such as ‘The Whole of the Moon’ and ‘Disherman’s Blues’.
In a post on Instagram, the festival said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce rock legends @waterboysmusic will be playing at Salt and Tar on Friday 14th August 2026.
The Waterboys return with new album ‘Life, Death And Dennis Hopper’, and announce massive 2025 UK tour. Pictured Waterboys singer Mike Scott.(Image: Paul Mac Manus)
“Due to exciting venue updates to our home site, we will be relocating our 2026 Music Festival to our neighbours down the canal at the ‘Lock and Quay’. See you there.”
Pre-sale tickets will go live on Thursday, November 6 at 10am and is accessed by signing up to the Salt and Tar mailing list.
The general sale will go live on Friday, November 7 at 10am.
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More information can be found on the Salt and Tar website.
Find out the latest music announcements in the ECHO What’s On section.