Everything you need to know about On the Waterfront 2026

Everything you need to know about On the Waterfront this weekend

The city’s getting ready for another iconic weekend of live music with just days to go to the On the Waterfront Festival.

There are some amazing artists and bands set to make Liverpool come to life – and don’t forget Cream Classical celebrates its 10^th anniversary at the flagship event.

More than 40,000 people are expected to gather for a guaranteed four days of fun at the Pier Head, so here’s everything you need to know to make sure you don’t miss a thing …

Where is On the Waterfront?

On the Waterfront takes place at the heart of The Pier Head, against the beautiful and breathtaking backdrop of world-famous Three Graces.

When is it?

It starts on Thursday, June 18, and goes right through until Sunday, June 21.

What times are gates open?

Show times are 5-11pm on Thursday, Friday and Sunday with last entry at 7.30pm, and on Saturday it’s from 2-11pm with last entry at 5pm.

Who’s performing – and when can I see them?

2026 marks the festival’s 5th edition and features headline performances from Snow Patrol, Paul Weller, Cream Classical and Red Rum Club.

And here’s who’s on when …

Thursday, June 18

The opening show for On the Waterfront this year stars the legend that is Paul Weller, bringing a catalogue of hits from his days with The Jam and The Style Council as well as hits from his solo career.

Joining him will be former Rascals frontman Miles Kane and Manchester indie rock band Arkayla.

Friday, June 19

It’ll be their biggest outdoor show ever when Red Rum Club take to the stage to headline on Friday, building on their growing reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live acts. Their bold, brass-driven ‘Mariachi Merseybeat’ sound and infectious energy is earning them fans from Merseyside to Mexico – and chances are there’ll be a few more after this weekend.

With frontman Fran Doran and the lads will be an incredible selection of rising and established indie talent: Only the Poets, The Lilacs, Keyside, The Kairos and The Kowloons.

Saturday, June 20

Happy birthday Cream Classical!

You just know it’s going to be a belting show as Cream Classical returns to Liverpool to celebrate its 10th Anniversary.

The milestone event will once again unite the Kaleidoscope Orchestra and Sense of Sound singers, and to mark such an important year Cream Classical’s invited some of dance music’s most iconic vocalists who’ve defined a generation of Cream anthems: Alison Limerick, Robin S, Julie McKnight and Saffron (N-Joi) and Bobbi Depasois (K-Klass).

Sunday, June 21

Closing the weekend are Snow Patrol who mark a long-awaited return with their first performance in Liverpool for more than a decade. Since their 1998 debut, Snow Patrol have created major anthems including the timeless classic ‘Chasing Cars’ which was crowned the most-played song of the 21st century.

Also in the line-up for Sunday are Liverpudlian indie-rockers Circa Waves; Belfast Born, Dublin based Morgana and the alternative indie-rock band from Northern Ireland, The Florentinas.

How do I get there?

Train: Go to www.merseyrail.org to check train times. Liverpool Central, James Street and Moorfields stations are just a short walk away.

Bus: On the Waterfront is easy to get to by Arriva Bus and is a short walk from Liverpool ONE Bus Station (5 minutes) and a 14-16 minute walk from Queen Square Bus Station. Go to www.arrivabus.co.uk for services and times (or the On the Waterfront website itself).

Where can I park?

There’s no parking around the Pier Head site and road restrictions will be in place so, where you can, make life easier for yourself and use public transport.

There are NCP Car Parks – nearest ones Moorfields and Rumford Street – along with council car parks, Q-Park, JustPark in Water Street and more nearby, along with The Royal Albert Dock.

Are there any tickets still left?

Yes, there are tickets available still for all shows – prices vary but they start from £46.55 each for a full price ticket.

Can I bring food and drink to the event?

Only a 500ml sealed plastic bottle of water (no glass allowed) can be brought into the event and no other food or drink is allowed, but there’s plenty to buy inside the festival site.

What food and drink will I be able to get?

There’ll be loads of food and drink options available across the weekend, with something for everyone from coffee and cake to street food favourites, pizzas, burgers and tacos.

Will I need ID?

Challenge 21 will be in operation so you will need valid photo ID including: driving licence, passport, any identification card bearing the PASS logo, a national identity card issued by country of origin (other than the United Kingdom), or an Armed Forces PHOTO ID Card.

What can I and can’t I bring?

Safety is first at On the Waterfront, so there’s a list of things you’re not permitted to take into the festival site including: aerosols, airhorns, balloons, Chinese lanterns, camping chairs, firearms, weapons, sharps, fireworks, flares, gas canisters, mirrors, drugs and more.

You can take suncream, a small umbrella, a camera, flags, and reusable plastic and metal bottles (that must be empty when you get there).

There’s a full list on the OTWF website so check that before you go (https://www.onthewaterfrontfestival.com/info#ticketing)

Can I take my dog?

Sorry not to this one. There are strictly no animals allowed into the event, except for assistance dogs.

What’s the weather looking like?

As is typical, you can expect mixed and changeable early summer conditions with highest temperatures between 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F) which isn’t too bad. You can look forward to some sunny spells along with a little light rain or drizzle at times – so be prepared to get wet yet still enjoy a bit of sunshine.