Everything you need to know about On the Waterfront

The city’s set to come alive this weekend with some of the best music and biggest names around – including the phenomenal former Police frontman, Sting.

There’ll be four days of fun at the Pier Head, starting from today, so here’s everything you need to know to make sure you don’t miss a moment of this fabulous festival…

Where is On the Waterfront?

The Pier Head, right at the heart of Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront – head for the bronze statue of The Beatles in front of the Three Graces and they will show you the way.

When is it?

It all starts today, Thursday, June 19, and goes right on until Sunday, June 22.

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

Who isn’t?!! There’s a reason more than 45,000 people enjoyed On the Waterfront last year – and this line-up is going to pack them in again this year: The Wombats, The Wolfe Tones, Cream Classical and – let’s say it again – Sting!

So here’s the set line-up…

Thursday, June 19

5.30pm-6pm – Keyside

6.20pm-6.50pm – Overpass

7.20pm-7.50pm – Corella

8.20pm-9pm – Pale Waves

9.30pm-11pm – The Wombats

Friday, June 20

5pm-5.45pm – Shea Doolin

6.15pm-7pm – Highstool Prophets

7.30pm-8.30pm – The Scratch

9pm-11pm – The Wolfe Tones – in their last ever English show!

Saturday, June 21

2pm-3pm – Rob Harnetty b2b Sean Hughes

3pm-4pm – Danny Rampling

4pm-5.15pm – Chicane

5.15pm-6.30pm – Groove Armada

6.30pm-7.30pm – Tall Paul b2b Seb Fontaine

7.30pm-8.30pm – Todd Terry

8.50pm-11pm – Cream Classical

Sunday, June 22

5.40pm-6.20pm – Traits

6.50pm-7.30pm – Sophie Grey

8pm-9pm – The Christians

9.30pm-11pm Sting

What can I expect from Cream Classical Ibiza?

You can expect the outstanding 50-piece Kaleidoscope Orchestra, performers, and vocalists coming together for another spinetingling performance featuring some of the biggest tracks from Cream’s longstanding residency on the white Isle, plus a jam-packed DJ lineup from some of the superclub’s biggest players.

When was Sting last in Liverpool?

It’s the first time Sting’s come to Liverpool for more than 20 years. The Grammy Award winner will headline the closing night of the festival and deliver a set that spans his extensive career. He’ll be joined by guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas, known for his work with Mumford & Sons.

What times do gates open – and when do I need to get there by?

Today (Thursday) gates open at 5pm – with last entry, 8pm.

On Friday, gates open at 4pm with last entry 7pm.

Saturday’s gates open at 2pm and last entry is 5pm.

On Sunday, gates open at 5pm, with last entry 7.30pm.

How do I get there?

Train: Go to the Merseyrail website 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 the Arriva website for services and times (or the On the Waterfront website itself).

Where can I park?

NCP Car Parks are offering a discounted rate for On the Waterfront Festival 2025 customers and the nearest one is Liverpool Capital Car Park. Download the OTWF app.

Other car parks nearby include Q-Park in Liverpool ONE, NCP in Rumford Street and Fazakerley Street, Corn Exchange Car Park in Moor Street and JustPark, Water Street.

Are there any tickets still left?

Yes there are tickets available still for all shows – prices vary but they start from £47.60 each for a full price ticket.

Can I bring food and drink to the event?

No food, drinks or alcohol can be brought into the event, apart from one 500ml plastic bottle of water which must be sealed. Food and drinks can be bought from the bars and concessions inside the event.

What food and drink will I be able to get?

Virtually every drink you might want, with bars serving everything from Poretti, Guinness, Somersby Cider, Brooklyn Special Effects Hoppy Alcohol free lager, spirits including Smirnoff vodka, Gordons Gin, Captain Morgans Rum, Nohrlund cocktails including Passion Martini, Mojito and Raspberry & Peach Collins, water, Pepsi, 7up and Red Bull to name a few!

You can expect a wide variety of food vendors on site selling all sorts from chilli chicken and burgers to Chinese, Greek, pizzas, churros, and ice cream.

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).

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?

Today to Saturday it’s looking like sun all the way with temperatures in the mid to late 20s, so don’t forget to factor in the Factor 50 and consider a hat. Sunday is looking a little less bright with lower temperatures and showers so maybe pack a brolly or a waterproof just in case.