Salt and Tar in Bootle to officially open its doors this Saturday

Bootle is set celebrate as Salt and Tar officially opens its doors to the public on Saturday, April 27.

Salt and Tar, which hosted a series of successful test events last year, is gearing up for a weekend packed with festivities from April 26 – 28, marking the beginning of an exciting 2024 schedule.

A highlight of the weekend is the Bootle International Festival, a kaleidoscope of global cultures featuring diverse cuisine, entertainment, and music. Curated by over 15 local community groups, the festival promises a rich tapestry of experiences for attendees.

Food lovers get ready for an array of culinary delights from local favourites to international delicacies.

Among the vendors, Big Kahuna and The Bus Yard will tantalize taste buds with their specialty Thai street food, offering a gastronomic journey for all.

But the festivities extend beyond the palate. On Saturday, guests can immerse themselves in a cultural extravaganza with Bollywood dancing, Congolese music, and engaging workshops hosted by the Ukrainian Welcome Centre.

This celebration builds upon the success of last year’s Eurovision festivities, which saw community acts and performers from the Ukrainian Welcome Centre transform Bootle Strand into a vibrant stage.

The Bootle International Festival is just one of the many events planned by the Sefton Performers Network over the coming year to honour diversity in Sefton.

This collaborative effort, involving Sefton CVS, In Another Place, Collective Encounters, and MYA Space, aims to unite community arts groups across the borough in celebration of cultural richness.

Stephen Watson, Sefton Council’s Executive Director for Place said:

“Salt and Tar has already proved itself to be a popular and successful venue over the past two years. We’ve had the likes of Red Rum Club and Jason Byrne take to the stage at the heart of Bootle and help to put this fantastic emerging venue on the map.

“The official launch is another step in our ambitious journey for the area and will showcase the best Salt and Tar has to offer.

“As well as live music and entertainment, community events such as the Bootle International Festival are hugely important to us. We want to give residents the space and opportunity to share their creativity and skills. Next Saturday’s festival is just the beginning and I highly recommend coming down over the weekend to get a flavour of what’s to come.”

Maggi Aslet, Group Development Officer for Sefton CVS said: 

“I have worked in Sefton for almost six years now, supporting community development and it is a real privilege to help co-ordinate this event.

“As a Borough, we are very lucky to have so many diverse, dynamic and talented community organisations, and it’s been incredibly enjoyable bringing them all together for the Bootle International Festival.

“I hope as many people as possible can join us on the day and help us celebrate our fantastic world in Bootle.”

Annie Spiers, Creative Director for In Another Place theatre company said: 

“We are so excited to be leading Bootle’s first International Festival with Sefton Performers Network.

“We have been based in Bootle Strand for the last five years as resident community theatre company. We have loved seeing the increased ethnic diversity locally, even in that short timescale.

“With so many nationalities taking part on the Saturday, it will be a feast of song, dance, workshops and culture.

“We often expect to travel to other countries to experience such a wealth of creativity, but we are privileged to have everything from Ukrainian dance and song to Bollywood fitness, African drumming, and exotic cuisine on our doorstep in this free festival on the new Salt and Tar event space. We hope everyone will be curious enough to come and take a look.”

Salt and Tar’s official launch is on Friday 26 April. A surprise guest will help to mark the special event on the Friday with an intimate performance for all attendees, alongside local music and a variety of food options. Bootle’s own Lock and Quay will feature heavily across the weekend with a pop-up version of their community pub.

Sunday will see the talent from Bootle and beyond invited to the stage as part of Salt and Tar’s Live Lounge. Artists will have the opportunity to share their music with the public in the same venue as local legends Red Rum Club last year and Tom Jones, who will perform later this year.

The Bootle International Festival will run from 12-9pm on Saturday 27 April. Salt and Tar’s official launch will be help on Friday 26 April from 4-9pm, with additional celebrations on Sunday 28 from 12-6pm.

Every event across the launch weekend will be open to everyone and entry is free. Salt and Tar is fully family and dog friendly.

For more info on Salt and Tar click here.

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