Salt and Tar Music Weekender rocks as thousands of fans flock to Bootle

Over the weekend, more than 11,000 music fans from around the world arrived at Salt and Tar for Bootle’s second Music Weekender.

Headlining at Salt and Tar were Sefton’s own Red Rum Club, rock legends Status Quo, and the iconic Sir Tom Jones, supported by an incredible lineup that included local Indie favourites The Farm, emerging talent Keyside, and Bootle-based singer Rianne Downey.

Red Rum Club, who are depicted on a huge mural that graces the Salt and Tar site, wowed their many fans with an explosive set that had the Thursday night crowd singing and dancing along.

On Friday, iconic rockers Status Quo ensured fans started the weekend in the right fashion, playing a litany of hits that concluded with the world-famous Whatever You Want and Rockin’ All Over The World.

And on Saturday and Sunday, it wasn’t unusual to see the sell-out crowds wowed by Sir Tom Jones who played on hit after another in stunning sets that were followed by explosive firework finales.

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills, said:

“Although our first Music Weekender last year was brilliant, I was confident that we could go one better in 2024 and I think this weekend proved just that.

“I had a wonderful time and the people I’ve spoken to have said the same. It’s special to see massive names like Sir Tom Jones coming here to Bootle.

“I’m also grateful to Red Rum Club, who are the best venue ambassadors Salt and Tar could hope for and kicked off the event in style.”

The audiences, which were made up mostly by local people, but included visitors from as far afield as London, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Scotland and the USA were vocal in their support for Salt and Tar bringing high-profile artist such as Sir Tom Jones, Status Quo and Red Rum Club Red Rum to Bootle. They agreed it would help put the town on the map and be a boost for businesses and the community.

The event offered the opportunity for Sefton residents and visitors from beyond to come together and support the Southport Strong Together appeal.

Councillor Lappin added:

“After some extremely difficult days and weeks for our Borough, I am glad that we had a chance to come together at Salt and Tar and find a way to make a positive change collectively.

“Thank you to everyone who donated anything, no matter how much or little, to the Southport Strong Together Appeal.”

Overall, the second staging of the Music Weekender was another success for Salt and Tar. In attracting large crowds once again, the events space again proved that it will play an important role in the ongoing Bootle town centre transformation.

The next two of years will see Bootle Strand and the wider area receive a multi-million-pound renovation due to funding received from the Government. The transformation project is set to bring further education, leisure and healthcare services to the town centre.

Councillor Lappin said:
“The Weekender is a reminder that Bootle is an attractive place for people to visit and enjoy themselves in. These events are also a great opportunity to boost the local economy, and the ongoing transformation of Bootle town centre will help this positive momentum continue.

“We heard the community’s suggestion to bring bigger and better events to Bootle, and this weekend was a direct result of that. We will continue to listen to what Sefton residents have to say so Bootle town centre keeps meeting everyone’s needs.”

Salt and Tar is already looking ahead to next year’s spring and summer programme.

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