The legendary Nile Rodgers and CHIC to headline Bootle’s Salt & Tar Music Weekender next Summer

Musical icon Nile Rodgers and legendary band CHIC will be headlining the Salt & Tar Music Weekender in Bootle on Sunday 16th August.

With a career spanning over 50 years, Rodger’s has shaped the sound of modern music as a musician, songwriter, arranger and producer.

And now he is bringing his characteristic guitar style, unmistakable groove and distinctive approach to songwriting – which has seen him collaborate with the biggest names on the planet – to Bootle.

Over the years, Bootle’s Salt and Tar Music Weekender has featured a stunning range of artists including Sir Tom Jones, Sugababes, Ocean Colour Scene, Billy Ocean, Status Quo, Red Rum Club and The K’s. The Waterboys and The Saw Doctors have already been announced as other headliners for 2026.

Since its launch in 2023, the Music Weekender has grown significantly in popularity with almost 12,000 people attending in 2025. The events have helped put Salt and Tar on the map as a key Merseyside destination for entertainment and culture.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said:

“Nile Rodgers and Chic? C’est fantastique. People are gonna freak when they hear this news.

“It’s so exciting to be announcing yet another world class headliner for the Salt and Tar Music Weekender.”

Owing to the work to regenerate the Bootle Strand area, which includes an expansion of the permanent Salt and Tar venue, the Music Weekender will take up a temporary residence for 2026. The nearby Lock & Quay, Bootle’s much-loved, community-owned pub and canalside venue, will host the event. Its large garden and green space adjoining the canal, which will be transformed into a vibrant festival site for next year.

Cllr Lappin added: “By becoming a thriving cultural hub Salt and Tar is key to our vision for transforming the Bootle Strand area and revitalising Bootle’s town centre, its communities and its economy.

“It’ll be great to take the Music Weekender ‘on tour’ for 2026, and great to take it back to its bigger and better home in 2027.”

The Music Weekender forms part of Sefton Council’s wider regeneration programme for Bootle, supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and creating new opportunities for residents.

Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 5 December here and people can find updates and more ticket information about Nile Rodgers and CHIC at Salt & Tar Music Weekender in Bootle here.

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