Salt & Tar Fringe Festival: 4-day festival coming to Bootle venue which hosted Tom Jones - line up & tickets
A four-day celebration of music, comedy, arts and food is coming to Bootle’s Salt and Tar this spring.
The venue next to Bootle Strand opened in 2024 and has already hosted world-famous stars from Status Quo to Tom Jones, with Billy Ocean confirmed as a headliner for this summer’s Music Weekender.
Ahead of the huge music festival’s return, the canal-side venue will host a four-day Fringe Festival, with the likes of Maisie Adam and Dan Nightingale promising an hilarious night of stand-up comedy and a host of DJs set to celebrate Bootle’s musical heritage.
The festival will take place from Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26 and its impressive programme of events can now be revealed.
Salt and Tar Fringe Festival 2025 programme
Friday, May 23
The festival will commence on May 23 with a stand-up comedy night featuring a well-established line-up of performers. Hosted by Brendan Riley, the event will include Clinton Baptiste, alongside comedians Maisie Adam and Dan Nightingale.
Saturday, May 24
- Ravin’ Fit with Billie Clements - A high-energy fitness session led by DJ Billie Clements will combine music and exercise, encouraging attendees of all ages to engage in physical activity in a fun and interactive environment. This session forms part of the festival’s commitment to promoting health and wellbeing within the community.
- Big Fish Little Fish - Family Rave - Families are invited to take part in a family friendly rave led by DJ Paul Bleasdale. The event will feature a range of interactive elements, including bubble and snow machines, craft stations, and giant balloons. Designed with younger children in mind, this session remains open to family members of all ages.
- Quadrant Park 35th Anniversary: Back to Bootle - A special event celebrating the legacy of Quadrant Park will take place on the Saturday evening, welcoming back original DJs Andy Carroll, John Kelly, Mike Knowler, DJ Pluto, and Paul Rimmer. Featuring special guests, including FPI Project and Suddi/Together, this event will celebrate Bootle’s musical heritage with a night of nostalgia and classic anthems.
Sunday, May 25
- Wellness Morning - On the Sunday morning of the Fringe Festival attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a wellness-focused morning featuring yoga, dance kundalini, and a sound bath session. Designed to be accessible for all abilities, this event supports mental and physical wellbeing.
- Salt and Tar Beer School in Association with Neptune Brewery - The Sunday afternoon session will host renowned beer expert and author Melissa Cole, leading a guided tasting session, introducing attendees to six craft beers from Neptune Brewery. The event aims to offer an educational insight into craft brewing, catering to both casual beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
- Comedy Night - Mick Miller, Nina Gilligan, Ignacio Lopez with Host Brendan Riley - Sunday night provides another evening of headline comedy featuring a line-up of Performers, including Mick Miller, Nina Gilligan, and Ignacio Lopez, hosted by Brendan Riley.
Monday, May 26
The festival will conclude on Bank Holiday Monday with Bootle International Festival, a free afternoon celebrating the rich cultural diversity and local talent within the area. Involving over 20 different community group, the festival, in its second year will provide a platform to local and international grass root talent.
- The Teenage Market, open to 10-25-year-olds, gives young people a free platform to showcase their creative talents, providing an opportunity for them to be entrepreneurial, trial new business ideas and sell creative products.
- Bootle’s own comedy scene takes centre stage in the grand finale of the Salt and Tar Fringe Festival, with Bootle Stands up - an evening celebrating the area's funniest locals. The event will feature Performers who have recently completed a free, six-week comedy course, provided by Big Comedy UK.
How to get tickets Salt and Tar Fringe Festival 2025
Tickets for all events in the Fringe Festival entertainment tent can be purchased from the official Salt and Tar website at www.saltandtarbootle.com/events-at-salt-and-tar.
In addition to the entertainment tent, the food and drink village at Salt and Tar will remain open and free to attend over the course of the Fringe Festival weekend including street food, bars, stalls, workshops and local live music.