Over 10,000 visitors flocked to Bootle this August for the Salt & Tar Music Weekender, generating an estimated £980,000 for the local economy. Tony McDonough reports
This summer, Bootle welcomed more than 10,000 visitors for the Salt & Tar Music Weekender, generating an economic boost of almost £1 million for the local area, according to independent research by North West Research.
Earlier this month, contractor VINCI Building completed demolition work on part of Bootle Strand, reaching a major milestone in the million-pound transformation of Bootle town centre.
Local councillors claim this festival demonstrates what can be achieved when culture and regeneration come together.
The four-day festival held in August featured headline performances from Billy Ocean, The K’s, Ocean Colour Scene, and Sugababes.
Findings show that 97% of attendees visited Bootle specifically for the event and almost a quarter of this year’s visitors came from outside the borough.
There were 3.6 times the number of trips recorded via public transport, compared to a typical Thursday–Sunday, totalling around 2,000 extra journeys.
Festival-goers spent a total of £732,000, boosting local businesses and transport use, with around 2,000 extra journeys recorded over the weekend.
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Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said: “Salt & Tar is a brilliant asset for Bootle and a catalyst for the town’s regeneration.
“This year’s event brought world-class entertainment to our community but also delivered a significant economic boost for local businesses.
“The fact that nearly £1 million has been injected into the local economy demonstrates the power of cultural events to drive growth, create opportunities and put Bootle firmly on the map as a destination for arts and culture.
“We are committed to building on this success and ensuring that Salt & Tar continues to play a central role in the town’s transformation.”