Window maker Warwick North West was headline sponsor of the Bootle Music Weekender festival and boss Greg Johnson hails it an ‘incredible success’. Tony McDonough reports

Headline sponsor of the Bootle Music Weekender festival said the event was an “incredible success” after organisers revealed more than 11,000 people attended.

Greg Johnson, managing director of Warwick North West, was keen to sponsor the three-day music extravaganza which featured legendary Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones, veteran rockers Status Quo and local favourites Red Rum Club and The Farm.

Held at the Sat and Tar venue close to Bootle Strand, the festival was held for the first time in 2023 and this year’s four-day event proved to be even bigger and better with music fans flocking from across the UK and from the US.

Warwick employs around 120 people at its factory in Bootle and last week Greg told LBN how proud he was to be helping to raise the area’s profile by sponsoring the Music Weekender. But even he was bowled over at how good it was.

“The whole four days were an incredible success,” said Greg. “Merseyside and Sefton in particular has had a tough few weeks. But the atmosphere during the festival was amazing, really magical.

“Salt and Tar only opened last year and it is already proving to be a valuable asset to the whole community. And this is just the start. Sefton Council’s plans for the Bootle Strand area will be truly transformative. We are proud to play our part in it.”

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.

Cllr 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.

READ MORE: £15m Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Centre wins approval

“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.

“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.”