The second edition of the Music Weekender at Salt and Tar in Bootle features a star headliner in iconic pop legend Tom Jones.

Sefton Council worked in partnership with Live Nation to secure the major booking, building on a successful weekend this summer featuring Red Rum Club, Cast and The Lathums.

Glittering career

The Welsh singer has had an influential career that spans six decades, with over 100 million records sold.

Jones is known for numerous classic hits including It’s Not Unusual, She’s a Lady and Delilah.

The world-renowned star will head to Bootle in summer 2024 following his Ages & Stages UK and Australia tour, which kicks off in December.

Weekend of music

The Music Weekender takes place from Friday 16^th to Sunday 18^th August 2024, with Jones taking the stage on both the Saturday and Sunday. Tickets will go on general sale at 9am on Friday 1^st December. There is a presale for O2 customers on Wednesday 29^th November and a further presale on Thursday 30^th November for anyone who signs up via the website.

Other headline acts from across the weekend will be announced in the near future.

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the legendary Tom Jones to Bootle next summer. Salt and Tar, even in a short time, has established itself as an excellent entertainment venue in the heart of Sefton.

“The 2024 Music Weekender is another step in our ambitious plans to provide a thriving entertainment hub in the Borough.

“Regenerating Bootle is one of Sefton Council’s leading priorities, and the events we have had at Salt and Tar so far have shown what a vibrant place it is. I am sure this announcement will go even further towards putting Bootle on the map.”

Learning and growing

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills said: “We have lofty ambitions for our regeneration programme and this coup for Bootle is yet another example of our aspirations, and our commitment to deliver.

“Feedback from last year’s event from residents was not to stop, to carry on and do it bigger and better. Well I don’t think the draw comes much bigger than Tom Jones. We are hugely excited and can't wait for the spectacular show to start.”

This year’s Music Weekender saw more than 6000 tickets sold, with revellers coming from all across the UK and as far afield as France and Australia. Sefton Council received glowing feedback from artists, vendors and residents, with some constructive input that will play a part in organising the 2024 edition. The event is a finalist for Best Small Festival in the UK Festival Awards, which will be held on Tuesday 5th December.

Packed with activity

Before Jones and company roll into town, Salt and Tar will host a Winter Market from Friday 8^th to Sunday 10^th December, with locally sourced street food, drinks and live entertainment on offer. Next year promises a full events calendar, including a comedy event, International Festival, and summer holiday activities for the whole family.

Tickets for the 2024 Music Weekender will be available on Live Nation’s website.