Salt and Tar
WHERE
Bootle
What it’s like
A live event site on Washington Parade with comedy, music and fringe-style events, though age limits shift depending on what's on.
This one's a bit of a moving target. It's currently running from a temporary home at the Lock and Quay while the original Washington Parade site is closed for expansion, and what you can bring your kids to depends entirely on the event you've booked. Live music nights are 14 plus, with under-18s needing an adult with them the whole time, so this isn't the place to turn up on spec with a toddler.
The Fringe Festival side of things is more forgiving. Most of the free events in the food and drink village are listed as suitable for all ages, but anything with a minimum age will have it stated on the event listing itself, and that varies show to show. Worth reading the specific event page rather than assuming, since one night's line-up could be a family-friendly food village and the next could be a 14 plus gig.
Practically, there's no bag larger than A4 allowed in, which catches people out if they've brought a rucksack for the day, and seating is limited to some picnic benches near the food court, so you're stood for most of it. Doors open at 4pm with last entry at 7pm and everything wraps by 10pm, which is a late finish if you've got school the next morning.
Getting there is straightforward even without a car. Bootle Oriel Road and New Strand stations are both a 3-5 minute walk, and the bus station on Washington Parade is about the same. There's no dedicated parking on site.
Need to know
- Parking
- No dedicated on-site parking. Public car parks nearby include Strand Shopping Centre, Delaware Road, Bootle Leisure Centre
- Getting there by bus or train
- Bootle Oriel Road and New Strand train stations 3-5 minutes walk
- Check the individual event listing for age restrictions, they vary a lot between shows
- The main Washington Parade site is closed for development, events run from the temporary Lock and Quay site nearby
- No dedicated parking, so factor in a walk from the multistorey car parks or on-street spaces
- Last entry is 7pm even though the site stays open until 10pm
Plan your visit
Is this suitable for kids?
It depends entirely on the event. Live music nights are 14 plus with under-18s needing an adult, but most free events in the food and drink village are listed as suitable for all ages.
Is there parking on site?
No dedicated parking, but there's on-street parking nearby and multistorey car parks at the Strand Shopping Centre, Delaware Road and Bootle Leisure Centre within walking distance.
What time does it run?
Doors open at 4pm, last entry is 7pm, and events end at 10pm.
Can I bring a bag?
One small bag per person, no bigger than A4 size. Large bags and rucksacks aren't allowed in.
Is there anywhere to sit?
There's no general seating, just some picnic benches near the food court area. You can't bring your own chairs.
See all Comedy in Liverpool · Things to do in Liverpool
MAKE A DAY OF IT
