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Get ready for On the Waterfront 2026 at Liverpool’s Pier Head! Stretching over four days (18–21 June 2026), this open-air festival transforms the city’s iconic waterfront into a lively concert stage. Beneath Liverpool’s famous 'Three Graces' buildings on the River Mersey, thousands of music fans gather to kick off the summer in style. From sun-soaked afternoons to late-night shows under the stars, On the Waterfront offers a non-stop atmosphere of world-class entertainment and summer vibes.
On the Waterfront features an eclectic lineup that spans multiple genres. In past years, legendary rock acts and chart-topping pop artists have shared the bill with world-class DJs and cutting-edge performers. Each night’s performance comes with spectacular lighting, stunning visuals, and top-notch production - it really feels like a stadium show out by the river. One minute you might be dancing to classic sing-along anthems, the next you’re lost in hypnotic electronic beats - but one thing is constant: the energy stays sky-high all night long.
It’s not just the music - On the Waterfront is a full-blown summer celebration. The festival area gets lively with street food vendors, pop-up bars, and casual lounge spaces, perfect for grabbing a bite or a drink between sets. You can soak up the sun by the river, explore interactive art installations, or simply mingle with fellow fans as the sound of live music fills the air. By sunset, Liverpool’s waterfront really comes alive - the skyline glows behind the stage, and a fun, communal party vibe takes over. For four days straight, Pier Head turns into one epic block party, making memories that last well beyond the summer.
Don’t miss this highlight of Liverpool’s summer calendar. On the Waterfront 2026 is set to be an adventure from start to finish, whether you’re a lifelong Liverpudlian or a first-time visitor. Gather your friends, get your tickets early, and prepare for four unforgettable nights by the Mersey. The party awaits - will you be there?
Getting to Liverpool Pier Head is straightforward. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) is the closest airport, about 8 miles southeast of the city centre. Regular buses and taxis can bring you into town in about 15-20 minutes. Manchester Airport (MAN), a larger hub about 35 miles away, offers frequent train and coach services to Liverpool; a direct train from MAN to Liverpool Lime Street takes roughly 30-40 minutes. If you arrive by train, Liverpool Lime Street is the city’s main station with services from London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and beyond. From there, it’s only about a 10-15 minute walk to Pier Head (or a quick taxi). For local trains, Moorfields and James Street stations (on the Merseyrail network) are even closer to the waterfront, each just a 5-10 minute walk away.
Within Liverpool, public transport and taxis are plentiful. The city’s extensive bus network (Arriva, Stagecoach, etc.) has stops near Pier Head - for example, several routes run along Duke Street and the nearby Strand. If you arrive by coach, Liverpool Coach Station at Queen Square is conveniently close to Lime Street station. A short walk or taxi from there will take you straight to the waterfront. An iconic travel option is the Mersey Ferry: it sails daily from Woodside (Wirral) to Pier Head (Gerry Marsden terminal) in about 10 minutes. Closer to home, Liverpool’s compact centre is very walkable; you can also use Santander Cycle hire bikes or grab a local taxi for quick trips around town.
By car, Liverpool Pier Head is easily reachable via the M62 (from Manchester) or the M6 (from the south). Enter the city through the Queensway or Kingsway Tunnel, then follow signs for the city centre or waterfront. Parking in the immediate Pier Head area can be limited and costly, especially during major events. Large public car parks near Liverpool ONE, Albert Dock and the city centre are available, but try to arrive early - allow plenty of extra time or consider using park-and-ride lots outside the centre and taking public transit into town.
Where to stay: You’ll find plenty of accommodation close to Pier Head. Hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are located throughout Liverpool’s city centre, many within walking distance of the docks. Popular areas include Albert Dock, Liverpool ONE, and the creative Baltic Triangle (known for its trendy bars and cafes). Booking early is wise, as rooms fill up quickly during festival season and prices can rise. If you want to stretch your budget, consider vacation rentals or B&Bs in nearby neighbourhoods like the Georgian Quarter or near Lime Street Station. Wherever you stay, Liverpool’s compact size means you’ll be just a short walk, bus ride, or taxi from the On the Waterfront site and local attractions.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innkeeper s Lodge Ormskirk Aughton | 1.9 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| The Park Hotel | 2.5 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Orrell Park Hotel | 3.5 ml | £47.00 | Book | |
| Suites Hotel & Spa | 3.9 ml | £90.00 | Book | |
| The Banjo | 5.4 ml | £29.00 | Book | |
| Soccer Suite | 5.5 ml | £48.00 | Book | |
| Trivelles Liverpool | 5.7 ml | £27.00 | Book | |
| Sheil Suites | 6.3 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| THROSTLES NEST | 6.5 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Castle Lodge Guest House | 6.5 ml | £25.00 | Book | |
| The Queen s Royal | 6.6 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Titanic Hotel Liverpool | 6.8 ml | £74.25 | Book | |
| Travelodge Wallasey New Brighton | 6.8 ml | £34.00 | Book | |
| Beech Mount Hotel | 6.9 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| The Devonshire House Hotel | 7.0 ml | £35.00 | Book |
Liverpool Pier Head, Liverpool Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1BZ, Liverpool, L31BZ
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