On the Waterfront

On the Waterfront 2026

On the Waterfront 2026 takes place from 18 to 21 June at Liverpool’s Pier Head, set against the iconic 'Three Graces' buildings on the River Mersey. This four-day open-air festival brings world-class live music and a vibrant summer atmosphere to Liverpool’s waterfront.

Music

Experience an eclectic lineup spanning rock, pop, electronic, and more, with performances featuring stunning lighting and production. The festival offers a dynamic mix of classic anthems and modern beats, keeping the energy high from afternoon through late night.

Food & Drink

Enjoy street food vendors, pop-up bars, and casual lounge spaces perfect for relaxing between sets by the river.

Atmosphere

On the Waterfront creates a lively summer celebration with interactive art installations, spectacular waterfront views, and a communal party vibe that makes Liverpool’s Pier Head come alive for four days.

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.