A completely free weekend of music, art and food right on your doorstep.
Smithdown Road has been through a bit of a renaissance as of late. Quality restaurants have been popping up all over, there’s some fantastic places for a tipple and the sense of community feels stronger than ever. How do they plan on celebrating their success? They’re having a road festival and you’re all invited. After the huge success of the 2015 Smithdown Street Party, which saw hundreds of locals cramming into the local bars and cafes to see the likes of Tommy Scott (Space), Edgar Jones, The Viper Kings (ft. members of the Coral and Zutons), Stephen Langstaff and more playing free shows over the bank holiday weekend – the party is back in full swing, albeit with a new name, Smithdown Road Festival.
With this year’s line up still yet to be announced, you can rest assured that it is going to be even bigger and better than last year – with more stages being added and plans for more family friendly activities. The event is organised and run by Andy Scott (Evil Eye), Kev McArthur (Kelly’s Dispensary) and Paul Lang (Franks Bar). Venues taking part include Kelly’s Dispensary, Evil Eye, Frank’s Bar, The Brookhouse, The Gregson Institute, Sefton Park Cricket Club and lots more to be announced in the coming weeks.
The festival will run from Saturday 30th April until Monday 2nd May. We’ve been notified there will be some sort of sleep in between the three days but we can’t see the party stopping early. Whilst this all sounds fun and fantastic there will also be some great things to help those in need. The Monday will see the return of Foodbank Holiday Monday – in which festival goers are encouraged to bring £5 worth of foodbank shopping that is donated to the Central Liverpool Foodbank at The Frontline Centre. In return for their donation they can choose from a burrito for a quid (at Evil Eye), cheap drinks and other rewards at the various bars and cafes involved. Last year this initiative generated well over half a ton of food for the people in the area who need it most.
As well as music, there are also plans for a pop up art gallery and art installations, theatre and circus performances, swing dance classes, an outdoor market, a designated kids area, pop up shops and more. The aim is to also make use of any empty premises and make Smithdown Road as vibrant and enticing as it can be. There will also be a wide range of promotions and free samples available from the local eateries, giving festival goers the chance to taste and enjoy some of the awesome food on offer around the area all year round.
The best part? Every single event and activity is 100% free of charge to the public. The whole event is funded with sponsorship from the local Smithdown business community, including all clean up costs. A reminder that you should never underestimate the power of a passionate few. If any businesses would like to get involved with this year’s festival please email smithdownfestival@outlook.com for ways in which you could be a part of it. Join the events page here to keep in the loop with all that is happening and we’ll see you there!