Organisers of the Smithdown Road Festival have revealed that more than 40,000 people attended this year’s event over the Bank Holiday weekend – with most heading to the Mystery park in Wavertree.
The not-for-profit event, now in its 4th year, saw an incredible 190 acts performing on 17 stages, including two in the park – with headliners including Space and John Power entertaining the crowds in the glorious sunshine.
Local bar owner and joint organiser Andy Scott said preparations are already underway for next year – and they are committed to keeping it as a free festival.
He said: “We’re in our fourth year and what started out as something in which we put on live music in a few bars has turned into something much bigger and we have had fantastic feedback.
“We want it to be a major part of the cultural calendar in Liverpool, which attracts people from all over the city and most importantly is free to access. If people want to give us some money to help towards running costs, that’s great, but we are really keen to make sure it is something that people can come along to without having to put their hand in their pockets.
“We’re already planning for next year with plans to make it bigger and better again, and we hope to utilise the middle of the park.”
The cost of running the event is largely covered by bar sales, with local councillors and the Mayor’s Fund chipping in a total of £15k, but they still need to raise some funds.
A Just Giving page has been set up at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/smithdownfest2018 – with donations above £15 receiving a free Festival t-shirt.
Homeless charity the Whitechapel Centre has also benefited from the event, they collected £4,500 made up of donations and will also benefit from a proportion of the sales of merchandise during the festival.
