Longton Live 2026: Your guide as 130 performances planned as music festival returns this weekend

Longton Live is back this coming weekend (June 26 and 27), with more than 130 live performances planned at numerous venues in the village.

The two-day live music event, organised by South Ribble Borough Council in partnership with The Creative Network, has been bringing live music to Longton for 15 years.

This year, Saturday evening timings for Longton Live have been adjusted so music lovers can enjoy the event and still catch England’s World Cup match later that evening.

Councillor Matthew Farnworth, South Ribble Borough Council Cabinet Member for Parks, Events and Culture, said: “The event gets better each year and provides a great opportunity for the community to come together, support local businesses and celebrate local talent.

“With a range of music, from pop and rock to country, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across fantastic venues, so get your wristband and get ready for an unforgettable weekend that you won’t want to miss.”

Nigel Stewart, from The Creative Network, said: “Our aims in running these festivals for 15 years now are threefold: firstly, to give the local population fantastic memories of live performances; secondly, to encourage local businesses to put on live events in their venues; and thirdly, to create a local scene that would benefit every local musician. Come along and support these incredible performers.”

Here’s everything you need to know…

When will the live music performances be?

The live music festival is set to take place on Friday, June 26, from 7pm to 11pm, and on Saturday, June 27, from 5pm to 9pm.

Saturday’s timings have been brought forward to allow festival-goers to enjoy the live music ahead of England’s World Cup match against Panama at 9pm.

Do you need wristbands for this year’s event and how much are they?

Yes, as in previous years, wristbands are required for entry to the event and will be available to purchase from official Longton Live venues, as well as participating acts.

The wristbands, which give music lovers access to all official venues on both nights, are priced at just £6, with under-12s going free*.

Where are this year’s venues?

This year’s festival will be hosted at 17 venues in Longton:

The Black Bull, Booths, The Golden Ball, Hopton’s Tap House and Cocktails, Lemon Tree, Longton Library, The Lounge, The Orchid Café, The Ram’s Head, The Red Lion, Romano’s, SPAR Longton, St Andrew’s Church, St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Oswald’s School, VM Sports Club and WI Hall.

More details about what’s on are available in the event programme.

Will there be any traffic disruption or road closures during Longton Live?

During the two-day event, a section of Liverpool Road will be closed from its junction with Chapel Lane to its junction with Marsh Lane from 6pm to midnight on Friday, June 26, and from 4pm to 10pm on Saturday, June 27.

Some public transport services will also be affected, with bus stops on Liverpool Road between the Marsh Lane and Chapel Lane junctions not operating during the road closure.

However, buses will follow diversion routes in both directions, with alternative bus stops operating as usual.