WARRINGTON Music Festival will return next month – bigger and better than before.

The free open-air event will take place in Golden Square’s Old Market Place once again, spotlighting new and emerging indie rock talent from across the region.

But this year there will also be a second stage at Time Square, which will showcase a diverse range of artists across different genres.

Warrington Music Festival was founded in 2007 and is organised by Steve Oates, from music development company, Score Creative, and Christian Persoglio, from Culture Warrington, and Golden Square.

“It’s great to see so many bands and musicians, either from Warrington or with strong ties to Warrington, coming together again in 2024 for this brilliant town centre event,” said Steve.

“The Warrington Music Festival is all about community building and it’s a great opportunity for the people of Warrington to come out and see and hear for themselves what an amazing pool of talent we have in our midst.”

This year, Warrington Music Festival will take place on Saturday, May 25, starting at midday and is free to attend.

Warrington band, The Ambersons, will return to the festival once again as headliners after their performance, Winter Songs, last year at Pyramid Arts Centre which was met with much acclaim.

“We’re totally buzzing,” said Andy Fairnington, bassist and songwriter for the band.

“It was a great day when I got that call, let’s just say it didn’t take long to say yes.

“The event means a lot to us; we’ve enjoyed some memorable shows on that stage from headlining back in 2012 and then as main support to The Happy Mondays in 2013.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be back topping the bill in 2024.

“We’re already working on a huge summer festival set, full of energy and surprises.”

Warrington Music Festival has helped launch the careers of bands such as Winachi, who work with some of the biggest producers in California, and Slydigs, who toured with The Who.

“We’re proud to be a part of Warrington Music Festival,” said Christian, from Culture Warrington.

“It not only offers a great, free day out for music lovers but provides an important showcase for the town’s talent.

“You only have to look at a band like The K’s to see how far young, motivated musicians can go with the right support.”

Golden Square has been involved in Warrington Music Festival for more than a decade and will be continuing to support and play a key part in the event.

“We’ve seen so many fantastic gigs here over the years and the atmosphere is always buzzing,” said Ian Cox, director of Golden Square.

“What I particularly love about the event is that it brings everyone together – families, friends and couples of all ages.

“It has a sense of community about it.”