Beyond the tracks

Paul Simon Homeward BoundThe stuff of music legend, you can’t mention Widnes Station to anyone without them referred to Paul Simon and the track Homeward Bound. As with most claims to fame it is disputed but Widnes is still holding strong as our very own Geoff Speed...

Freddie Mercury the broken mic standForget Wembley and stadiums, Widnes holds a cheeky early chapter in Freddie Mercury’s meteoric story. In 1969, Freddie (then known as Farrokh Bulsara) travelled with local band Ibex, led by Widnes guitarist Mike Bersin, performing...

WidstockBy the late 1990s, Widnes wasn’t exactly known as a cultural hotspot. But for six glorious summers, Victoria Park became the beating heart of a grassroots music revolution. From 1999 to 2004, Widstock was the free festival that gave local talent a stage and...

The Beatles DawsonsThink Beatlemania was all London glamour and Liverpool grit? Think again. The Fab Four’s autograph history hides a gem: out of just four official record signings ever, two happened in Widnes. Yes, Widnes played host to half of the Beatles’ entire...

Market-festEstablished on 5th September 2021 Market Fest was the daytime festival, that was a part of the Celebrate Halton Music three-day event for Halton’s first ‘Borough Of Culture’ within the Liverpool City Region. Co-produced by Halton Borough Council, Widnes...

Johnny RoccoIf you’ve ever strolled into the local pubs of Widnes, you’ve probably heard the name Johnny Rocco whispered with a grin and maybe a story or two. He wasn’t just a singer; he was a full-blown showman with a backstory that could fill a book. Before the...

The Beatles the music shopOwned by Colin Hirons, ex Widnes Rugby League player, The Music Shop supplied pre match and half-time music at Naughton Park (DCBL Stadium). Eventually succeeded by his children, other staff included manageress Margaret Rathbone, who was...

Elvis CostelloElvis Costello, singer songwriter and record producer, performed in Widnes Four whilst in his early band Rusty, between October 1972 and February 1973. They performed once here when it was The Grosvenor Hotel, twice at The Crow’s Nest and once at...

Queens Hall The Queens Hall has been described as the most significant venue in Widnes and also as a local factory of curiosity and expression. Well known for The Beatles appearances in ‘62 & ‘63 and as a thriving Mersey Beat hub for both local and Liverpool based...

Jaki Florek LooseKnown to many as their Ceramics Lecturer at Halton College, now known as Riverside College, Jaki Florek describes those 18 years as "like being part of a big family". She moved to Runcorn in 1974 and has had a huge impact on the music and arts scene...