Annual Diversion festival returns to Northwich in June

The Annual Diversion will be held at the Salty Dog in High Street for its fourth edition.

After a hiatus in 2025 to accommodate the Live Aid anniversary show, the festival is making its return.

The festival is organised in collaboration with Rare Vitamin Records, the Salty Dog, The Doghouse, Max Mutant, Hard Copy Studio, Kicked In The Teeth, Hazels Maze, Gas Kunst, Cold Comfort, and Half Beard, Half Poet.

Scheduled for June 12 to 14, this year's programme features six gigs in and around the Salty Dog, be it on the main stage, upstairs in the record shop, or out in the beer garden.

Max Mutant (Image: Supplied)

This event will be running concurrently with the Northwich Town Music Fest, where it will serve as a fringe event.

Kicking off the festival on Friday, June 12, at 6pm is a hip-hop takeover curated by Max Mutant on the Salty Dog stage.

The event will be hosted by Motor Mouf and will feature special appearances from Dr Syntax, Bat Funk, and more.

Half Beard, Half Poet (Image: Supplied)

Half Beard, Half Poet will take over on Saturday, June 13, from 12pm to 3pm, bringing an afternoon of 'Wichcraft & Wordery' to the Salty Dog stage.

The lineup includes performances from Kieren King, Rose Condo, Thick Richard, Lousie Fazackerley, and The Bowling Green Writing Group.

The Doghouse will be transformed by Hazels Maze from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday, delivering a rare set of drone, psych, and noise from Dave and Harry of Hazels Maze.

Kicked In The Teeth (Image: Supplied)

That evening will see Northwich's hardcore punk band, Kicked In The Teeth, take over the Salty Dog stage from 6pm to 11pm, presenting an evening filled with punk performances.

On Sunday, the Tiki Garden will host a Cold Comfort and friends DJ set from 12pm to 2pm, followed by a live performance.

The festival will conclude with an afternoon curated by Gas Kunst from 2pm to 6pm, featuring spaced-out garage psych jam performances from The DSM IV, Gas Kunst, Severe Girls, The Whalleys, and European Taxis.

Gas Kunst (Image: Supplied)

All shows before 6pm are open to all ages, with under 18s required to be accompanied by an adult.

This year's Annual Diversion promises a variety of performances and genres, catering to a wide range of musical tastes.

Tickets are available through fatsoma.com/e/90z2vhgc/annual-diversion-12th-13th-14th-june-2026.