Southport Elegantly Eccentric

Giant Chandeliers, world class circus performers and never ending rainbows will all be on show in Southport this year as part of a hugely ambitious programme of new cultural events.


As one of the UK’s most historic seaside destinations, Southport has long drawn generations of visitors with its elegant boulevards, Victorian architecture and flamboyant history.


For over two centuries, it’s been a place of performance, spectacle and eccentric entertainment with visitors from Napoleon III to Judy Garland revelling in Venetian Gondolas taking over the water, Elephants parading on Lord Street, Camel Races on the beach and famous street entertainers diving from the pier.


Now, that spirit is set to return on a grand scale as the town transforms into a year-round stage for art, performance, music and imagination.

 

Full details on the programme can be found at www.southport26.com.

Southport 2026 events

Big Top Festival May 02

Big Top Festival

World-class circus acts to ‘Roll up!’ in Southport for May Bank Holiday Big Top Festival Families will be given a unique chance to clown around, stilt walk and juggle alongside world-class circuit acts when Southport hosts a spectacular two-day Big Top Festival this May Bank Holiday…

Books Alive Oct 24

Books Alive

Imagine you could step into your favourite book?  A joyful celebration of reading and stories, Books Alive will reimagine what a literature festival means for kids.  Adults allowed too.

Get to the Southport events with Merseyrail

A wide promotional graphic on a pink background advertising travel to Southport. Large bold text reads “£2 to Southport,” with coin illustrations around the headline. Smaller text below says “Fast Track to Southport’s unmissable events with £2 adult & £1 child fares” and “Check your train times at www.merseyrail.org/southport.” The right side features playful illustrated scenes including people heading to events, a train, a plane, fireworks, a chandelier, and leisure activities, suggesting festivals, attractions, and days out. Small print at the bottom notes that fares apply on selected event dates and are funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

£2 to Southport

Fast Track to Southport's unmissable events with £2 adult and £1 child fares* Fares apply on selected Southport event dates only. Terms apply.

Southport 2026 News

A large light installation that is a ring of rainbow light with a dark background and smoke across the floor. Jan 19
News

Southport Lights Up February Half Term with Free Immersive Art Event

  • 2 minute read

Southport is set to glow this February half term as Lightport, a brand-new free immersive light art experience, takes over the town’s iconic Lord Street for three magical evenings to mark the start of Southport 2026, a year-long cultural calendar of events in the town. Running from…

Southport Originals