What's On in Southport

Performer in bright clothing from Transe Express theatre company in front of the Cristal Palace Chandelier

Cristal Palace - 3 & 4 April

What's on for Southport 2026

Southport offers a spectacular series of events each year. This year, as well as our regular events, we're bringing a spectacular of giant chandeliers, world class circus performers and never ending rainbows - as part of a hugely ambitious programme of new cultural events for Southport 2026. 

 

Here's what to expect:

Lightport | 14 - 16 February

A breathtaking immersive light and sound installation from leading international artists Lucid Creates that will turn the town into a walk-through rainbow of colour and creativity.

Find out more here.

Cristal Palace | 3 - 4 April

World-renowned French street theatre company Transe Express brings its spectacular show Cristal Palace to Lord Street with a 15-metre-wide flying chandelier, transforming the street into an open- air ballroom with live music, aerial performance and dance, a dazzling fusion of art and theatre set to be one of the year’s defining moments.

Big Top Festival | 2 - 3 May

Big Top Festival will take over the town with the best of modern circus including shows from world renowned companies including Circa and Gandini Juggling coming to one of the artforms spiritual homes. Across open-air stages, audiences can expect breathtaking acts, live music and hands-on workshops for all ages.

Books Alive! | 24 - 31 October

Books Alive! Is a reimagined literature festival designed for families and young readers. Running through half-term, the event will fill the town with storytelling installations, live performances and author-led workshops, turning Southport into a living storybook.

Keep checking southport2026.com for dates and further details.

 

The 154th Open | 12 - 19 July

2026 will also see Royal Birkdale host golf’s most famous championship, The Open, for the 11th time.

Championship play will start on Thursday 16th July and run across four days until Sunday 19th July when the winner and Champion Golfer of the Year will be crowned.

Find out more here.

 

Mark your calendar for Southport's original events:

If you love good food and good times, you need Southport Food and Drink Festival in your diary! It is a favourite every year for foodies and families alike. If you’re keen to support local, this free event offers an abundance of local traders who sell goodies to enjoy at the Festival, alongside hand-picked producers offering tasty ingredients for you to take home.

Thrill seekers must check out Southport Air Show, where you can expect aerobatic displays from jets, fighters, bombers, helicopters, and historic aircraft. Keep your eyes on the skies. Experience the next best thing to being in the aircraft in a simulator or bring a picnic and enjoy watching the whole show from the beach.

Once the summer is in full bloom, spend an afternoon at Southport Flower Show, boasting beautiful floral displays, food, drink, and other entertainment for all. For those who have a passion for gardening, you can enter your lovingly nurtured home-grown produce in our Amateur Growers’ Marquee competition.

If firework displays are your thing, then make sure you book a ticket for our British Musical Fireworks Championship. Get your dancing feet ready to enjoy the only UK firework competition that is choreographed to music. We love watching competitors battle it out, each hoping to be crowned the ultimate winner!

Stars from the world of comedy are here to brighten up our autumn nights with fun and laughter with the annual Southport Comedy Festival, in the beautiful grounds of Victoria Park. 

Southport also boasts a lively culture and music scene when it comes to events, with regular events in The Atkinson, from theatre productions to regular music gigs and all the niche events in between.

With plenty of events all year around, there’s always something happening in Southport.

Tags: Whats On in Southport, Events in Southport, Southport Events

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