Big Top Festival FQAs
Find answers below to common questions asked about Big Top Festival.
What is Big Top Festival?
Big Top Festival is a brand‑new, free, family‑friendly celebration of circus, clowning, colour and creativity coming to Southport over the May Bank Holiday on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May.
Across two packed days, the festival will transform Southport town centre with five performance spaces across Lord Street and surrounding areas, featuring world‑class international circus acts, exciting local performers, immersive street theatre and hands‑on workshops.
When is Big Top Festival?
Big Top Festival takes place over two days on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May, during the May Bank Holiday weekend. Performances and activities will run from 11.00am to 6.00pm each day.
Where will the festival take place?
Big Top Festival will take place across Southport town centre, with performances and activities happening at the following locations:
- Town Hall Gardens
- Nevill Street
- London Square
- Market Street
- The Extravaganza Room
- Southport Market
We recommend exploring the Big Top Festival programme in advance to see what’s on, check times and locations, and plan your visit. A digital version of the programme will be available at visitsouthport.com/bigtop, and printed copies will be available on site during the event.
Do I need a ticket?
No booking or tickets are required! Big Top Festival is completely free to attend, just turn up and enjoy the performances and activities across Southport town centre.
How much is it to attend?
Big Top Festival is a free event, with no booking or tickets required.
What’s on during Big Top Festival?
Big Top Festival features a packed programme of circus performances, contemporary clowning, street theatre, workshops and family‑friendly activities across multiple locations in Southport.
We recommend exploring the Big Top Festival programme in advance to see what’s on, check times and locations, and plan your visit. A digital version of the programme will be available at visitsouthport.com/bigtop, and printed copies will be available on site during the event.
Is Big Top Festival suitable for all ages?
Yes! Big Top Festival is designed to be enjoyed by all ages. The programme includes family‑friendly circus performances, clowning, street theatre and hands‑on activities, making it suitable for children, young people and adults alike.
Where can I find accessibility information?
Visitors with access requirements are encouraged to view the Big Top Festival Accessibility Guide, please check back on this page for updates.
Please note that areas may become busy at peak times and crowds are expected throughout the event. All performances include audio, and some acts may feature fire or low‑level pyrotechnics.
How should I travel to Big Top Festival?
We encourage the use of public transport to ensure a smooth journey and to be more sustainable.
You have the option to travel by bus or train into Southport town centre.
Plan your journey here with Merseytravel & Merseyrail.
And don’t forget - during Big Top Festival, visitors can take advantage of the Merseyrail £2 travel deal. Return train travel to Southport from anywhere on the Merseyrail network is £2 for adults and £1 for children on the event days.
For information on car parking, please see our Accessibility Guide, please find full details on our FAQs.
Please note, road closures will be in place around the festival area, please find full details on our FAQs.
Travel for £2 to Southport with Merseyrail!
The event is outdoors, what should I bring?
As the event takes place at various locations, mostly outdoors, we recommend wearing weather‑appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear.
You’re welcome to bring your own refreshments, but please take any litter home with you.
Will there be food & drink at Big Top Festival?
There is no on-site food and drink offer as part of the event so make sure to book a table at some of our amazing local venues during your visit to Big Top Festival.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but please be mindful that some areas may become busy and crowded, especially around performances.
Will there be road closures?
Please note, road closures will be in place around the festival area, please find full details below.
Visitors are advised to plan their journey in advance to avoid delays.
Any businesses & residents affected will be given prior notice.
Road closure details:
Road closures will be in place on Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May, from 8.00am to 8.00pm, unless stated otherwise. London Street will be closed between Hoghton Street and Lord Street, with access only for Glebe Place and Anchor Street, affecting both sides of the Monument.
Lord Street Service Road will be closed from 8.00am and will remain closed overnight until Sunday 3rd May 8.00pm.
St George’s Place will be closed from Post Office Avenue only, the taxi rank and pay and display parking will remain in operation, with left turn only into Post Office Avenue.
Market Street from Princes Street will be closed, with limited access for resident flat car park access, business deliveries and unloading.
I'm a local business - how do I get involved?
- If your business is offering any special activity or events for Big Top Festival, you can submit your content for promotion here.
- To access social media materials to support Big Top Festival, view our Digital Toolkit.
- For any other enquiries or to speak with the team, please get in touch with us at tourism@sefton.gov.uk