Lightport 14 - 16 February 2026
Lightport was a spectacular, free immersive light and sound experience that transformed Southport’s iconic Lord Street into a breathtaking walk‑through rainbow of colour, creativity and joy. Produced by leading international artists Lucid Creates, the event marked a hugely successful moment for the town and a standout start to Southport’s 2026: Elegantly Eccentric cultural programme.
Across three unforgettable evenings, thousands of families and visitors of all ages travelled from across the North West to explore a vibrant world of light, sound and movement. Stretching from Mermaid Gardens along a 400‑metre route in the heart of the town, the playful trail of interactive installations filled Lord Street with energy, wonder and atmosphere, creating magical shared moments and lasting memories.
Visit Southport again for more Elegantly Eccentric events taking place throughout the year, discover what’s coming next and plan your visit here!
Explore Lightport
Inside The Rainbow transforms the gardens into an immersive, illuminated landscape. Mirrored LEDs, towering light bars, rainbow-lit water, lasers and prismatic installations create an ethereal, interconnected world, culminating in a magical “End of the Rainbow” moment, an enchanting and…
London Square hosts a number of experiences, including GRADIENTS: a luminous installation of layered, permeable light sheets forming a horizontal rainbow. Visitors move through shifting planes of colour as gradients morph and flow, transforming light into a tangible, navigable space that blurs…
ELEMENTAL - A water projection rises above the pond behind the monument, hovering, twisting and gently shape-shifting in mid-air within a veil of fine mist to create a spectral hologram. Water droplets produce a delicate, ephemeral canvas on which a surreal, three-dimensional display floats and…
ARC - A jaw-dropping, dreamlike vision rises from the ground at the heart of Town Hall Gardens. A complete, luminous rainbow that can be entered and experienced from within. The momentary, untouchable nature of the rainbow is replaced with a tangible depiction of this universal symbol of optimism…
Southport 2026: A year of spectacular events
Lightport marked the first event of the Southport 2026 programme, a year‑long celebration of the town’s Elegantly Eccentric past, present and future. Using cutting‑edge lighting technology and immersive audio, Lightport set the tone for a year packed with culture, creativity and unforgettable experiences.
Alongside Southport’s annual iconic events, the 2026 programme introduces a spectacular line‑up of new experiences, including giant chandeliers, world‑class circus performers and never‑ending rainbows, forming part of a hugely ambitious programme of new cultural events for Southport.
Southport 2026 is produced by Sefton Council with Creative support from Culture Liverpool.
The Southport 2026 programme has been financially supported by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Sefton Borough Council, Home Bargains, Arts Council England Place Partnership Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Merseyrail.
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