Wow – what a weekend we have coming up in Southport!
Lots of families are enjoying the Half Term break from school; we have Halloween coming up; and some are getting into the Christmas spirit!
Here are 10 unmissable events happening in Southport this weekend that you won’t want to miss!
1 – Christmas Lights Switch On at The Grand
The Christmas lights switch on has taken place at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport. The Grand owner Andrew Mikhail; Father Christmas; and radio star Claire Simmo. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Families are invited to enjoy the spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On at The Grand in Southport!
The most sparkling festive event in Southport has become even bigger and better this year.
The evening, hosted by In Demand radio DJ Claire Simmo, will take place from 6pm on Sunday 29th October, 2023 at the Grand on Lord Street.
Visitors can enjoy a brass band, live music, festive songs from vocalist Dave Broe, mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies and more.
Last year, which saw The Grand’s first Christmas, drew gasps from guests as they enjoyed seeing over 15,000 twinkling lights, 6,000 baubles, a giant Christmas tree and garlands galore.
This year, owners Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group are adding even more show-stopping festive decorations, as The Grand celebrates its 100th anniversary.
2 -Victorian Weekend at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade
People are being invited to enjoy a very special Victorian Weekend as the historic Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport celebrates its 125th anniversary.Master of Ceremonies Jordan Plunkett and Vesta Tilley with children from the Alison Wright School of Dance and Drama. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
People are being invited to enjoy a very special Victorian Weekend as the historic Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport celebrates its 125th anniversary.
The stunning Grade II Listed landmark, which opened on the Lord Street shopping boulevard in 1898, is hosting the event on Saturday, 28th October and Sunday, 29th October 2023.
The occasion is free to attend and will feature a host of music hall singing and dancing, performers in Victorian costume, Victorian plays and more.
A Victorian Master of Ceremonies will introduce a variety of very talented performers from the Gambolling Arena Theatre Company and the Alison Wright School of Dance and Drama.
Families will also be able to browse local shops or sit down to enjoy a drink and something to eat from one of the arcade’s cafes.
Gambolling Arena Director Suzy Walker said: “We are looking forward to transporting shoppers at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport back to the 19th century through the lens of music halls and days gone by!”
3 – El Kiddo family event comes to Southport
El Kiddo is coming to Waterfront Hotel in Southport, courtesy of DJ Harrison McDonald (Harry MC) and Mark Pickup of Southport TV
A talented teenage music innovator is bringing the family friendly ‘El Kiddo’ Halloween event to Southport.
Aged just 17, DJ Harrison McDonald, known as Harry MC, has already enjoyed the type of career that his peers could only dream of.
After a sell out summer in Ibiza, running his own hugely successful family event called ‘El Kiddo’ based at the island’s infamous Bam Bu Ku, following a popular run in Dubai, Harry and his Dad have teamed up with local event organiser Mark Pickup from Southport TV.
Together they are bringing this family music-based extravaganza to Southport on Sunday 29th October 2023 to The Waterfront Hotel, Promenade Southport (formally Bliss).
El Kiddo will bring a family party like no other, with off-the-wall entertainment and a high-energy line-up of talented tribute acts including Katy Perry and Taylor Swift as well as Harry MC and a local DJ competition winner.
For more information and tickets head to:
4 – Southport Market’s Halloween Monster Ball Bash!
The Monster Ball at Southport Market
Head to Southport Market on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th October for their Halloween Bash – with a spooky disco, dancing, fancy dress competitions, ghoulish games and even a goody bag to take home!
The amazing Baz Todd will be hosting and entertaining throughout the day to bring you a fun-filled SpOooOky celebration!
There’s a boo-rilliant prize for the best Halloween costume, so make sure you dress to impress!
Tickets are £10 for children with adults and under 1s free. Each disco will last approximately 1.5 hours and will have an interval halfway through where you can purchase food & drink from one of the amazing traders.
Read more: https://southportmarket.com/event/halloween-monster-ball-bash-3/
5 – Official opening of new Cornerstone Library
Violunteers take part in a charity walk for the new Cornerstone Library in Churchtown in Southport. Photo by Louise Heys
The opening of Southport’s newest library takes place this weekend!
The Cornerstone Library will open at The Cornerstone Methodist Church on Marshside Road in Churchtown on Saturday 28th October 2023.
Former Heartbeat TV star David Lonsdale will perform the official opening at 10am, all welcome.
The new facility follows a 10-year campaign to reopen a library in the northern half of Southport.
It follows the closure of Churchtown Library in 2013, one of seven in Sefton – and three in Southport (Churchtown, Birkdale and Ainsdale) – that were closed that year by Sefton Council at a time when it faced huge cuts to local authority funding.
The new library in Churchtown will be operated by local charity, the North Meols Library Association.
A series of fundraising events have taken place in recent years including a charity walk from the site of the old Churchtown Library to the site of the new one.
6 – Help create moving RAF Lancaster poppy tribute at The Atkinson
The Atkinson in Southport will be hosting a new exhibition of work by artist Suhail Shaikh. Central to this is a handmade paper Lancaster Bomber
People are being invited to help create a special new attraction at The Atkinson in Southport which will pay tribute to the heroes of RAF Bomber Command.
They will be contributing to the stunning new artwork by Suhail Shaikh, who is creating a hand-made section of a Lancaster bomber made from paper.
Suhail’s iconic Spitfire paper sculpture, the centre of The Atkinson’s previous Courage and Devotion exhibition, currency hangs proudly from the ceiling at the cultural hub.
People will be able to see Suhail’s latest artwork next month.
Over 12,000 Bomber Command aircraft were shot down during World War II, and 55,500 aircrew were killed, the highest attrition rate of any British unit.
Despite their incredible courage and terrible losses, those who served in RAF Bomber Command have never received the plaudits and recognition awarded to other services.
People are invited to take part in an event – Remembrance Poppies: Craft Workshop – which takes place at The Atkinson on Lord Street in Southport 2pm-4pm this Saturday (28th October 2023).
It is a free, drop-in event. Donations are welcome.
7 – Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Grand
A Rocky Horror Picture Show event is coming to The Grand in Southport
Get ready for a wild and wicked Halloween event at The Grand, Southport, as they present their electrifying Rocky Horror Picture Show extravaganza!
Embrace the decadence and give in to pleasure as you join us for a night of chilling fun on Saturday, 28th October, starting at 7pm.
Step into the world of Frank N Furter and immerse yourself in the vibrant and macabre atmosphere of the Rocky Horror universe. Let your inhibitions go and unleash your inner wild child as you party the night away with the cast and fellow enthusiasts.
Indulge in our spine-tingling cocktails, specially crafted to transport you to the strange and seductive realm of Transylvania. From a tantalising “Time Warp Martini” to the bewitching “Sweet Transylvania Sour,” these haunting libations will be the perfect accompaniment to your night of revelry.
As you sip on your otherworldly drinks, indulge in a themed buffet, featuring an array of delectable treats. From sinister snacks to ghoulishly delightful dishes, culinary offerings will satisfy your cravings as you embrace the spirit of the night.
Tickets for this sensational event are £40, which includes access to the spellbinding show and a themed buffet.
Book tickets: thegrand.co.uk
8 – Spooky Unite Halloween Party in Southport
9 – Southport Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal launch
The Southport Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal has taken place in Southport. Mayor of Sefton Cllr Clare Carragher (centre) with local veterans Russ Swinburne (left) and Dave Walmsley (right)
Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Southport Royal British Legion is inviting people to join them for their annual Poppy Appeal launch this weekend.
The event takes place at Southport Town Hall from 10am this Saturday (28th October 2023). All are welcome.
Please meet us outside the Town Hall. We’d love you to join us to mark this important occasion.
Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns will be among VIPs in attendance along with local cadets.
Volunteers are being invited to give some time to support the appeal in Southport this year.
10 – Autumn Flower Show at Marble Place
Alan Foxall and Southport Chrysanthemum and Gardening Society present their Autumn Show at Marble Place shopping centre on Chapel Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Join Southport Chysanthemum and Gardening Society for a Harvest Festival Autumn Show at Marble Place on Chapel Street in Southport town centre between 10am and 5pm this Saturday and Sunday (28th and 29th October 2023).
See the exhibits, buy Spring bulbs, a raffle ticket ticket and guess the name of the Elf.
Organiser Alan Foxall said: “We look forward to seeing you!”
Free admission.
11 – Spooky Halloween In The Fernery
12 – Home, I’m Darling
Home, Im Darling at Southport Little Theatre
Home, I’m Darling runs at 7:30pm each evening until Saturday 28th October.
Box office is open 11am-1pm then again at 6pm when there is a performance. Visit in person or call 01704 530521/01704 530460.
To book for any SDC shows, you can find our online box office by visiting the Little Theatre Southport website and clicking “Book Now”.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
