It’s October Half Term week in Southport – and there are lots of things for people to enjoy!
Southport is the perfect place for families to enjoy time together, with lots of different attractions and a wide variety of events and attractions to choose from, for both children and adults.
Here are some of the October Half Term treats in Southport you won’t want to miss:
1 -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!”
2 – 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.
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!
Southport Market is preparing for a spooktacular half term of fun for all the family. Photo by Southport Market
Join Southport Market on the 26th and 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 – 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
6 – Silcock’s Carousel and Funland
Silcock’s Carousel. Photo by Sarah Pedder
Enjoy one of the most historic rides in the country, with the iconic Silcock’s Carousel on the Promenade.
Herbert Silcock’s Golden Gallopers was built in 1901 and has entertained many generations of families in the years since.
Rides are just £2 per person.
Next to the Carousel is Silcock’s Funland, Southport’s largest indoor amusement centre, where you can play games from just 2p and upwards, with a range of fantastic Halloween themed prizes to be won!
Enjoy that favourite seaside tradition – fish and chips – at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant, overlooking King’s Gardens and the Marine Lake.
7 – Spooky Unite Halloween Party in Southport
8 – The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is at The Atkinson in Southport
Tuesday 24 & Wednesday 25 October 2023
Show start time: 2:30pm.
Approximate running time: 40 mins / 20 min interval / 40 mins
Age Guidance: 5+
Ticket Price: £15 / £56 family of 4 (minimum of 1 adult)
It’s time to make a splash and join Ariel; her father, King of the Seven Seas; Ursula, the evil sea witch, and a whole host of fabulous characters in this brand-new adaptation.
Expect lots of fun, singing and dancing, all brought to you by a fantastic and energetic company of wonderful performers. Sparkling scenery, beautiful costumes, and an exciting opportunity to meet the characters after the show, this is sure to be the family show of the year that you don’t want to miss!
Visit: www.theatkinson.co.uk
9 – The Bear and the Reindeer story writing competition
Southport BID is today launching its search for the official story of The Bear and The Reindeer to celebrate Christmas in Southport
Get creative this Half Term – with the chance to win some great prizes!
Southport BID has launched its search for the official story of The Bear and The Reindeer to celebrate Christmas in Southport.
Children aged 10 and under are invited to write a short story for the competition.
The author of the winning entry will take home the prize of an iPad, plus £100 vouchers to spend in a Southport town centre venue of their choice.
The winning submission will be chosen as the official story of ‘The Bear and The Reindeer’ and will be displayed in Southport Library at The Atkinson over the festive period.
The Story Writing Competition is being held to celebrate the arrival of The Bear and The Reindeer illuminated figures for families to enjoy this Christmas period.
The new character installations, provided by Southport BID, will sit either side of the sparkling 60ft LED Christmas tree in Southport’s Town Hall Gardens.
The Bear stands at over 18ft tall and the Reindeer stands at over 13ft tall, making them perfect for taking pictures with family members.
Southport’s Christmas tree, along with The Bear and The Reindeer will be installed in November.
Submit your story by completing the submission form here.
10 – Spooky Make it! Craft Workshop at The Atkinson
Spooky Make it! Craft Workshop at The Atkinson in Southport
The Atkinson is hosting a free family craft workshop with a spooky Halloween theme on 26th October that is perfect for kids of all ages.
Be inspired by the museum, gallery, and theatre programme to create something wonderfully creepy for Halloween.
Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm.
Afterwards you can explore The Atkinson Museum, home to an impressive collection of pieces of social history and a range of interactive displays and creative activities.
Read more: https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/make-it-26oct/
11 – Churchtown Village Halloween Hunt
Churchtown Village
Get your witch’s hats on to explore Churchtown Village for their Halloween hunt.
Wander around the charming village to find the answers to all the spooky clues. If you find all the answers you could be in with the chance of winning £150 of vouchers to spend in the village.
A fun day out for the whole family and a terrific opportunity to explore some of the wonderful local businesses.
Read more: https://www.instagram.com/churchtownvillage/?hl=en
12 – 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.
13 – Half-term mischief at Riverside Holiday Park
Half-term mischief at Riverside Holiday Park
Celebrate Halloween in style with a stay at Riverside Holiday Park.
The park is running a spine-tingling set of activities all week with a range of entertainment including a thrilling Michael Jackson tribute, DJ nights, Halloween cupcake making and pumpkin carving.
The week ends on a high with a family Halloween Party where you can enjoy a family fun fair and haunted bouncy castle.
Read more: HarrisonHolidays.com
14 – 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.
15 – Spooky Halloween In The Fernery
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