April arrives this week and there’s some very exciting events to look forward to in Southport – including two big ones coming to Victoria Park!
KC Artisan Party in the Park brings live music, artisan stalls, street food, children’s entertainment and more on 11th & 12th April 2026 while you can enjoy the first Southport Sausage and Cider Festival the following Saturday (18th April 2026).
The successful Southport Artisan Market returns to Southport Market during Easter weekend, while theatre-goers will love Whistle Down The Wind by SONG; the Robin Hood Easter Panto by KD Theatre Productions (both at the Atkinson); and 39 Steps by the SDC at Southport Little Theatre.
1 – Sefton Open
Saturday 28th March 2026 – Saturday 30th May 2026
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport. Free.
The Sefton Open is an annual exhibition celebrating the creativity and artistic talent across the borough. The exhibition takes over The Atkinson’s art gallery in an eclectic salon-style hang and features a wide variety of works from individual artists and local groups.
The Atkinson’s long-standing partner, Southport Palette Club, selects the work from individual artists for the Sefton Open.
A wide variety of media is welcomed, including film, sculpture, craft, paintings, prints and textiles.
Visit: Home – The Atkinson
2 – Wayfarers Arcade Easter Egg Hunt
Families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled adventure this Easter Weekend at Wayfarers Arcade in Southport town centre.
Children of all ages are invited to take part in the Wayfarers Easter Egg Hunt, running from 11am – 4pm on 3rd, 4th and 6th April 2026.
Pop into Play On Productions (34 Wayfarers Arcade) where friendly bunnies will be waiting with your egg hunt map (and maybe a few helpful clues)
Then set off around the arcade to spot the amazing egg characters hidden in shop windows!
As you explore, write down the names of the eggs you find, or draw them if you prefer.
Once you’ve completed the trail, return to the bunnies to claim a special surprise gift… and don’t forget to grab a selfie with them too!
We’d love to see your pictures in Stand Up For Southport!
Plus, enjoy:
Live music
Market stalls
Face painting
3 – Southport Lifeboat Open Day – Good Friday!
Friday 3rd April 2026
From 10am
Lifeboat Station, Marine Drive, Southport
It’s a great chance to see what Southport Lifeboat does, meet the crew, and get a closer look at the lifeboats and equipment that help us save lives at sea.
They look forward to seeing you there!
For more information, visit: www.southport-lifeboat.org.uk
4 – Southport FC v Marine
Friday 3rd April 2026
Southport FC will host Marine on Good Friday!
Kick off, 3pm, after the huge support the team enjoyed in their FA Trophy Semi Final against Southend.
This will be a proper local rivalry at Haig Avenue.
It’s Good Friday so don’t worry about work – get your tickets online now.
The club expects high demand for tickets as always for this fixture.
Up the ‘Port!
Visit: Southport FC
5 – The Twits at Southport Market
Friday 3rd April 2026
Uh-oh… The Twits are up to something this Easter…
Get ready for lots of chocolatey chaos with “Mr and Mrs Twit’s Chocolate Heist”, a fun filled children’s theatre adventure, inspired by the much loved characters of Roald Dahl.
Perfect for children of all ages, packed with laughter, mischief and magical moments for the whole family to enjoy. This interactive show invites children to outwit the Twits as they attempt their most deliciously dastardly plan yet…
Southport Market
£8 per person
Friday 3rd April 2026
12:00pm and a 2:30pm show for you to choose from
Bring the kids along and see if you can stop the chocolate heist before it’s too late!
Visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/gambolling-arena-theatre-company
6 – Cristal Palace
Friday 3rd April & Saturday 4th April 2026
French street theatre company Transe Express brings its Cristal Palace show 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 fusion of art and theatre.
7 – Southport Artisan Market
Saturday 4th April 2026, 10am-4pm. Free entry
Enjoy the second Southport Artisan Market, a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and local talent—right at the heart of Southport Market!
Discover over 50 independent stalls showcasing the very best in arts, crafts, handmade goods, food, and drink from talented local makers and producers. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, delicious treats, or something special for yourself, you’ll find it here.
Enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, with performances taking place both inside the market and outside along King Street and Market Street— creating a buzzing atmosphere perfect for all ages.
Bring your family, meet local creators, and soak up the lively market vibes.
It’s free entry and fun for everyone.
Proudly hosted by the award‑winning Independent Street.
8 – Southport Model Engineering Club Easter Event
Easter weekend has always been a favourite with our visitors at Southport Model Engineering Club!
They plan to have trains running on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (5th & 6th April), between 11am and 3pm.
Count the Easter bunnies as you ride around the track to win Easter treats.
Play fun games to win prizes.
Enjoy Easter craft activities.
Why not bring a picnic and enjoy the picnic area (next to the children’s play area) whilst watching the trains?
No increase in price – just the usual suggested donation of £2 per passenger.
9 – Friends of Bedford Park
The Friends will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt event on Easter Sunday (5th April 2026).
Find 8 coloured tokens hidden around the park and swap them for an Easter Egg. It’s £2 to enter the Egg Hunt.
Entry to the park is free.
At the pavilion, they’ll have free refreshments, a raffle. free play area with outdoor toys and games.
We will be debuting our free 9 hole mini putting course for families of all ages.
Bedford Park will be the place to be on Easter Sunday.
You might even be able to grab a selfie with the Easter Bunny.
10 – Whistle Down The Wind
9th-11th April 2026
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
SONG presents the extraordinary and uplifting tale of Whistle Down the Wind.
Prepare to be swept away by this powerful and moving musical originally created by legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Jim Steinman.
Inspired by the beloved novel by Mary Hayley Bell, Whistle Down the Wind explores trust, redemption and the enduring power of hope. After discovering a mysterious stranger hiding in their barn, a group of local children fiercely protect him – unaware of the danger hidden behind their innocent faith.
With a soaring score, heartfelt storytelling, and moments of tender drama, SONG are thrilled to bring this compelling production to stage.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with The Really Useful Group.
Age guidance 11+ with parental discretion
Visit: Whistle Down the Wind – The Atkinson
11 – The 39 Steps
10th-18th April, 2026
Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport
The Southport Dramatic Club presents The 39 Steps, a fast-paced, side-splitting, and utterly theatrical adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, from April 10th to 18th, 2026. Prepare for a whirlwind of mistaken identities, thrilling chases, and plenty of laughs as one man finds himself caught in a deadly web of intrigue.
Follow Richard Hannay as he becomes embroiled in a mysterious plot, encountering a colourful cast of characters along the way. From femme fatales to bumbling policemen, each role is brought to life with energy and wit. Expect the unexpected as the action unfolds, with plenty of twists, turns, and laugh-out-loud moments.
Visit: 39 Steps – Southport Dramatic Club – Little Theatre Southport
12 – KC Artisan Party in the Park
Get ready to welcome Spring in style! The highly anticipated KC Artisan Spring Show (also known as KC Artisan Party in the Park) returns to Victoria Park, Southport, on Saturday 11th April 2026 and Sunday 12th April 2026, from 11am to 5pm each day.
This free-spirited, family-oriented outdoor festival transforms the iconic park into a lively celebration packed with live tribute performances, artisan stalls, street food, children’s entertainment, and more.
Doors open at 11am, giving attendees plenty of time to explore before the music kicks off.
Highlights include an electrifying lineup of tribute acts performing chart-topping hits:
Saturday 11th April
• 12:00pm – Sabrina Carpenter tribute
• 1:15pm – Princess Show (perfect for little ones!)
• 2:30pm – Little Mix tribute
• 3:45pm – Taylor Swift tribute
Sunday 12th April
• 12:00pm – Katy Perry tribute
• 1:15pm – Jess Glynne tribute
• 2:30pm – ABBA tribute
• 3:45pm – Spice Girls tribute
Beyond the stage, visitors can browse a curated selection of artisan markets featuring handmade crafts, unique gifts, and local creative talent. Delicious street food vendors will serve up tasty treats, while an inflatable village, face painting, and other kids’ activities keep the younger crowd entertained throughout the weekend.
• Advance tickets recommended for the best price (available via KC Artisan’s social channels or event partners).
• Pay on the door available (subject to availability and at a higher price).
• Adults: £5 per day or £8 for the full weekend.
• Children: Free (under 12s typically complimentary—check for specifics).
Buy tickets: Tickets: K.C Artisan Party in the Park | Victoria Park Southport Sat 11 April 2026
13 – Hope’s Help 10k Walk
People are invited to join the Hope’s Help 10k Walk in Southport from 10am on Saturday 11th April 2026.
Walkers will be starting and finishing at the Cheshire Lines pub on King Street in Southport, with food and refreshments for everybody.
Sign up here: Samantha L is fundraising for Hope’s Help Charity
Entry fee is £5pp.
Let’s hope for sunshine as we come together to support a wonderful cause.
14 – Boxing At The Bistro
Boxing At The Bistro is back this April!
This event, by Southport Stars Boxing Club, will take place at the former Bistro Pierre restaurant on Lord Street in Southport town centre on Saturday, 11th April 2026.
Doors open 6.30pm.
Tickets are available from: Tickets: Southport Stars Boxing Show | Bistro Pierre Southport Sat 11 April 2026
There will be a raffle and entertainment on the night, with some fantastic prizes to be won.
Dress code is smart casual.
15 – Southport Sausage & Cider Festival
Brace yourselves for Elite Event’s next big event of the year.
After the success of Southport Oktoberfest and the Southport St Patrick’s Day Shindig Party, they bring you the Southport Sausage & Cider Festival sponsored by Thatcher’s Cider.
This event takes place at Victoria Park in Southport on Saturday, 18th April 2026.
There are two sessions, at 1pm-5pm and 6pm-10pm.
Enjoy a full day of sausages, cider, beer, live bands, DJs, hundreds of prizes to give away on the day and someone will have the chance to walk away with their height in cider!
First release of tickets nearly sold out.
Visit: Tickets: Sausage & Cider Festival | Victoria Park Southport Sat 18 April 2026
16 – Robin Hood: Easter Pantomime
Saturday 18th April 2026 (1pm and 5pm)
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
KD Theatre Productions presents Robin Hood.
Don’t miss this brand new laugh-out-loud, egg-stravagant Easter adventure for the whole family, brought you to by KD Theatre Productions, the hitmakers behind The Atkinson’s Christmas pantomimes ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2025), ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (2024) and ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ (2023).
Starring the Fabulous Fanny Galore as the glittering Spirit of Sherwood, alongside Easter panto favourites Ben Parsley (aka the ever-hilarious Silly Billy), Rob Stevens, Terry Burns and Katherine Hickmott – this all-star cast is ready to steal your hearts (and a few laughs too!).
Join Robin Hood and his band of Merry Folk as they outwit the wicked Sheriff of Rottingham, save the townsfolk, and help our hero win the hand of the fair Maid Marion – all in true panto style!
Packed with toe-tapping tunes, dazzling dance routines, side-splitting comedy and audience participation galore, Robin Hood is a feel-good family treat that’s guaranteed to hit the bullseye this Easter!
Visit: Robin Hood Easter Pantomime – The Atkinson
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
