Here are 20 superb events happening in Southport this September that you won’t want to miss!
What an amazing summer we’ve had in Southport. Tens of thousands of people have flocked to our town to enjoy spectacular events such as Southport Flower Show, Southport Food and Drink Festival, the Southport BID’s Eurovision celebrations and more.
But don’t worry – September is bursting into life with more amazing attractions to enjoy including Southport Air Show, Southport Comedy Festival, the British Musical Fireworks Championship and Southport Strongman!
Here are some of the events to make sure you visit:
The Mersey Beatles
Saturday 2nd September 2023 from 8pm, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.
Fans of The Beatles prepare to be wowed by the world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four
The Mersey Beatles have been rocking sold-out shows around the globe since 1999 with their truly authentic and widely acclaimed celebration of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
The band – who clocked up more than 600 appearances in a 10-year residency at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club – brilliantly exude the inner and outer spirit of the original Fab Four.
From the costumes, instruments, cheeky Scouse wit and, of course, that brilliant era-defining Mersey sound, The Mersey Beatles stunning live stage show is a gloriously presented hit-packed celebration of the music that changed the world.
Throughout two unforgettable hours, they take the audience on a fabulous ride through the ‘mop top’ hits of Beatlemania, the psychedelic creativity of Sgt Pepper to the melodic wonder and energy of the Fab Four’s later work.
So, roll up, roll up for this very special ‘Magical History Tour’ – a splendid time is guaranteed for all!
Visit: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Southport Strongman
Southport’s Strongest Novice and Inters strongman competition took place at CTC Fitness in Southport. Photo by Stuart Scott
Sunday 3rd September 2023, 10am-4pm, CTC Fitness, Kensington Road Industrial Estate, Hall Road, Southport PR9 0NY.
Southport’s Strongest returns for its fourth year with over 50 athletes signed up to compete.
Competition Organiser Stuart Scott and CTC Owner Mike Tobin invite you to come and watch grass roots strongman!
The athletes, both men’s and women’s categories, will compete over five events which include:
Rileys Removals Truck Pull
The CTC Press Medley
Classic Deadlift
The Alex Scott Super Yoke
The Gods Of Grip Hercules Hold
Last of The Summer Picnics
Sunday 3rd September 2023, Village Green, Ainsdale, 1pm-6.30pm.
Enjoy a free community event in Ainsdale.
Due to the usual annual Picnic on the Green being cancelled, organisers bring you ..
Last Of The Summer Picnics!
Picnic 1pm til 5pm. Bring your own or treat yourself to a delicious Jabbiella’s picnic (pre-order. By emailing: jabbiellas@outlook.com
There will be a raft fayre 3pm til 6.30pm. Bring your purse there will be some lovely handmade items available to buy from some talented local makers
Enjoy children’s yoga and mindfulness taster sessions with Leanne Lucas from ‘Enlighten’.
DJ Paul Crilly will be spinning some tunes for you to boogie to. Bring your dancing feet!
There will be Daydream facepainting 3pm til 5 pm for your little tiger/princess or whatever they want to be
Call into the children’s craft area. Bring out your little one’s creativity and have some fun.
Southport Air Show
The Typhoon and Spitfire at Southport Air Show. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Saturday and Sunday 9th-10th September 2023, Southport Beach.
The RAF Red Arrows and the RAF Typhoon Display Team are among aircraft confirmed for this year’s Southport Air Show!
The world famous RAF Red Arrows aerobatic display team will appear at the Show on Saturday 9th September 2023.
Other RAF legends have also been confirmed:
RAF Typhoon Display Team – Sunday 10th September 2023
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Lancaster/Hurricane/Spitfire – Saturday 9th September 2023 and Sunday 10th September 2023
You can book Southport Air Show tickets here.
Under 16s go free.
Heritage Open Days
The fernery at the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
8th-17th September 2023, various locations in Southport.
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
In the Southport area, you can discover: 150 years of Fern Fern Fun at the Botanic Gardens; A Big Surprise at Southport Little Theatre; A Dander through the Verandahs; and much more.
Visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Southport Wayfarers Arcade Craft and Gift Fair
Southport Wayfarers Arcade Craft and Gift Fair . Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Saturday, 9th September 2023, 10am-4pm at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, Lord Street, Southport.
Free admission.
Monthly Craft and Gift Fair inside the historic Wayfarers Arcade at the heart of Southport town centre.
Pick up unique gifts from local independent artisan traders.
Stall enquiries to marissa@memorylanefairs.com or phone 07460 304 327.
Rhys James: Spilt Milk
Saturday 9th September 2023, 7.30pm.
Following a sold out nationwide tour, Rhys James is right back where he belongs: on tour around the country, with a markedly different schedule to Chelsea’s fixture list to prove he is not the footballer.
One of the final Mock The Week regulars and star of Live At The Apollo, Rhys’s previous tour sold out over 70 dates nationwide. Since then he’s released a third, ARIA nominated, Radio 4 series; starred in ‘The Great American Joke Off’ for US network The CW; and been hurled through the air on a bungee cord by Micah Richards on ‘A League Of Their Own’.
Also seen on Richard Osman’s House Of Games (dressing gown, luggage, decanter), Celebrity Mastermind (The US Office, 3rd place) and Pointless Celebrities (wore a tuxedo, out in round 2).
Visit: www.theatkinson.co.uk
The Clue Is In The Architecture Tour
The Christmas decorations at The Atkinson in Southport, installed by IllumiDex UK Ltd. Photo by Claire Brown
Monday 11th September 2023, 11am-12pm.
As part of this year’s Heritage Open Days, take a tour of the whole Atkinson facility in Southport, both outside and inside, to see the architectural details of the three buildings which make up The Atkinson and reveal their previous purposes.
Starting with the glorious façade of the building, walk through the building looking at the clues found in the architecture of the building to discover the previous uses of our wonderful building.
The event is free however booking is required. To book please email Caroline.Charnock@sefton.gov.uk
Sandgrounders Business Club
Guests enjoy the first Sandgrounders Business Club at Southport Football Club. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Thursday, 14th September 2023.
The brand new Sandgrounders Business Club in Southport is now up and running!
The first event, held at Southport Football Club, was a great success with the second gathering due to take place on Thursday, 14th September 2023.
The Sandgrounders Business Club is a new initiative which allows local business people in Southport and the surrounding area to gather in a positive, relaxed and friendly environment.
It is free to attend and there is no pressure on how many events you attend.
People are invited to register their place using this link.
Jail & Bail
Daniel Doherty, owner of the Ripples bathroom showroom in Southport, is among people taking part in the Jail and Bail fundraising initiative for Queenscourt Hospice. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Friday 15th September 2023, Access point, Southport.
Would you love to take part in this year’s most outrageous fundraising event?
Jail & Bail will see over a dozen community-minded people ‘locked up’ in the prison cells at the former Southport Magistrates’ Court building – for a variety of heinous ‘crimes’.
Their only way to escape? By completing daring challenges and seeking support from local people as they try to raise at least £999 in ‘bail’ money!
Every penny raised through Jail & Bail will go towards Queenscourt Hospice.
The charity provides care and support for residents across West Lancashire, Southport and Formby, 365 days a year.
Queenscourt is staging this brand new fundraiser in collaboration with Stand Up For Southport.
It takes place between 10am and 3pm on Friday, 15th September 2023 at Access Point, which is based inside the former Southport Magistrates’ Court building, on Albert Road in Southport.
A handful of local ‘criminals’ have already had their collars felt – now organisers are reaching out for more willing participants to join in!
Local businesses including The Cheshire Lines Inn pub in Southport are supporting the initiative on the day.
The Christians
Friday 15th September 2023 7.30pm-9.30pm The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.
Renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits …Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, Whats in a Word, Hooverville, Words, Father, The Bottle and many more The Christians enjoyed huge acclaim in the late 80s and early 90s both in the UK and Europe and often confused people with their band name (in fact just the brothers surname with absolutely no religious connotation!)
Still headed by enigmatic lead singer Garry Christian (who very much deserves the Daily Mirror’s description of him as having ‘one of the finest voices in pop) who has only gained in vocal stature (and wit) over the years! the band are enjoying a revival currently touring successfully in the UK and Europe.
Currently embarking on a huge UK Tour playing their well known back catalogue and one or two favourites selected from newer albums.
Catch them on tour and find out why Chris Evans said ‘it was the best gig I’ve ever been to’
Visit: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Black Coffee
Friday 15th September – Sunday 24th September 2023, Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport.
Black Coffee is a Murder Mystery production by the SDC.
From the Queen of suspense, Agatha Christie, a Hercule Poirot mystery.
This is the first piece that Christie wrote for the stage, it launched a successful second career for her as a playwright.
In the play, a scientist discovers that someone in his household has stolen the formula for an explosive.
Visit: littletheatresouthport.co.uk
Southport Classic and Speed
Three rare Vulcan cars at Southport Classic and Speed. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Saturday 16th September and Sunday 17th September 2023
Southport Classic and Speed 2023 builds on the great success of 2022 and 2021 and will once again celebrate Southport’s motoring and motorsport heritage.
This year the event will celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the first Southport Speed Trials, held along the Promenade in 1903.
This year is also the 60th anniversary of the last Speed Trial, held along The Esplanade and Marine Drive, in 1963.
Saturday 16th September will see the Ocean Sprint Revival along Marine Drive in Southport.
Marine Drive will be closed between 8am to 5pm.
Practice from 10am to 12.30pm
Timed High Speed runs from 1.30pm
Public admission to Competitors Paddock and Designated Viewing Areas will be by pre-paid ticket only.
Sunday 17th September will see the Classic and Speed show and parade.
The show takes place at Victoria Park in Southport from 10am to 3pm.
The centrepiece will again be a fabulous themed display of veteran, vintage, classic and modern cars from all periods on Victoria Park – home to Southport’s famous flower show.
The Grande Parade starts at 3.30pm from Rotten Row.
There will be free public admission to the park.
All timings subject to change.
Visit: www.southportclassicandspeed.com
Interactive 80s night plus Dirty Dancing screening
Bijou Cinema in Southport
Saturday 16th September 2023, 7pm, Southport Bijou Cinema, Southport, PR9 0US
Grab your neon tights and glowsticks, as Gambolling Arena presents an interactive, singing and dancing 80s night!
Gambolling Arena returns to the Bijou to proudly present an interactive show, mixing a screening of the 80s classic film, Dirty Dancing, with a variety show of 80’s songs, all from their amazing live performers!
Certificate: 15.
Visit: southportbijoucinema.co.uk
British Musical Fireworks Championship
The British Musical Fireworks Championship in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Friday 22nd September – Saturday 23rd September 2023, Victoria Park, Southport
We love music, we love colour, and we love gasping with delight at the spectacular fireworks displays.
Southport’s British Musical Fireworks Championship is back with a bang on Friday 22nd September and Saturday 23rd September 2023!
And this year organisers are making Friday night even better.
The competition will now run from Friday 22nd to Saturday 23rd September in Victoria Park, Southport.
Watch competitors battle it out, each hoping to be crowned the ultimate winner!
Book tickets at: www.visitsouthport.com
The Bubble Show
Saturday 23rd September 2023, 2pm, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.
Actor, storyteller, and Guinness World Record holder, The Highland Joker, is one of the top bubble artists in the world, bringing you an interactive, fun, international award-winning bubble extravaganza!
It takes place at The Atkinson on Lord Street in Southport on Saturday 23rd September 2023 from 2pm.
Join Mr. Bubbles with his extraordinary soap bubbles in all shapes and sizes!
The Bubble Show is a unique blend of magic, storytelling, science and bubble art! Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles, and even fire bubbles!
Visit: www.theatkinson.co.uk
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
Wednesday 27th September 2023, 7.30pm – 9.15pm, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.
Neil Gore, presents a one-person version of the classic novel by Robert Tressell featuring projection, political conjuring tricks, live music and song. Meet the famous characters and enjoy the scenes, speeches and songs, featuring the Great Money Trick as its centrepiece.
This enduring and absorbing classic story of a year in the life of a group of Edwardian painters and decorators is brought to life by Neil Gore using his extensive knowledge of the book and the play, having performed it in many versions over forty years.
‘The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists’ follows a group of workers as they renovate ‘The Cave’, a three-storey town house, for Mayor Sweater. It traces their hardships and struggles for survival in a complacent and stagnating Edwardian England. These workers are the ‘philanthropists’ who throw themselves into back-breaking work for poverty wages in order to generate profit for their masters. They are joined by artist Owen, whose spirited attacks on the dishonesty of Capitalism along with his Socialist vision, highlights the exploitation in their workplace but also focuses on the inequality in society as a whole.
Visit: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Southport Comedy Festival
Southport Comedy Festival 2023
29th September to 15th October 2023, Victoria Park, Southport.
The Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones BMW is back for its 12th year, with the full line-up now revealed.
Stars of the comedy world will descend on the lovely seaside town of Southport for 17 fun filled days of laughter.
The entire festival will be staged for a third year in a giant luxury heated and seated marquee courtesy of Elite Marquees in Victoria Park, home of the world-renowned Southport Flower Show.
Alongside returning favourites Jason Byrne, Paul Sinha, Rich Hall, Gary Delaney, Nina Gilligan and Jimeoin this star-studded festival welcomes TV comedians Tom Davis, Seann Walsh, Clinton Baptiste, Simon Brodkin, Jen Brister, Mark Steel, Emmanuel Sonubi and Mark Nelson.
The festival is also supporting the stars of tomorrow with the return of the Southport New Comedian of the Year Competition, sponsored by Dragon Soop. This event is always a highlight of the festival.
Book tickets here: southportcomedyfestival.com
Princess Anne rededicates Southport War Memorial
Southport will welcome HRH The Princess Royal on Friday 29th September 2023 to mark the re-dedication of the town’s War Memorial
Southport will welcome HRH The Princess Royal on Friday 29th September 2023 to mark the re-dedication of the town’s War Memorial, which will be 100 years old on 18 November this year.
Her Royal Highness will be attending the event in her capacity as President of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion.
Located in London Square on Lord Street, the War Memorial was unveiled on 18th November 1923 by the Earl of Derby along with local children of the fallen from World War One.
The impressive structure comprises an obelisk flanked by two colonnades in the form of Greek temples. Outside the colonnades are public memorial gardens, each containing a Pool of Remembrance and fountains.
The event will consist of a parade marching from Victoria Park in Southport to the War Memorial where a Drumhead Service will be conducted to mark the re-dedication of the War Memorial.
The re-dedication will be directed by Colonel (Retd) Monsignor Stephen Alker MBE and attended by senior civil dignitaries and senior military figures.
The parade will be led by the Band of the Royal Air Force College and be made up of Armed Forces personnel and Veterans from all three services, as well as Combined Cadet Force cadets from Merchant Taylors School and contingents from all 28 schools in the Southport area.
China Crisis
Friday 29 September 2023, 8pm-10pm, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.
China Crisis were never your run-of-the-mill 80s pop band. Formed in Liverpool by singer Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon, they distilled their love of David Bowie and Steely Dan into an exquisitely melancholy post-punk sound that saw them win their just chart rewards.
Has there ever been a more wistful Top 10 hit than the charming Wishful Thinking?
Their hero Walter Becker – of Steely Dan fame – was so impressed he even became a band member back in 1985, producing and playing on Top 10 album Flaunt the Imperfection, and returning for 1989’s hugely acclaimed Diary of a Hollow Horse.
All the while, the hits kept rolling in… Christian, Black Man Ray and King in a Catholic Style all made their way into the UK Top 20.
Visit: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Legally Blonde
Saturday 30th September – Sunday 8th October 2023, Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport.
A Musical production by BOS Musical Theatre Company.
This is a 2007 Musical based on both the novel Legally Blonde and the 2001 film of the same name. The show tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrols at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner.
Throughout the show Elle defies expectations and surprises those around her as she battles to defend exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial. Elle does all of this whilst learning a bit about Law, life and whilst staying true to herself.
The show was nominated for several Tonys and five Olivier Awards (winning three) including the Best New Musical award.
Visit: littletheatresouthport.co.uk
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