The Southport community came together for a compelling day of entertainment at the first ever Emergency Services Community Day.
The event took place at Southport Football Club on Sunday (11th May 2025) and featured children’s football matches; an emergency services football match; dancing; a bouncy castle; food; stalls from local businesses; live music; a police band; emergency services vehicles; ice cream; special characters including Sandy The Lion; face painting; special guests The LFC Foundation; and Southport FC catering and bar facilities open all day.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
It was launched thanks to the Express Performing Arts opening ceremony.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena came down to give a speech, chat with people and to support the event.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The day was compered by local comedian and Director of Southport Comedy Festival Brendan Riley.
Emergency Services Community Day organiser Steph Dagger said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came and played, or took part, or supported our first ever Community Day!
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“It was a superb event, with such a huge feelgood feeling.
“Following the tragic events of last summer, I wanted to do something to help bring community cohesion, increase much needed positivity and footfall into our town.
“I approached Southport FC, who were instrumental in supporting the community as a whole last summer and asked if they would like to work collaboratively to use football to help bring the community together.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Darren Court and Andy Burgess at Southport FC have been instrumental in helping to bring the event together and allowed us to use The Big Help Stadium to host the day.
“It was lovely to see so many colleagues in our Emergency Services and so many members of the community all coming together.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“It was so positive and there were so many people there supporting one another.
“The feedback we had from everyone was fantastic.
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“It has gone so well that we have already decided to hold another Emergency Services Fun Day next year!”
Brendan Riley said: “OMG … What a fantastic day at Southport Football Club hosting the first ever Emergency Services Community Day!
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“It was brilliant working with Steph Dagger and Danny Ching on this very special event.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to Darren, Andy, Les and all of the staff at the club who helped me set up my tech for this event, I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
All proceeds raised on the day will go to the Southport FC Community Foundation.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Other brilliant local charities were also there fundraising and raising awareness, including Hope’s Help, Southport Hesketh Round Table 1199 and others
Stall holders and attendees included: LFC Foundation; Southport Rotary Club; Hope’s Help; HM Coastguard Southport; County Fire & Medical Services; Express Performing Arts; Babyballet; Ciao Bella Glitter Face / Body Tattoos; GS Football Parties; Odonata Crystals; Starkidz; Tropic Skin Care; C.E.A.L Crafts; HSBC; Cake Corner; Sarah’s Unique Designs; The Bounce House; Wax Bubbles; Triviso Ice Cream; Charlie’s Charms; Health & Beyond Nutrition; Energy Projects Plus; and Angelz Prom’.
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