Are you looking for great ways to enjoy the May Half Term school holidays?
There are some superb events and attractions to enjoy in Southport over the coming days – including three days at the Southport Food and Drink Festival, Ghost the Musical and a Military Muster Day.
Here’s what you can do:
1 – Southport Food and Drink Festival
If you love food, then join the crowds heading to Southport Food and Drink Festival this weekend.
A ‘foodies’ paradise with a little something for everyone to enjoy takes place from Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June 2025.
Stimulate your senses and try food from different cultures – you can enjoy crepes, gourmet burgers, hot wings, churros, spiral potatoes, paella and curry from the Street Food stalls.
Throughout the weekend the entertainment arena will host local bands and musicians, you can shade from the sunshine (hopefully!) and tuck into the amazing food and drink. A great event to spend time with family and friends. To celebrate birthdays, special occasions, or just being together – you will fall in LOVE with the Southport Food and Drink Festival.
Sit back, relax, enjoy good food, admire the surroundings and soak up the atmosphere of the Southport Food and Drink Festival.
Free entry.
Visit: Southport Food and Drink Festival 2025 – Victoria Park Events
2 – Ghost: The Musical
By BOS Musical theatre Company
Southport Little Theatre
24th-31st May 2025
Plan your next trip to the theatre and join audiences for Ghost the Musical.
Based on the 1990 Hollywood film starring Patrick Swayze, Ghost the Musical has a contemporary score and modern staging techniques.
BOS Musical theatre Company is thrilled at this opportunity to present a fresh and exciting new premiere production with innovative technical staging.
So join them at the Little Theatre, Southport for romance, drama and suspense – building to an ethereal ending that audiences will never forget.
Visit: BOS MTC – BOS Musical Theatre Company
3 – Military Muster Day
This Saturday, May 31st, between 11am and 4pm the North Meols Family History Society is holding a FREE Military Muster Day at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, on Preston New Road, Southport, PR9 8PP.
Linda Roberts, who has helped to organise the event said: “As a society we have researched the lives of 58 local military personnel. Their stories will be told through displays.
“The Mid Lancs Military Vehicles Trust will be attending, so it will be an amazing opportunity for the whole family to get up close to the amazing vehicles that they will be bringing to the grounds on the day.
“We also have the Commonwealth War Commission attending.
“Why not come along to discover if you could be related to one of our First or Second World War heroes?
“Latham Remount Station and the Southport Hookers will also be represented.”
4 – Half Term Book Hunt
Children’s Heritage Book Hunt at Wayfarers Arcade in Southport
26th–30th May 2025
9:30am – 3pm
This half term, bring the kids to Wayfarers Arcade for a fun-filled Book Hunt!
Search for famous children’s book titles hidden in shop windows
Start at the Red Rum Horse Statue (don’t forget your pen!).
Complete your hunt & claim a prize upstairs at The Engine Room Coffee House
Plus…
Join in a FREE creative activity in the Engine Room – design and colour your own book cover!
Enter our competition judged by children’s book illustrator Kara McHale for a chance to win prizes donated by local author Carran Waterfield (2 age categories: under 7s & over 7s).
Don’t miss the LEGO table for extra fun!
Let your imagination run wild—we can’t wait to see you there!
4 – Exciting Science
The Atkinson, Southport
Friday 30 May 2025
2:30pm – 4:30pm
This brand new, exciting and educational show will amaze and astound all ages from 4 years and upwards, as we put the “Exciting” back into “Science”. (See what we did there!)
With fun & fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as we recreate a volcanic eruption; turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with our smoke blaster!
So, stand clear and prepare for action, as this show is full of wiz, bang, pop…. and splurt!
Exciting Science – Prepare to be amazed!
Age 4+
Visit: Exciting Science – The Atkinson
5 – The Junction opens
An exciting new venture is going full steam ahead towards opening inside historic Wayfarers Arcade in Southport.
The Junction will open its doors inside the former Multiyork unit on the ground floor on Saturday 31st May 2025 with all welcome.
It will also herald later opening hours for Wayfarers Arcade, which will now see the main entrance open until 8pm on selected days.
Dr Eric Lybeck from Wayfarers Arcade said:
“Opening on Saturday 31st May, The Junction is going to be a laid-back spot for you to meet with friends, enjoy a drink and some nibbles as well as delicious ice creams.
“Seating will flow out into the arcade itself, so you will be able to enjoy the warmer evenings under the incredible glass canopy.
“The Junction will be a pop-up venue to ensure we’re catering to what folks want before we nail things down.
“We already have the excellent Pudding & Pie food outlet inside Wayfarers Arcade as well as The Engine Room on the first floor, and we want The Junction to provide a unique offering which complements them.
“Pudding & Pie is creating a unique tapas menu as well.
“We’ll be able to offer inside and outside seating, with tables and chairs and deckchairs outside in the arcade.”
6 – Something About Lennon: The John Lennon Story
The Atkinson, Southport
Saturday 31st May 2025
2:30pm – 4:30pm & 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Imagine a show that tells the story of one of popular music’s most iconic figures in a totally unique way.
In a brand-new show from the creators of ‘Something About Simon’ and ‘Something About George’, Something About Lennon – The John Lennon Story will show you a life that wasn’t always filled with peace and love.
A tale of controversy, genius, politics and protest, Something About Lennon charts John’s story from the breakup of The Beatles to his untimely death in 1980, featuring incredible songs like ‘Woman’, ‘Instant Karma’, and ‘Imagine’, and his story wouldn’t be complete without a few Beatles’ classics along the way.
Actor and musician Daniel Taylor leads the band to share a heartfelt tribute to the inspiration behind a generation, Something About Lennon – The John Lennon Story tells John’s story as you’ve never heard it before.
Visit: Something About Lennon: The John Lennon Story – The Atkinson
7 – Ride the Carousel
Families can enjoy rides on one of the UK’s oldest Carousels for just £2 per person.
Silcock’s Victorian era Carousel has thrilled generations of people.
The 121-year-old Silcock’s Carousel was built in 1901 in the reign of Queen Victoria.
Two years ago it was recognised as the fourth best seaside attraction in Britain in the 2023 Bucket and Spade List, organised by the The Seaside Heritage Network.
Next door to the Carousel you’ll find Funland, Southport’s biggest indoor amusement centre.
Games start at just 2p each, with lots of Easter themed prizes to be won.
Their chocolate Easter egg ice creams, at just £4.50 each, are the cheapest in Southport.
Look out for special appearances by our Silcock’s Easter Bunny character too!
A popular new addition has been the colourful new bear sculpture, named Jester.
You can also savour fish and chips inside the Pier Family Restaurant or sit outside on the Balcony Bar and enjoy beautiful views across Marine Lake and King’s Gardens.
Visit: Silcock Leisure – Southport & Blackpool – Amusements, Fish & Chips, Ice Cream
8 – Masters Crazy Golf Southport
This beautiful crazy golf course is in the King’s Gardens in Southport, right next to the Marine Lake.
The course was originally called Arnold Palmer putting course as it was designed and set up by Arnold Palmer 1965 for George Law.
It was subsequently changed to the Masters putting course.
The course is 60 years old this year and has been a firm favourite for many local residents and visitors who keep coming back time and again.
You can also win free game passes when the bell is rung on the top of the 19th Hole!
Visit: www.southportcrazygolf.co.uk
9 – King Charles III’s lawnmower goes on display
Cut above! Enjoy mowing the lawn? Get a glimpse of the lawnmowers used by the rich and famous, including His Majesty King Charles lll, the late Princess Diana and rock’n’roll royalty Brian May from the band, Queen. Eric Morecambe’s, too. The fastest, slowest and most expensive will all feature.
Tickets are £10 per person and the tour lasts one hour. For more information or to book contact br@lawnmowerworld.com or telephone 07543960407.
10 – Construction Club
The Atkinson, Southport
Saturday 31st May 2025, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Calling all young inventors, creators, and builders! Join us for our Construction Club and unleash your imagination with a massive supply of LEGO® bricks.
Founded in Denmark in 1932, LEGO® has become a beloved part of childhoods worldwide. This iconic toy was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Let’s build together!
Construction Club takes place on the last Saturday of each month. Admission is free, but spaces are limited, so please arrive in good time. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visit: Construction Club – The Atkinson
11 – Adventure Coast Southport
And strap in for more fun. Thrill-seekers can get their dose of daring thrills at Adventure Coast Southport. With an array of rides to choose from – adventure is calling!
The address is Marine Drive, Southport, PR8 1RX and you can find more details here: https://www.adventurecoastsouthport.co.uk/
12 – The Sefton Open 2025
Saturday 5th April 2025 – Saturday 31st May 2025
The Atkinson, Southport
This Saturday is your FINAL chance to see The Sefton Open, an annual exhibition celebrating 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. Each year the exhibition attracts thousands of visitors to The Atkinson.
The Atkinson’s long-standing partner, Southport Palette Club, selected the work from individual artists for the Sefton Open. The club was formed in 1921 to champion the work of local artists and this will be their 99th annual exhibition.
A wide variety of media is welcomed, including film, sculpture, craft, paintings, prints and textiles. Artists may submit up to 3 original artworks for consideration by the Council of Southport Palette Club.
Visitors to the exhibition can purchase catalogues and are encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork on display. The artwork with the most votes will be awarded The People’s Prize. Visitors can also support local artists by investing in their work, most artworks are available to purchase through The Atkinson and the Own Art Scheme.
13 – Rave Starz at Southport Market
Southport Market
Friday 30th May 2025
Head to Southport Market for the Space cowboy rave event and the Ohana Luau rave event.
These StarKidz events offer: meet and greet, photo opportunities, prizes, games, dancing, glow sticks, and dance offs.
Have some great food and drinks from Southport Market traders whilst you are here and make a great day of it.
Visit: Events from October 20th 2021 – April 4th 2023 – Southport Market
14 – Comedy Gold presents an Evening of Stand Up Comedy
Southport Bijou Cinema
Friday 30th May 2025
Book yourself in for an entertaining night of stand up comedy at the Bijou!
Doors open at 7pm and the performances begin at 8pm.
Visit: Southport Bijou Cinema – Classic Films Old & New and Independents
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