The amazing Lord Street In Bloom volunteers have announced their ambitious #Projectfor2026 – to make a dramatic improvement to the Bandstand Gardens area on Lord Street in Southport town centre.
It follows on from an incredible year of success for the group, part of the Southport in Bloom, which was crowned Overall Winner of the Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2025 this week.
Over the past few months they have revamped the Town Hall Gardens area, putting in and maintaining new planters and thousands of new flowers and plants, ahead of the area’s £10 million transformation next year. The £6.25 million regeneration of the Market Quarter area is also underway nearby.
Now they want to improve the nearby Bandstand Gardens in front of The Vincent Hotel.
They believe freshening up the area is much needed ahead of huge numbers of international visitors arriving in Southport ready for The Open golf championship in 2026.
The gardens have also hosted some popular events in recent years, including live music through Southport Arts Festival during the summer.
A Lord Street In Bloom volunteers spokesperson said: “As we approach the end of the year our group is looking towards next Spring.
“We’d love to turn the Bandstand garden around, it looks unloved and dismal. We think with some financial help and support from the powers that be, this garden could be returned to its former glory.
“We’re not talking a huge amount of money, just enough to purchase soil and compost mulch.
“We can powerwash the paving, and benches. What we need is an outside water tap and a power socket.
“We need the old soil to be removed, and a lot of the overgrown Phormiums need to go. This can be sorted by Green Sefton.
“The dead soil can be replaced with top soil and composted mulch. This we don’t have money to purchase.
“The tree canopy needs lifting slightly. This would allow more light and sunshine through, which would benefit the new plants we add.
“Next year at some point the work on the area in front of The Atkinson will commence.
“We’ll be looking for a new home for the shrubs and perennials that’ll need lifting. This garden would be perfect.
“Show your support and share your thoughts. Let’s breathe some life back into this garden.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
