Southport’s MP says the new ‘Elegantly Eccentric’ vision captures that spirit of the town perfectly, with Southport “resolutely on the up again”.
Patrick Hurley spoke as the Launch Event took place for a spectacular series of new events to take place throughout 2026 including the new Lightport, Cristal Palace, the Big Top Festival and Books Alive!
They will complement big events already scheduled to take place next year, including The Open golf championship, Southport Flower Show, the British Musical Fireworks, Southport Air Show and Southport Comedy Festival.
Southport will also see huge investment continuing to be made on projects including the £73 million new Marine Lake Events Centre; the £20 million restoration of Southport Pier; the £10 million transformation of the Town Hall Gardens; and more.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said:
“Across the north of England, Southport has always stood out for its refined charm and character.
“The ‘Elegantly Eccentric’ vision captures that spirit perfectly, and updates it for the 2020s. “Having had a downturn in the last couple of decades, Southport is now resolutely on the up again.
“The cultural vision for 2026 and beyond will be about celebrating creativity, promise, and the pride we all share in our town’s unique identity.
“I’m proud to support Southport 2026 and the people who are making this bold, beautiful idea a reality; and I’m determined to ensure that Southport’s brightest days lie ahead of it.”
Giant chandeliers, world class circus performers and never ending rainbows will all be on show in Southport in 2026 as part of a hugely ambitious programme of new cultural events.
That spirit is set to return on a grand scale with ‘Southport 2026: Elegantly Eccentric’ as the town transforms into a year-round stage for art, performance, music and imagination.
Events include:
Lightport – February
A breathtaking immersive light and sound installation from leading international artists Lucid Creates that will turn the town into a walk-through rainbow of colour and creativity.
Cristal Palace – April
World-renowned French street theatre company Transe Express brings its spectacular show Cristal Palace 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 dazzling fusion of art and theatre set to be one of the year’s defining moments.
Big Top Festival – May
Big Top Festival will take over the town with the best of modern circus including shows from world renowned companies including Circa and Gandini Juggling coming to one of the artforms spiritual homes. Across open-air stages, audiences can expect breathtaking acts, live music and hands-on workshops for all ages.
Southport Originals – summer
Throughout the summer, Southport’s much-loved calendar favourites return in style, the Southport Flower Show, Food and Drink Festival, Southport Air Show and British Musical Fireworks Championship, celebrating the town’s proud traditions while drawing visitors from across the UK.
Books Alive! – October
Books Alive! Is a reimagined literature festival designed for families and young readers.
Running through half-term, the event will fill the town with storytelling installations, live performances and author-led workshops, turning Southport into a living storybook.
- Full details on the programme can be found at Home
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