Silcock’s Carousel paid partnership
People are invited to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Southport’s remarkable Silcock’s Carousel with a special Southport Heritage Open Days event this Friday (18th September 2026).
The Carousel, also known as Herbert Silcock’s Golden Gallopers, has been thrilling families ever since it was first operated in 1901.
It now stands proudly on the Pier Forecourt in Southport, bringing fun and entertainment to new generations of children.
All are invited to ‘Silcock’s Stories of Southport – Heritage Talks’ with three expert speakers – Silcock-Prince, Graham Booth and Justin Prescott – at Silcock’s Pier Restaurant from 10.30am this Friday.
It is part of this year’s Heritage Open Days Festival, which sees events, tours and open days taking place at heritage venues throughout Southport and across the UK between 11th-20th September 2026.
As with all of these events, admission is free. Pre-booking is not required.
Visitors will also have the rare treat of seeing a lovingly restored Scammel truck which will be With over 130 years of history as one of Southport’s longest established leisure companies, the name ‘Silcock’ is synonymous with Southport’s tourism industry.
Join them to hear more stories from the Silcock family’s history in the town.
The event starts at 10:30am with Serena Silcock-Prince talking about Silcock’s Carousel which turns 125 years old this year. The iconic ride has been at Southport Pier for over 30 years but its history goes back to the reign of Queen Victoria.
At 11am, Graham Booth will be speaking about the art of sign writing. From his first job as a schoolboy painting signs for Silcock’s, to a career spanning decades including VIP clients all over the world, hear more about Graham’s work and accomplishments.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Finally, at 11:30am, Justin Prescott will be talking about Silcock’s vehicle heritage, from Scammels to traction engines driving the famous Silcock fairs around the country.
The Pier Restaurant will be open from 10am with a special breakfast offer available, and visitors are welcome to stay for lunchtime refreshments after the talks.
Silcock Leisure Group Head Of Operations Serena Silcock-Prince said:
“We’re delighted to be celebrating the 125th anniversary of Silcock’s Carousel, an attraction that is so synonymous with Southport.
“The Carousel has brought smiles to the faces of so many families over the years – we see so many children coming along with their parents, who enjoyed rides on it when they were children, and also grandparents.
“You can hear all about the Carousel’s amazing history as well as the history of the Silcock family, who have played such a prominent part within the Southport community for so many years.
“You will also be able to discover all about the fascinating life of local sign writer Graham Booth, an expert craftsperson whose skills are much in demand around the world.”
In April this year, Silcock’s Funland and Carousel was crowned Southport Entertainment Venue of the Year at the 2026 Your Southport Stars Awards.
The popular family-run attractions, owned by Silcock Leisure Group, won the Business Leaders Award at the glittering ceremony at The Grand in Southport on Tuesday, 14th April 2026.
The Your Southport Awards, organised annually by Southport BID, celebrate the very best businesses across the town centre, recognising the people, places and teams that make Southport what it is.
Silcock Leisure Group is one of the biggest family-owned local businesses in Southport, with their attractions bringing huge numbers of visitors into the town.
Silcock’s Carousel was recognised as the fourth best seaside attraction in Britain in the 2023 Bucket and Spade List, organised by the The Seaside Heritage Network.
The family also owns Silcock’s Funland, Southport’s biggest indoor amusement centre; Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant; Silcock’s Flavours Ice Cream Parlour; Silcock’s Embassy fish & chip restaurant; and more.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The Silcock family were keen campaigners for the reopening of Southport Pier, with the £20m restoration scheme now in full swing.
Silcock’s Stories of Southport – Heritage Talks
Friday 18 September 2026:
Serena 10:30am, Graham 11am, Justin 11:30am
Silcock’s Pier Restaurant, Pier Forecourt, Promenade, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1QX
No admission
Pre-booking not required
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