Books Alive paid partnership
Families are invited to follow The Jolly Postman Trail throughout Southport town centre during the brand new Books Alive! event.
There are nine large-scale story installations to discover from 24th – 31st October 2026, 10am – 4pm daily.
Inspired by the beloved children’s book ‘The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters’ by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, The Jolly Postman Trail transforms Southport town centre into a living storybook, inviting families to follow his journey as he delivers letters to favourite fairytale characters.
Make CIC has been commissioned to work with artists from across the Liverpool City Region to create the nine installations and bring memorable characters and moments from the story to life.
The installations can be visited in any order, so you can create your own storybook adventure through the town centre – you can view the map here.
Weather updates: Some outdoor installations may be affected due to adverse weather conditions.
Discover where each tale begins by exploring the locations below:
1 – Postman Greeting by Mulberry Workshop, Kate Bigley & Ian Currie
This immersive visual art installation brings the trail’s story to life through vibrant, floor-to-wall vinyl graphics of the beginning of the Postman’s work day travels on his trusty bicycle. Visitors are immediately drawn into a colourful, larger-than-life world where they can step directly into the scene, pose alongside the character, and capture fun, highly shareable photos. Functioning as both a bold visual introduction to the art trail and an interactive selfie spot, it invites guests of all ages to play, snap pictures, and kick off their trail experience.
This installation is inspired by Page 2 of The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Location
Marble Place – Tulketh Street
2 – Postbox by Xyleia Creative Design, Ian Currie & Venya Krutikov
This interactive installation brings the storybook world to life through a vibrant, illustrated postcard scene featuring the book’s beloved characters and iconic elements. Designed as a prime selfie spot and hands-on experience, visitors are invited to step directly into the illustration to pose for photos and drop their own letters into a whimsical, talking postbox that responds as they mail their notes. Combining playful visual art with engaging audio feedback, it offers guests of all ages a memorable, immersive moment on the trail.
This installation is inspired by the Front and Back Pages of The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Location
Location update: Due to adverse weather conditions, this outdoor installation has been temporarily relocated from Market Street to inside Southport Market.
Please note that Southport Market is closed on Monday 26th October & Tuesday 27th October.
3 – The Wicked Witch by Katy Lancaster, Phaedra Samantha & Venya Krutikov
This installation transforms the shop window into the magic curiosity shop of Hobgoblins Ltd., filled with enchanted objects, spell ingredients, and subtle ‘magic’ elements. Visitors can explore the detailed storefront, spot hidden surprises, and pose for photos in front of the theatrical display. Operating as an eye-catching visual feature and popular selfie spot, it offers a fun, whimsical moment on the trail for all ages.
This installation is inspired by Page 8 of The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Location
Wayfarers Arcade – The Junction
4 – The Giant by Lantern Company, Mulberry Workshop & Venya Krutikov
This installation brings the Giant’s world to life with oversized sculptures, featuring a dramatic beanstalk climbing the stairwell and balcony. At ground level, visitors are invited to step inside the Giant’s home to sit on giant biscuit and letter block seating, explore the 3-meter-wide Giant’s boot, and immerse themselves in the scene. Serving as a striking visual feature and interactive selfie spot, it offers fun photo opportunities for guests of all ages.
This installation is inspired by Page 10 of The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Location
Wayfarers Arcade
5 – The Giant’s Postcard by Play On Productions CIC
This installation features a large-scale mural created as a direct replica of the postcard from the book. Serving as a striking visual backdrop and dedicated selfie spot, visitors can step up to the artwork, pose alongside the oversized scene, and feel like they’ve stepped right onto the page. It provides a simple, memorable photo opportunity that highlights key story elements for guests of all ages.
This installation is inspired by Page 12 of The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Location
Lord Street – Former Beales Shopfront
6 – Cinderella by Katy Lancaster, Phaedra Samantha & Venya Krutikov
This installation transforms the window display into a layered, theatrical scene that brings the Cinderella story to life using laser-cut cardboard, spotlighting, and moving elements. Visitors can admire the glowing, multidimensional diorama, spot intricate story details, and capture photos against the dynamic backdrop. Functioning as a captivating visual showcase and prime selfie spot, it creates a magical photo opportunity for trail visitors of every generation.
This installation is inspired by Page 15 of The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Location
Waterstones, Chapel Street
7 – Grandma’s Cottage by Katy Lancaster & Phaedra Samantha
This installation brings the mischievous world of the Wolf to life through a playful, theatrical shopfront scene. Peek into Grandma’s world, where her handcrafted rocking chair features a bespoke blanket created with local crocheters. Visitors are invited to look closer and discover familiar characters, playful props and unexpected details hidden throughout the display.
This installation is inspired by Pages 19, 21 and 22 of The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Location
Wayfarers Arcade
8 – Goldilocks by Xyleia Creative Design & Mulberry Workshop
This installation transforms the Goldilocks scene into a playful interactive experience where visitors can place their heads through character cutouts to feel like part of Goldilocks’ children’s tea party. Designed as a selfie spot and engaging photo opportunity, guests can pose as iconic characters, play with the scene, and capture fun memories on the trail. It serves as an unmissable visual feature created especially for families and fans of the Jolly Postman.
This installation is inspired by Pages 25 and 27 of The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Location
Location update: Due to adverse weather conditions this installation is not currently on display, it will be available to view as soon as conditions allow.
Please keep an eye on social media channels @VisitSouthport, for the latest information.
Town Hall Gardens, Lord St
9 – Postman’s Home Time by Lantern Company
This installation brings the trail to a reflective close, guiding visitors through the gardens along a path of reclaimed window frames inspired by The Jolly Postman. Each window reveals a miniature storybook scene, allowing guests to peek inside familiar character homes as the Postman journeys back to his own. Functioning as a peaceful visual finale and a scenic spot, it offers an atmospheric photo opportunity for anyone exploring the trail.
This installation is inspired by Page 29 of The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Location
Mermaid Gardens, Lord St
Download The Jolly Postman Trail Map here: Final Map
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