A Government Minister believed that “2026 is going to be Southport’s year” as an exciting year of new cultural events was unveiled.
The Launch at The Grand in Southport saw the announcement of: Lightport, Cristal Palace, the Big Top Festival and Books Alive!
The will complement other major events headlined by The Open golf championship plus the already impressive events programme of ‘Southport Originals’ such as Southport Flower Show, Southport Food and Drink Festival, Southport Air Show, the British Musical Fireworks Championships, Southport Comedy Festival and others:
Alison McGovern, the Minister of State for Housing and Local Government, told the audience of civic leaders, business owners and community figures that “there will be seaside towns up and down the United Kingdom that will look at what Southport is doing and will want to follow”.
Next year will also see the start of the £20 million restoration of Southport Pier, the £10 million transformation of the Town Hall Gardens, and the construction of the £72 million new Marine Lake Events Centre plus the Light Fantastic in the Marine Lake.
Alison McGovern, the Minister of State for Housing and Local Government, said:
“It is absolutely fantastic to be in a place that I feel so connected with and so at home in.
“On behalf of the UK Government I want to say a massive thank you because everyone in this room has worked incredibly hard.
“We know that Southport has been through a really difficult and traumatic time. Everyone in this room has worked so hard to keep this community together and to do everything they have for this town.
“On behalf of the UK Government, can I just say thank you to you all.
“A particular thank you to Steve Rotheram, who has played such a massive role; a humongous thank you to Southport MP Patrick Hurley, who literally walked around Westminster saying ‘Southport Pier’ to everyone! Literally everyone, for weeks on end!
“Finally to Sefton Council Leader Marion Atkinson, who has done such a phenomenal job.
“I have seen what Southport has gone through and I have seen how hard that is. Marion, you have done an amazing job and I want to say thank you.
“Thank you to all the local businesses, thank you to the community partners.
“2026 is going to be Southport’s year. It really is.
“I am very excited about this cultural programme.
“I don’t think it’s embarrassing to be a massive golf fan – I love the golf!
“I came last time The Open was at Royal Birkdale and it knocked me over how fantastic it was.
“I think the cultural programme that has been set out is extremely exciting and it’s really going to light up Lord Street.
“My Nanna loved Southport. She used to bring us on the train from Wirral. She always used to go to the Marks & Spencer’s in the station, and then we would go for chips, and she absolutely loved Lord Street.
“If my Nanna could still be here for next year, to see Lord Street lit up, she would be absolutely knocked over.
“It’s going to be wonderful. Everybody is going to be coming to Southport next year .
“The final thing I really want to say is the ‘why’. Because right across the United Kingdom, these seaside and coastal towns have had it rough.
“There is something about the way the visitor economy has changed; that people’s lives have changed; and how 14 years of austerity have hurt seaside towns, including places like Southport.
“We have all collectively got to be on the hunt for ways to make these places shine again.
“I think Southport is going to be back.
“I am incredibly proud as a Government Minister to be here supporting the work that you are doing not just for this wonderful place, but for the whole country.
“There will be seaside towns up and down the United Kingdom that will look at what Southport is doing and will want to follow.
“All of us in the Government are really proud of Southport. We want this to be a massive success. We are standing by to help in every way that we can.
“I will be here cheering from the rafters and making sure that Southport in 2026 knocks all of our socks off.”
- For more details about what’s happening in Southport in 2026 visit: Home
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
