The Atkinson Southport sponsored feature
The Atkinson in Southport is a fantastic place for families to visit during May Half Term!
The busy arts centre on Lord Street in Southport town centre has a huge selection of exhibitions and events to discover, with many activities not costing you a penny!
From hands-on workshops and interactive exhibitions to family-friendly performances, The Atkinson’s programmes are designed to inspire creativity and spark joy for all ages.
In Theatre, families can enjoy seasonal pantomimes, magic shows, music and dance, as well as adaptations from best-selling authors.
During May Half Term help Chester the Castle Jester invite special guests to ‘The Enchanted Princess Ball’ (29 May 2025) and be amazed by volcanic eruptions, missile-launching vacuums, and smoke blasters in an explosive performance of ‘Exciting Science’ (30 May 2025).
Be inspired in the free Art Galleries and discover an impressive variety of work including paintings, sculpture, digital art and more. Families can get creative in the artist led ‘Make it!’ (29 May) craft workshop with all materials supplied and all for free!
The stunning Egyptology Museum showcases Anne Goodison’s personal artefacts in an interactive display. Mrs Goodison was one of a handful of wealthy Victorian ladies in the North West who were fascinated by ancient Egypt, and The Atkinson is lucky to have her collection to show you.
Pick up a ‘Nu-Shabtis Sculpture Trail’ to find Zahed Taj-Eddin’s sculptures hidden across The Atkinson and decipher the spell to put the Shabti back in their tombs.
The local history museum, Between Land & Sea, tells the story of Sefton from prehistoric times to the present day. Bring objects to life by scanning QR codes with your phone, send a digital postcard from Sunny Southport and take a selfie in a historic costume from our dressing up wall.
Southport Library’s showpiece is the extended children’s section, which includes a unique reading ship. Together with friendly librarians, babies and under-fives will enjoy learning new songs, dancing, and making friends in ‘Story & Rhyme Time’ (28 May). Young inventors and creators are invited to play with our massive supply of LEGO in ‘Construction Club’ (31 May).
The cosy interior of A Great Little Place café creates a welcoming space for families, with highchairs available and plenty of room for prams. Whether you are stopping for a quick coffee or a hearty lunch, a great little place has plenty of options for adults and children.
Families are at the heart of The Atkinson, take a look at the additional events taking place this Half Term and plan your fun, creative and varied day out.
Nu-Shabtis Sculpture Trail
Mon 26 – Sat 31 May 2025
Free, drop in event.
Location: The Atkinson, all areas
Shabtis are small figurines that Ancient Egyptians placed in tombs, believing they would join them in the afterlife to help with tasks and be their loyal companions. Contemporary artist Zahed Taj-Eddin has created Nu-Shabtis that have come to life in Southport! Pick up a free trail sheet to find the Nu-Shabtis on display across The Atkinson.
Story & Rhyme Time
Wed 28 May. 11:30am – 12:25pm.
Free, drop in event.
Location: Southport Library
Explore stories through rhyme and help develop your child’s language and communication skills while meeting other parents and carers. Together with our friendly librarians, babies and under-fives will enjoy learning new songs, dancing, and making friends.
Make it! Craft Workshop
Thu 29 May. 11am-3pm.
Free, drop in event.
Location: Art Gallery
Join us in The Atkinson’s Art Box for an arts and crafts workshop suitable for all the family. Inspired by our Museum and Art Gallery, there’s something for all ages, with all materials supplied and all for free!
The Enchanted Princess Ball
Thu 29 May. 1pm & 5pm.
£18 / £16.50 concessions. Plus booking fees.
Location: Theatre
Join Chester the Castle Jester on an exciting adventure as he hand delivers Royal Ball invitations to Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Princess Beauty, and The Snow Queen. This Princess Extravaganza is a high-energy, musical adventure with dazzling sets, sparkling costumes, toe-tapping songs, laughter, and audience participation.
Exciting Science
Fri 30 May. 2:30pm.
£15. Plus booking fees.
Location: Theatre
Sand back and brace yourself—this high-energy show is bursting with whizzes, bangs, pops… and plenty of splurts! Packed with jaw-dropping experiments and fascinating facts, you’ll witness a volcanic eruption, watch a vacuum cleaner become a missile launcher, and maybe even get targeted by our smoke blaster!
Construction Club
Sat 31 May. 10:30am – 12:30pm.
Free, drop in event.
Location: Southport Library
Calling all young inventors, creators, and builders! Join us for our Construction Club and unleash your imagination with a massive supply of LEGO® bricks. Let’s build together!
Discover Ancient Egypt
Permanent display. Mon-Sat. 10am-4pm.
Free, drop in event.
Location: Museum
Journey to Ancient Egypt and explore the rituals and beliefs that shaped daily life for both the rich and poor in an engaging and interactive display.
Between Land & Sea
Permanent display. Mon-Sat. 10am-4pm.
Free, drop in event.
Location: Museum
Our local history museum tells the stories of the people who have lived and worked along Sefton’s coast, from prehistoric times to the present day.
It’s not all about the kids this half term…
Ray Quinn: King Of Swing
Sat 24 May. 7:30pm.
£25 / £23 concessions. Plus booking fees.
Location: Theatre
Led by a bona fide star of swing music, Ray Quinn, this concert spectacular celebrates the fabulous music and tells the incredible story of the world-famous Rat Pack. Featuring all the greatest hits of Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and many more timeless classics from the stars of swing and rat pack.
Something About Lennon: The John Lennon Story
Sat 31 May. 2:30pm & 7:30pm.
£27 / £25 concessions. Plus booking fees.
Location: Theatre
Imagine a show that tells the story of one of popular music’s most iconic figures in a totally unique way. Actor and musician Daniel Taylor leads the band to share a heartfelt tribute to the inspiration behind a generation in this tale of controversy, genius, politics and protest.
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