Southport Food and Drink Festival paid partnership
People travelling on Merseyrail services to Southport to enjoy the 2026 Southport Food and Drink Festival this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (29th May – 31st May 2026) can enjoy great value tickets on Merseyrail services.
For just £2 return for adults and £1 for children, the offer gives residents and visitors alike an easy, affordable way to reach one of the region’s most popular events, with around 40,000 visitors expected.
Southport Food and Drink Festival has free admission too!
Read More: Southport Food and Drink Festival unveils 53 street food traders to savour
Taking place at Victoria Park – home of the world famous Southport Flower Show – Southport Food and Drink Festival offers the perfect way to end the May Half Term Holidays in style, with street food, local producers, live music and a dedicated family zone.
Southport offers lots of other superb attractions, restaurants, cafes, bars and more to for families wanting to really make the most of their weekend.
The discounted travel will be in force for other major Southport events through this year including:
- Southport Flower Show 20 – 23 August 2026
- Southport Air Show 29-30 August 2026
- British Musical Fireworks Championship 26-27 September 2026
- Books Alive 24-31 October 2026
For just £2 return for adults and £1 for children, the offer gives residents and visitors alike an easy, affordable way to reach one of the UK’s most historic and elegantly eccentric seaside destinations from any Merseyrail station to enjoy a spectacular line‑up of the area’s biggest cultural events.
In some cases, the discount represents savings of up to 70% when compared with standard fares, opening the door for more families, day‑trippers and visitors from across the city region and beyond to enjoy what Southport has to offer.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
“Southport is one of the jewels in our region’s cultural crown. But for too long it hasn’t had the attention – or ambition – it deserved. Thanks to devolution, and determined leadership from Cllr Marion Atkinson, we’re now working better across all levels of government to change that.
“Alongside the restoration of Southport Pier, we’re investing in the town’s future – from the £17m we’ve committed to the new Marine Lake Events Centre, to the £2.5m we’re investing to transform the Town Hall Gardens. And now, with a packed calendar of major events coming up, we want to make sure as many people as possible can be part of it.
“So we’re cutting the cost of train fares for these big events to try and make it cheaper and easier than ever to hop on the train and enjoy everything Southport has to offer. You too can play your part – bring the family, support local businesses, and come and be part of what’s set to be a fantastic year for Southport.”
The pocket friendly fares form part of a wider drive to help Southport rebuild confidence, attract more visitors, and boost its local economy, ensuring the resort remains a vibrant destination for major events throughout the year.
Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said:
“We really welcome this initiative, that will give families a chance to visit our wonderful town and experience some of our really exciting events that we have lined up. We have really been investing in Southport’s regeneration and I am really looking forward to people taking advantage of the discounted train fares and making the most of Southport.
“With something on nearly every month as part of our Elegantly Eccentric cultural programme, there is really something for everyone to enjoy.
“These affordable train tickets are helping encourage everyone to take the train to Southport and experience the programme of events that promise to keep the town buzzing.”
Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:
“The £2 fare is a great way for us to support Southport’s visitor economy by making travel to events more accessible and affordable for people across the Liverpool City Region.
“Combined with £1 child fares and the convenience of Tap & Go, this offer encourages more people to enjoy the town’s flagship attractions and contribute to the local economy.”
Tickets are available from Merseyrail ticket offices and via Tap and Go.
The reduced-price tickets are being paid for by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority from funds recovered from train manufacturer Stadler.
For more information visit the Merseyrail website www.merseyrail.org
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
