Southport BID feature by Stand Up For Southport
Southport town centre is hosting a huge Christmas party this weekend!
On Saturday 23 November, the Festive Fun Day will celebrate the start of Christmas season with a day of entertainment, live music, and activities suitable for both young and old.
The main event will be a spectacular live show on Lord Street, featuring a jam-packed line up of festive music, dancing, and entertainment. Special guests Gemma Collins, Lemar, and Toploader will take to the stage alongside a whole host of local performers and dance groups.
As well as the live show, there’s a long list of activities and events taking place at different locations around the town centre.
Visitors can enjoy fairground rides, grottos, markets, and much more.
Here’s our quick guide to everything taking place in Southport town centre on Saturday 23 November.
Enjoy the big show
Lord Street is the place to be from 12.00 onwards. A grand stage will provide the setting for a day of entertainment and performances.
Local young people are set to impress, with fourteen local dance schools performing festive routines throughout the day.
Crowds can enjoy a sneak peek at three upcoming pantomimes, sing along with Princess Popstar and Frozen character shows, and dance with TikTok superstars TwoJay2.
Make sure to keep an eye out for Spiderman and The Grinch, as well as Christmas Elves and Gingerbread characters who will be interacting with the crowds.
Go ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’
A day of entertainment will be capped off by performances from some very special guests, as Gemma Collins joins our hosts to introduce some exciting live music.
The one and only Lemar will be taking to the stage to perform a repertoire of his bestselling hits and Alex Toal of Greatest Hits Radio Liverpool will entertain with a fun-filled festive DJ set.
UK favourites Toploader, who are best known for their smash hit ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’, will then be closing out the festivities in style.
For the full line-up and times, visit the Festive Fun Day page
Visit for some family fun
There’s plenty 0f kid-friendly activities taking place in the Town Hall Gardens. Face painting, bauble decorating, elf door crafts, and a Christmas photobooth are sure to be a hit with the little ones.
People enjoying the activities in the Town Hall Gardens will be invited to make donations for Homestart Southport and Formby, who play a vital role in supporting local families.
There’s also a treat for young football fanatics too. LFC Foundation coaches will be in attendance at this years Southport Festive Fun Day, delivering fun sports games for all the family whilst they enjoy the activities and events around Southport on the day, in-keeping with the Nike Game On Sports Programme.
Everton In The Community will be running a ‘keepy up’ challenge providing prizes for those who beat the target!
On Lord Street, festive fairground rides will add to the spectacle.
Southport Offshore Rescue Trust (Southport Lifeboat) will also be joining in the festivities. The team will be showcasing some of their impressive vehicles and the ‘Crafty Fingers’ fundraising team will be on hand to keep everyone entertained.
Explore Winter Markets
Two Christmas markets, located not far from the live show, are taking place on Saturday 23 November.
The ever-popular Christmas Makers Market at The Atkinson showcases local artists and craftspeople. Expect candles, jewellery, gift wrapping, and plenty more. A perfect excuse for stocking up on unique stocking fillers.
Just around the corner at Cambridge Walks Winter Market, visitors can enjoy activities such as Christmas colouring and card making. Raffles, stalls, and live music have all been arranged by the vibrant business community too.
Meet Father Christmas
No Christmas party would be complete without an appearance from the man himself.
The much-loved Grotto returns to Wayfarers Arcade between 11.30 and 14.00. For just £10 per child, children will receive a Christmas gift to take away from their visit. No booking is required.
The Vincent Hotel will also be hosting their Santa’s Grotto, which was incredibly popular at the Festive Fun Day in 2023. Pre-booking is required (£10 a child with a gift) and can be done so by calling 01704 883800.
Father Christmas will also be visiting at Silcock’s famous Carousel. A perfect opportunity to get a selfie with the man in red!
Discover the Gingerbread Trail
The ever-popular Gingerbread Family Trail returns to Southport this Christmas, starting on Saturday 23 November.
Explore the town centre and be on the lookout for ten characters who are hiding in the windows of businesses around the town centre. You can also visit special Gingerbread Selfie Zones to take pictures with festive props.
One lucky entry will be drawn at random to win a Nintendo Switch with games from Game Southport!
Enjoy the fringe events
Enjoy Live music and seasonal drinks at The Engine Room’s Heritage Holiday Fete in Wayfarers Arcade. The event will embrace a harvest festival theme (with a dash of Christmas fun!) from 12.00 until late.
Afters at The Fool will suit those who are looking to continue the Christmas party on into the evening. The Fools House Band and The Gondolas will be on stage in the the new West Street venue.
Visitors to Southport Market will also have the opportunity for a meet-and-greet with the Starkidz Christmas elves between 16.00 and 18.00.
For more information on the Festive Fun Day and surrounding activities, visit www.southportbid.com/christmas and make sure to Your Southport on Facebook and Instagram.
Save the date and keep in the loop via the Festive Fun Day Facebook event page
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