The Southport Heritage Open Days Festival is returning this autumn – with a new theme and with more local venues invited to take part!
Last year’s event was a huge success, with more venues than ever taking part with brilliant feedback from visitors.
All events are free, in this annual celebration of local heritage.
Southport Heritage Open Days Co-ordinator Heather Cook said:
“We’re already a month into the new year, and things are moving quickly behind the scenes as we look forward to Southport’s 2026 Heritage Open Days festival from 11th to 20th September 2026.
“I’m so excited to share that this year’s festival theme will be… Everyday Histories.
“We’ll be exploring:
– daily working life through the ages
– stories of local families
– the history of local cottage industries, organisations, and movements
“I’d love to see even more people getting involved!
“We’re looking for local people, organisations, and venues to host events as part of our 2026 festival programme.
“Whether you’ve hosted before, or you’re brand new, there’s a whole spectrum of ways that you can get involved, and we’d love to hear from you!
“From tours to talks, exhibitions to guided walks, story-sharing events to family-history workshops, and everything in between, there’s a pathway into the festival for everyone.
“To find out more, please email me at southport.hod@hotmail.com or drop a message to our Southport Heritage Open Days Festival Facebook page!”
The 2025 Southport Heritage Open Days Festival was a huge success with the hundreds of people who visited some of Southport’s most cherished landmarks – along with some hidden treasures.
Feedback from people who attended has been impressive, with 100% of people who enjoyed one of the visits in 2025 saying they would love to head back to the Festival in 2026.
Venues which featured in 2025 – some for the first time – included Southport Masonic Hall; Silcock’s Pier Family restaurant; Masters Crazy Golf; the Prince of Wales Hotel; Southport’s Lost Cinemas; Kings Gardens; The Atkinson; Holy Family Catholic Church; The Windmill pub; the British Lawnmower Museum; Marshside Fog Bell; Scarisbrick Mausoleum; St Philip & St Paul with Wesley Church; and many more.
Every event was free.
The festival this year is an integral part of an exciting year of events in ‘Southport 2026’ when the town will host The Open Golf Championship along with four brand new events under the ‘Elegantly Eccentric’ banner.
They will add to existing ‘Southport Originals’ such as Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show, the British Musical Fireworks Championship, Southport Comedy Festival, Southport Food and Drink Festival and others.
Southport Heritage Open Days Co-ordinator Heather Cook said:
“We loved putting on the Southport Heritage Open Days Festival, and it’s amazing to know that 100% of respondents said they would visit again!
“97% said they were inspired to engage more with heritage and culture as a result of the festival.
“84% of respondents said our festival made them feel more proud of Southport. There’s so much to love about our town, and it’s amazing to know the festival played a part in boosting local pride.
“Great things happen when you celebrate what you’ve got on your doorstep!”
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
