Southport is going for gold this February Half Term after Olympic star Greg Rutherford and the Visit England team leaped in to explore what makes the seaside town so special.
Greg, a celebrated British long jumper who won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, was wowed by the many attractions and local businesses he was welcomed by during his trip.
He was in town with his son, Milo, and a Visit England film crew, putting together footage on what visitors can enjoy when they take a break in Southport, organised through Visit Southport.
Their locations included the historic Silcock’s Carousel, which has been entertaining families since 1901 and was voted as the UK’s fourth best seaside attraction in the Bucket and Spade Awards in 2023.
They also tucked into fish and chips at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant.
There is plenty happening in Southport during February Half Term, with the brand new Lightport event bringing a unique series of light installations to Lord Street from Saturday 14th February to Monday 16th February 2026.
There is a packed year of events ahead. They include FOUR brand new events (Lightport, Cristal Palace, the Big Top Festival and Books Alive) plus the return of The Open Golf championship and regular favourites including Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show and Southport Comedy Festival.
Silcock Leisure Group head of Operations Serena Silcock-Prince said:
“It was fantastic to see Greg and Milo and everyone from Visit England in Southport!
“They had a busy day of filming on Saturday, they had a lot of places to get around. It shows how much we have to offer here in Southport!
“Greg and Milo said they had never been to Southport before, but absolutely loved it. They said they can’t wait to come back with all the rest of their family.
“They loved our Carousel, and did lots of filming there, along with around Marine Lake and in the King’s Gardens. They had enjoyed a look around The Atkinson before they came here.
“Greg and Milo then had something to eat from Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant. Milo said he gave our sausage and chips a 9 out of 10 while Greg said he gave our fish and chips a 10 out of 10!
“They were very excited to hear about all the events we have to look forward to in Southport this year.
“I told them about last week’s superb news about work starting soon to repair and reopen Southport Pier, which should hopefully be reopened for Summer 2027 – they are very keen to come back and see that!
“Visit England has been so supportive of Southport this year. They have promoted our town to visitors across the UK through their social media channels and it has been brilliant to see them filming here over the weekend.
“Southport has so much to offer people this year with so many reasons to come and visit with so many exciting events and attractions.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone for memories they’ll never forget.”
Herbert Silcock’s 121-year-old Carousel was built in 1901 in the reign of Queen Victoria.
The Golden Gallopers ride, on Southport Pier Forecourt, features two beautifully-painted carriages and 30 horses, each named after members of the Silcock family or family friends.
The horses on the inside of the ride are original Anderson carvings and date to when the ride was built at the turn of the century.
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