Half Term is here! There is loads happening in Southport that families will love this week.
Discover bears, come face to face with dinosaurs, enjoy Ukrainian Day, while our town’s Carousel back open after its winter break.
Here are some of the many things you can enjoy in Southport this week (16th – 23rd February 2025):
1 – Dinosaur Adventure Live
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB
Friday 21st February 2025
Are you ready for a ROAR-some adventure? Well Southport will have the T-Rex Factor as The Atkinson is transformed into a dinosaur haven, inviting families to help rangers save the dino island from a Jurassic storm threatening to erase existence of the island forever.
Think you’re brave enough to face the Jurassic Storm?
Shows will run at 2pm and 5pm for 60 minutes followed by a 15-minute post-show Meet & Greet with the brand-new dinosaurs and dino babies.
Cost: Standard £16, Danger Zone (up close to the dinosaurs) £18.
Read more: Dinosaur Adventure Live – The Atkinson
2 – Carousel reopens after winter break
The iconic Silcock’s Carousel has been closed over the p[ast few weeks, due to its annual deep clean and maintenance routine.
But the famous Victorian era attraction has now reopened, ready for February Half Term!
Silcock’s Funland and Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant, next to the Carousel, as well as the ride itself are all open every day during Half Term.
You can also call into the fun Hall of Mirrors at Funland.
And don’t miss the chance to get your picture taken with Jester the Bear, one of 10 bears on the Bear Hunt Trail in Southport.
3 – We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Southport has transformed the classic ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ children’s picture book into a wonderful sculpture trail for visitors to explore the town centre.
The town has welcomed ten colourful hand-painted bear sculptures, which feature unique designs from talented artists and illustrators.
Visitors of all ages can use their trail map to discover the locations of each bear and answer bear-themed questions using the clues on each sculpture. Participants can submit their answers online via Southport BID for a chance to win some great prizes.
And for the crafty kids, take a break from the trail and design a brilliant bear for the BID’s colouring competition, or head down to the Bear Hunt themed Make IT! Craft Workshop at The Atkinson.
Get the younger children involved in the festivities as Southport Library will be celebrating the arrival of the ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ sculpture trail across Southport with a teddy bear themed Story & Rhyme Time on Wednesday 19th February between 11:30am and 12:15pm.
Cost: Free
Read more: We’re Going on A Bear Hunt Southport – Southport BID
4 – Half Term Heritage Hunt
Embark on an Epic Half Term Heritage Hunt at Wayfarers Arcade!
This half term, unleash your inner explorer and step into a world where history whispers from every corner! They’re inviting adventurers of all ages to join them on an enchanting scavenger hunt that promises to turn frosty days into thrilling quests.
Your journey begins at the heart of the arcade, with a stop at the Bear (the wise guardian of Wayfarers) to collect your magical scavenger map. This map is your key to uncovering the hidden stories and heritage gems tucked away within the arcade’s charming nooks and crannies. As you embark on your historical tour, let your imagination run wild as you hunt for all the heritage spots listed. Discover the secrets and tales of yesteryear, and perhaps you’ll stumble upon an item or two that sparks your curiosity!
Once your map is complete and your quest fulfilled, head to the Engine Room. There, a delightful treat awaits you as a reward for your keen eye and adventurous spirit. The best part? This remarkable journey is entirely free! So all that’s left is to bring the whole family for an unforgettable half term adventure.
Who knew history could be so much fun? Adventure awaits… see you at Wayfarers Arcade!
5 – Ukrainian Day
Saturday 22nd February
11am – 3pm
Free, drop in event. The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culture with a captivating day of events at The Atkinson. There will be a coffee morning, a choir performance, craft workshops and traditional dress alongside a community exhibition where you can find out more about Ukrainian culture.
The Foyer, Ground Floor
11am: A moment of silence marking 3 years since Russia invaded Ukraine
11:10am: Ukrainian choir performance
11:30am: Drawing a large paint-by-numbers picture
Theatre Bar, 1st Floor
12pm: Coffee morning in the theatre bar
Museum, Discovery Box, 2nd Floor
1pm: Wreath-making workshop
2pm: Thread horse dolls workshop
6 – Vue Cinema enjoys a multi-million pound makeover
Vue Cinema has a smart new look thanks to millions of pounds of investment.
It includes new projectors; better sound; and luxury new seats.
The entrance has been remodelled, new ticket barriers have been installed so you can scan your ticket on the way in, and enhanced snacks provision include a remodelled Ben & Jerry’s ice cream counter and freshly cooked popcorn.
Movies this Half Term include Bridget Jones, Captain America and Sloth Lane.
Visit: www.myvue.com/cinema/southport/whats-on
7 – Paddington
You can enjoy seeing both Paddington, Paddington 2 and Paddington In Peru at Bijou Cinema Southport during Half Term week!
They are among several great family friendly films which also include Cinderella, The Wild Robot and more.
Visit: Southport Bijou Cinema – Classic Films Old & New and Independents
8 – British Lawnmower Museum is a cut above the rest!
106-114 Shakespeare Street, Southport PR8 5AJ
Visit the British Lawnmower Museum this half-term for the biggest, the smallest, and the most expensive lawnmowers.
‘Lawnmowers of the Rich & Famous’ are also on display, including King Charles, Princess Diana & Queen’s Royal rock legend, Brian May, plus many mower!
For a family personal-guided tour and a unique opportunity to sit in a Trophy Winning Racing Lawnmower, prebook a slot by contacting -br@lawnmowerworld.com.
Cost: Family of four £36.
Read more: British Lawnmower Museum
9 – Sing the Musicals
Tuesday 18th February
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB
Direct from London’s West End to Southport’s The Atkinson, the live band sing-along spectacular is a must see this year.
With classics from Mamma Mia, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Les Misérables, and many more, performed by a sensational live band and character singers, this first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time is one you cannot miss this year.
Cost: £25
Read more: Sing The Musicals – The Atkinson
10 – Pirates & Mermaids Craft Workshop
Sail to Southport Market with your little seafarers this half term at Southport Market on Sunday, 16th February 2025 for two hours of swashbuckling crafty fun with pebbles & Trasures!
With the choice of either a mermaid or pirate theme, your little one can set their imaginations free in this fun, creative workshop.
Each craft will be set up on their own table and your little one can explore each station in their own time, no rush! And with up to two hours to complete all of the activities, there will be plenty of time to give your swashbuckling creations your full attention.
Creations include;
Beautiful Picture Frame
Jelly Fish
Super Spy Glass
Clay Sea Creatures
And as always, they will have a super selfie station to showcase your finished creations and to really get into the spirit of the sea.
This session is not suitable for children under 3 due to small parts, the activities are suited for children between 3 and 14. Children Must be supervised at all times.
Sessions at 10am and 1pm
11 – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Southport Dramatic Club at Southport Little Theatre
Friday 21st February 21 – Saturday 1st March
A Murder Mystery production by SDC – Directed by Jonathon Plunkett.
and very little about human beings. The play was produced by the National Theatre and won the Olivier Award for the best new play of 2013.
12 – Half Term roller skating
Half Term Skating is on every day at Southport YMCA
Mon – 10-11:30am & 12-1:30pm
Tues – 2-3:30pm
Wed – 10-11:30am & 12-1:30pm
Thurs – 10-11:30am & 12-1:30pm
Fri – 10-11:30am / 12-1:30pm / 4-5:30pm / 6-7:30pm
Sat – 10-11:30am / 12-1:30pm / 2-3:30pm / 4:30-6pm / 6-7:30pm
Sun – 10-11:30am / 12-1:30pm
£6 per skater + £2 skate hire NO NEED TO BOOK
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