9 reasons why you need to visit Southport for its Festive Fun Day – and beyond!

There are three words that’ll already have you putting this great day out into your diary – fun, festive, and Southport.

But that doesn’t even come close to describing the excitement that our favourite seaside town’s got in store on Saturday, November 23, to officially signal the start of Christmas.

With top pop players, TOWIE royalty and tons of food and drink delights, you just know it’s going to be a cracker of a day.

But if you’d like us to spell it out for you, we’re more than happy to oblige…

Gemma Collins

The Only Way is Essex’s ‘The GC’ will be heading to town to spread some festive cheer and join in the fun – and if anyone knows how to have a good time it’s our favourite larger-than-life TV personality and businesswoman from Romford. Gemma says: “I couldn’t be more excited to be visiting Southport for this year’s Festive Fun Day. We’ll be getting into the Christmas spirit with dance, music and plenty of festive fun.”

Great for families

Southport’s never just for the grown-ups and that includes the Festive Fun Day. There are Christmas Grottos at The Vincent Hotel and Wayfarers Arcade so children can get their requests into the man in red, character shows, dance performances and tons of Panto fun too. There are going to be fairground attractions, face painting and creative workshops – and of course, Southport’s spectacular illuminations.

You can get there by train

You don’t even need to worry about where to park the car. Merseyrail’s got regular journeys to Southport, and the station’s only around 15 minutes’ walk away from where all the fun’s happening. It takes away the hassle and means you can treat yourself to a hot chocolate with a drop of something warming added!

Lemar

Brit and MOBO award-winning singer-songwriter Lemar will be belting out his hits when he takes to the stage in the afternoon. After rising to fame on BBC’s Fame Academy Lemar, who completed a sell-out tour this year, has become one of the most successful British solo artists of the last decade.

Start your shopping on the day

When it comes to Christmas Shopping Southport’s got it all wrapped up whether you’re looking for heartfelt pressies for the family or surprises for the Secret Santa at work: you’ve got Lord Street, Wesley Street, Cambridge Walks and the Market Quarter for great independent boutiques, and Chapel Street, M Park Central 12 and Ocean Plaza for all the top national brands.

Toploader are performing

You’ll definitely be Dancing in the Moonlight when Toploader brings a fantastic day to a close. The band, which has a reputation for being a real crowd-pleaser, will be taking to the stage from 5pm and let’s hope the hits will also include Some Kind of Wonderful and Time of My Life (because that’s what you’ll be having).

Christmas food and drink

As well as all those bars, restaurants and lovely little tea rooms, you can treat yourself to a bite to eat at Southport’s amazing food and drink market. There’s so much choice … a cocktail or a creamy hot chocolate even? Don’t mind if we do.

There’s a Frozen singalong

And who doesn’t love a bit of Elsa and Anna? You’ll not want to be letting this go so be sure to make a mental note that the Frozen Singalong Show from Regally Royal will be on at 2pm.

There’s more happening in December too!

Christmas in Southport 2024 — Credit: Southport BID

The fun doesn’t stop once the day is over, there’s so much festive magic set to light up Southport throughout December. As well as the illuminations with the LED Christmas tree, The Boulevard of Light on Lord Street, and The Bear and The Reindeer characters, there’s Sleeping Beauty at The Atkinson, and The Gingerbread Trail. There’s also a Christmas Market at The Waterfront Hotel on December 1, and lots of family friendly events at Southport Market.

The Festive Fun Day is organised by Southport BID and Sefton Council.