Spectacular open-air ballroom to take over Southport this Easter

Southport is set to sparkle this Easter, as Town Hall Gardens is transformed into a glittering open-air ballroom for the spectacular Cristal Palace.

On Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April 2026, internationally acclaimed French performance company Transe Express will bring their breathtaking large-scale production to the heart of the town as part of the Southport 2026: Elegantly Eccentric programme. Taking place during the Easter holidays, this free event promises a magical evening out for all generations, from grandparents to grandchildren.

Free to attend and open to all, the extraordinary 90-minute spectacle celebrates 150 years of dance and music in a swirl of soaring aerial performance, live sound and striking visual theatre. Suspended high above the audience will be a show stopping 12-metre-wide chandelier, creating an unforgettable centrepiece and a truly enchanting atmosphere beneath the spring evening sky.

For families looking for something special to do together over the Easter weekend, Cristal Palace offers a shared experience that is both uplifting and awe inspiring. Whether enjoying it as part of a day out in Southport or making it the highlight of an Easter break, audiences can expect elegance, spectacle and plenty of wow moments.

For more than four decades, Transe Express have captivated audiences around the world with ambitious outdoor productions that transform everyday spaces into moments of wonder. Cristal Palace promises to do exactly that, turning Southport’s gardens into a living, breathing ballroom where international artistry meets community celebration.

Adding a uniquely local flourish, 36 Southport performers, including 20 young dancers from schools across the town, will take part in a specially created section choreographed by local creative Grace Goulding. The collaboration brings together global talent and homegrown performers, making this not only a world class event but also a proud celebration of the town’s creative spirit.

Rémi Allaigre, Artistic Director of Transe Express, said:

“We can’t wait to share the energy of dance with the audience at Town Hall Gardens in Southport on April 3rd and 4th. The entire Transe Express team of actors, musicians, acrobats, technicians, and choreographer is thrilled to be performing with the 36 local volunteers who will be joining us for the show “Cristal Palace.” Each performance is a special edition, reflecting the unique adventure of the encounter. And that’s what makes it so exciting!”

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said:

“Hot on the heels of Lightport we’re thrilled to welcome Transe Express and their jaw dropping Cristal Palace spectacle to Southport. Once again this is a perfect opportunity for families across the Northwest to come to our wonderful town and experience something truly magical. Showcasing the incredible talent of our local young dancers alongside world class performers makes Cristal Palace particularly special. I look forward to seeing everyone enjoying a memorable, joyful weekend of dance in the heart of the town centre.”

Access to the outdoor ballroom will open from 18:00, with the performance running from 19:30 to 21:00. Audiences should enter the ballroom via entrances on Lord Street.

There will be an Accessible Viewing Area available during Cristal Palace. Please note this space is limited and will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. You can book tickets here.