Iconic image of Southport recreated to launch a year long programme of events for 2026

Southport 2026 will include a major programme of cultural events launching with the recreation of an iconic photograph and including giant Chandeliers, world class circus performers and never ending rainbows.

A much loved promotional image of Southport from the 1930’s has been recreated in a modern style by leading photographer Julia Fullerton Batten as part of the launch for ‘Southport 2026’ a year long cultural programme taking place in the town. 

The original oil painting – Southport for a holiday in Wintertime by Fortunino Matania – was used in the 1930’s to promote Southport and has become an iconic image that captures the glamour and excitement of the Town in its heyday. 

The new image has been created using a cast of people who live and work in the town and was taken in the exact location – outside the Garrick Theatre – where the original was set.  

This is the first commission of the Southport 2026 programme – a range of cultural events and activities taking over the town next year and making Southport a must visit destination in 2026. 

The new image is being used to launch the programme, but a print will also be shown during 2026 at The Atkinson, alongside the original artwork. 

Julia Fullerton Batten is a fine-art photographer renowned for her highly cinematic visual story-telling and her large-scale projects often use unusual locations, highly creative settings, street-cast models and cinematic lighting. She has a permanent collection at the National Portrait Gallery, London; Musee de l’Elysee, Lausanne and the Parliamentary Art Collection, Houses of Parliament. 

Julia said:

‘I loved the glamour and intrigue of the original image and it was so exciting to get the chance to reimagine it on behalf of modern Southport. 

Our cast are a wonderful celebration of the warmth and creativity of the town and I hope the image helps capture the majesty of the art deco architecture which is all around you’ 

The calendar of other events in Southport during 2026 includes:

Lightport – February

A breathtaking immersive light and sound installation from leading international artists Lucid Creates that will turn the town into a walk-through rainbow of colour and creativity.

Cristal Palace – April

World-renowned French street theatre company Transe Express brings its spectacular show Cristal Palace to Lord Street with a 15-metre-wide flying chandelier, transforming the street into an open-air ballroom with live music, aerial performance and dance, a dazzling fusion of art and theatre set to be one of the year’s defining moments.

Big Top Festival – May

Big Top Festival will take over the town with the best of modern circus including shows from world renowned companies including Circa and Gandini Juggling coming to one of the artforms spiritual homes. Across open-air stages, audiences can expect breathtaking acts, live music and hands-on workshops for all ages.

Southport Originals – summerThroughout the summer, Southport’s much-loved calendar favourites return in style, the Southport Flower Show, Food and Drink Festival, Southport Air Show and British Musical Fireworks Championships, celebrating the town’s proud traditions while drawing visitors from across the UK.

Books Alive! – October

Books Alive! Is a reimagined literature festival designed for families and young readers. Running through half-term, the event will fill the town with storytelling installations, live performances and author-led workshops, turning Southport into a living storybook.

Claire McColgan CBE, Associate Director of Culture for Liverpool City Region said:

 “Southport 2026 is a huge moment for the town and it needed a new iconic image to help tell audiences the story of modern Southport. Julia was our first choice to do this as she is such a brilliant artist. 

What she has produced is a stunning image. Not only does it evoke the same feelings as the original but with its modern and fresh take it creates a sense of energy and excitement which we know the programme is Southport next year will match’.

Find out more about Southport 2026 here.

Find all the latest Southport news here.

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