Southport’s Year of Culture could define the town for decades

Southport’s Year of Culture in 2026 is being hailed as a moment that could transform the town for decades to come, with a programme designed to inspire young people to one day tell their grandchildren: “I was there.”

Culture leaders say the ambitious year-long celebration will help drive regeneration, pride and long-term economic growth, bringing local communities and visitors together through a packed calendar of events.

Four brand new events have already been announced. These include:

Lightport from 14 to 16 February

Cristal Palace on 3 and 4 April

The Big Top Festival on 2 and 3 May

Books Alive running from 24 to 31 October

Alongside the new programme, Southport will also welcome millions of visitors for the return of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in July.

Established favourites including Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show and Southport Comedy Festival will also return as part of a landmark year for the town.

The impact of culture-led regeneration was highlighted in Parliament by Southport MP Patrick Hurley during a debate on UK Towns of Culture. Drawing on the transformation of Prescot following the opening of Shakespeare North Playhouse, he said Southport is now poised for similar success.

Hurley told MPs that Prescot was once defined by a single cable factory, which dominated the town for decades before closing and taking hundreds of jobs with it. He said culture has since played a key role in reversing that decline.

He pointed to the £40 million investment in Shakespeare North Playhouse, built on the site of a former bus station, which now trains young people in the creative industries, attracts visitors back into the town centre and supports new cafés, businesses and community arts projects.

Hurley said the lesson is clear: a town’s future is not fixed, and investment in culture can create lasting change.

Turning to Southport, he said the 2026 Year of Culture will feature large-scale installations and events that bring the town’s streets and public spaces to life. Plans include a sound and light installation transforming the town into a “giant rainbow”, an outdoor ballroom celebrating 150 years of music and dance in April, and fictional worlds brought to life across Southport in October.

He added that the real legacy of Southport 2026 will be the memories it creates for young people growing up today.

“We know what a town of culture can do,” he said. “It will allow the kids of today to look back in wonder in 50 years’ time and tell their grandchildren that they were there.”

More information about events and the full programme can be found here.

Check out Southport Jazz Festival – it is back this month with ten shows across three days.

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