I've lived in Southport long enough to know that 2026 is different. It's genuinely the biggest year this town has had in decades. Two world-class events within 12 months, several brand-new events added to the calendar, and the beginning of the MLEC era. Here's what you need to know.
The Open Championship — July 12–19
Royal Birkdale hosts the 154th Open Championship in July. This is the biggest event in Southport's sporting history. The best golfers in the world will be here for a week. Accommodation is almost gone. Tickets are available through The R&A. If you're planning to come for this, act now — I cannot say that emphatically enough.
Lightport — February 14–16 (already happened, worth knowing for next year)
The brand-new light installation on Lord Street from Lucid Creates was outstanding — the kind of event that Southport didn't used to have but absolutely should. 7,000 luminous pixels forming a rainbow above Lord Street, water projections, four zones of immersive light art. It ran for three evenings and the turnout was impressive. Worth keeping an eye on for 2027.
Cristal Palace — April 3–4
French street theatre company Transe Express brings their spectacular Cristal Palace show to Lord Street. A 15-metre flying chandelier, aerial dancers, live musicians. This is the kind of event that transforms a street into something genuinely magical. Free to attend. Get there early.
Big Top Festival — May 2–3
Contemporary circus comes to Southport — world-class companies including Circa and Gandini Juggling performing across outdoor stages. Free to attend. Workshops, acrobatics, live music. A proper festival atmosphere that's accessible for all ages.
Food & Drink Festival — May 29–31
The Food and Drink Festival is a Southport institution. Street food, local producers, artisan cheeses, live music, and three days of eating and drinking well. One of the better food festivals in the North West. Free to enter.
Southport Air Show — August 29–30
The Air Show is back. Always a highlight of the summer — the Red Arrows, display teams, aerobatics over the beach. It draws enormous crowds for good reason. Free to attend from the beach, with paid grandstand options.
Comedy Festival — October 2–18
The Southport Comedy Festival runs for almost three weeks every October and has become one of the best in the country. 2026 features Henning Wehn, Gary Delaney, and more to be announced. Tickets sell fast for the headliners. The heated marquee in Victoria Park is a brilliant setting.
📅For the full 2026 events calendar with dates, venues, and ticket links, visit southportguide.co.uk/events. We update it regularly as new events are confirmed.
The bigger picture
2026 is the year Southport starts to properly announce itself. The Open brings global attention. The new events — Lightport, Cristal Palace, Big Top — signal a town with cultural ambition. And in the background, the MLEC is taking shape ready for 2027. If you've been meaning to visit Southport, this is the year to do it.
Planning your visit around the 2026 events? Here's everything else worth doing while you're in town — beaches, golf, nature, culture, and the things most visitors miss.
Things to Do in Southport — Complete Guide →Terry
Chief Editor, SouthportGuide.co.uk — Lives in Churchtown with his wife,
four kids, and Frank the bulldog.
