Southport Food and Drink Festival 2026: Eleven Days to Go

Victoria Park, Bank Holiday weekend. 29, 30 and 31 May 2026. This is the one Southport food event that actually draws a proper crowd. I've been most years. It's good. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of it.

What It Actually Is

Around 100 producers, street food traders, and independent food businesses spread across Victoria Park. A mix of things to eat on the day and things to take home. There's usually a gin and craft beer area, a prosecco bar, and a handful of live cooking demonstrations.

The quality varies between stalls, as it does at any festival. There are usually two or three standout traders worth seeking out and a few that are fine but nothing special. Go with the attitude of exploring rather than having specific expectations.

When to Go

Saturday is the most popular day. If you want it quieter and slightly less queued, Friday afternoon or Sunday morning are better bets. The Bank Holiday Monday tends to tail off earlier as traders start packing up.

Get there by 11am if possible. By 1pm on Saturday the queues for the popular stalls are long and parking nearby is almost gone.

Parking

Victoria Park itself has limited parking. The town centre car parks are the sensible option. The multi-storey on Tulketh Street (PR8 1BJ) is the closest. Marine Drive is further but usually has space.

Getting There

Victoria Park is a short walk from Southport station. Merseyrail Northern line from Liverpool Central, direct. For the Bank Holiday weekend this is genuinely the easier option than driving.

Worth Going?

Yes. It's free entry, it's outdoors, and it gives you a good excuse to spend the Bank Holiday weekend doing something. The atmosphere is good and the food quality is generally better than what you'd find at a standard fairground event. Bring cash as well as cards, some stalls are cash only.