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Seven unmissable annual events in Southport
Southport; a coastal capital for spectacular events.
Our beautiful coastline and wide-open green spaces make the perfect setting for a calendar of thrilling spectacles and family-friendly days out.
Southport Air Show and the British Musical Fireworks Championship light up the skies. Southport Flower Show blooms into life in Summer. Southport Comedy Festival provides two weeks of hilarity each Autumn.
Southport is also an ideal spot to stay when attending events across the wider Liverpool City Region. The world-famous Grand National festival of horseracing is only a short train-ride away.
These incredible days out are an ideal reason for planning a weekend getaway or longer trip to Southport. Check our summary of unmissable events listed by annual calendar date.
Southport Food and Drink Festival
30 May – June 1 2025
Locals and visitors once again flock to Victoria Park for Southport’s annual celebration of food, drink, and local specialist produce.
A smorgasbord of specialist local and national food and drink vendors encircle the park and cook up delights over the long weekend.
The tastes and smells stimulate your senses whilst satisfying your cravings with all manner of curries, paella, pastas, crepes, street food, cocktails, craft beers and sweet treats, including Southport’s own artisan honey producer Granleja.
Locals love to spend a relaxing day at the Festival; sampling a mixture of dishes before heading back into town for further refreshments.
Southport Flower Show
14 – 17 August 2025
Each August, Victoria Park is transformed with stunning floral displays and gardening exhibitions as Southport Flower Show springs up. The UK’s largest independent flower show recently celebrated its centenary year and is still blossoming.
Green-fingered guests flock from around the country to view dazzling show gardens and the country’s largest Amateur Growers’ Competition.
Expect to meet some special guests too. Prominent gardeners and horticulturists are on hand to give out tips, whilst celebrity chefs provide entertain and educate crowds in the Cookery Theatre.
Southport Air Show
August 30 - 31 2025
Join the many thousands of aerophiles, thrill-seekers and history buffs, who over the years have been treated to displays from classic planes such as Vulcan and Lancaster bombers, helicopters and Spitfire and Typhoon fighters, as well as breath-taking aerobatic displays from the celebrated Red Arrows and WingWalkers teams and parachutists.
The Air Show makes for a great weekend visit to Southport. For the best views, buy a ticket and head to the coastline. If a more relaxed experience is required, find a spot outside a bar or restaurant in the town centre to relax and enjoy the display in the sky above you.
24-hour Yacht Race
September 13-14 2025
The famous dinghy race Is a huge draw for sailing fanatics from across the UK, with over 500 competitors taking part and spectators from all corners of the UK attending.
West Lancashire Yacht Club host the event, which tasks competitors with a 24-hour race around a large section of the beautiful Marine Lake. Teams race against the elements throughout the day and night in a true test of skill and endurance.
Watching the many coloured sails navigate around the lake’s islands is an incredible spectacle. It’s a perfect excuse for a day trip to the coast and a picnic down by the water. Visit the Lakeside Inn for one of the best views (if you can get a seat that is…).
The British Musical Fireworks Championship
September 27-28 2025
For a couple of days each Autumn, the sky above Southport becomes the setting for some of the world’s best pyrotechnic teams.
Dazzling firework displays will take your breath away, exploding into life in perfect synchronicity with the music. Pick your favourites before a panel of judges decides on the overall winner.
As well as the fireworks, there’s street food and children’s activities to enjoy. The Fireworks make for a perfect addition to a weekend getaway in Southport.
Day of the Dead
Nov TBC
The Día de los Muertos festival at Adventure Coast Southport has become a must-do event in recent years.
Each year, the park is taken over by a Mexican themed extravaganza with a fiesta of vibrant colours and live music showcasing a programme of fire eaters, enchanters and magical experiences alongside thrilling fairground rides, offering something for young and young at heart alike.
Southport Comedy Festival
October 3 – 18 2025
The annual Comedy Fest is a must-attend event for anyone seeking a good laugh!
A star-studded list of notable stand-up comedians bring their wit and humour to Southport each year. The event, which is hosted in Victoria Park beneath a grand marquee, will feature such names as Chris McCausland, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Omid Djalili in 2025.
Beyond Southport
Liverpool city centre, a hub of world-class events, is only a short train ride from Southport. Each year, the region draws thousands to the iconic Grand National for three days of racing. There's Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest free contemporary art festival, and the dazzling River of Light which brings a sparkle to winter nights.
The Best of the Rest
Planning to pay us a visit? Head to Visit Southport for more information on Southport hotels and accommodation.
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