SOUTHPORT Heritage Open Days is back this September after the huge success of last year’s festival.
England’s largest festival of history and culture returns 11 September - 20 September 2026 with over 20 events already available on the Heritage Open Days website and more coming online soon.
There are even more locations taking part this year - including some exciting new ones.
They include an opportunity to look around the historic former Southport Magistrates’ Court building on Albert Road - now operated as the Access Point offices - which has been used as the setting for a number of movies and television dramas.
You can look inside St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown, Southport's oldest church. There has been a church here since 1178 during the time of King Stephen.
Legendary signwriter Graham Booth, whose intricate hand-painted work includes Silcock’s Carousel on the Promenade, will give a talk about his fascinating life’s work around the world at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant.
Dr Julia Paul will give a talk called ‘Behind The Headlines Of Southport’s Newspapers’ at The Atkinson.
You can discover the secrets of the buried Victorian Nevill Street that once bustled with seaside visitors on their way to the beach thanks to the magic of 3D artist Joe Hill.
Arthouse has a series of events inspired by the eye-catching Salus building (the former Jaeger building) on Lord Street.
There is still time for people to sign up and take part with their venues, although the deadline is looming fast. Please register your interest by emailing:- Southport.hod@hotmail.com
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate the fantastic history and culture of where we live.
It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore.
Southport Heritage Open Days Co-ordinator Heather Cook said:- “Last year was my 1st year organising the festival and I was really determined for it to be successful, with places that people wanted to visit. It went really well! We had a fantastic response from visitors. Many of them were from Southport but we also saw lots of people travelling in to learn more about our town too. Some of the events were extremely popular and were fully booked - if there are any you’d like to book in for, please do it sooner rather than later! Pre-booking is required for some, but not all events."
The 2025 Southport Heritage Open Days Festival saw hundreds of people visiting some of Southport’s most cherished landmarks - along with some hidden treasures.
Survey feedback from people who attended was impressive; 100% of people who enjoyed one of the visits last year said they would love to head back to the Festival in 2026.
The Southport Heritage Open Days Festival is an integral part of an exciting year of events in ‘Southport 2026’ with the town recently hosting The 154th Open Golf Championship along with new events under the ‘Elegantly Eccentric’ banner such as Lightport, the Big Top Festival and Books Alive.
They add to existing ‘Southport Originals’ such as Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show, the British Musical Fireworks Championship, Southport Comedy Festival and others.
Heather Cook said:- “We loved putting on the Southport Heritage Open Days Festival last year, and it's amazing to know that 100% of our respondents said they would visit again! 97% said they were inspired to engage more with heritage and culture as a result of the festival. 84% of respondents said our festival made them feel more proud of Southport. There's so much to love about our town, and it's amazing to know the festival played a part in boosting local pride. We have so much heritage in Southport and this is a wonderful way to discover what we have. Sometimes people in Ainsdale know lots about Ainsdale but not as much about the history of Churchtown, or vice versa; we have locations from all over Southport taking part so it’s an opportunity for people to discover more about our town as a whole. Last year we had over 25 venues taking part - this year we have already 40 signed up, some for the 1st time, which is exciting! It’s great that the message is getting out."
Heather continued:- “Last year’s theme was ‘Architecture’ while this year’s theme is ‘Everyday Histories’. It’s not just about the buildings, but also about learning more about the people who worked or lived in them, the lives they led and the impact they have had on Southport. There are lots of famous people who hail from Southport, some nationally, but also some who are part of Southport’s folklore, who are very well-known locally. Many of them we know about, but some we don’t, and it’s fascinating to hear people’s stories. In some of the talks taking place during the festival you will be able to hear about some of the figures who left their mark on Southport’s past from some of the people who are contributing to its success today. I’m pleased to see some new venues coming on board this year. Being able to enjoy tours of the former Southport Magistrates’ Court will be special. Lots of people are looking forward to learning more about St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown, whose history goes back hundreds of years as the 1st church in Southport. It’s a really beautiful building. They’re part of the festival for the 1st time. It’s been really busy engaging with people and getting events organised and there’s lots to look forward to. We still have time for more people to get in touch, although the deadline is on:- 13 August 2026. Great things happen when you celebrate what you've got on your doorstep!”
For more details about Southport Heritage Open Days please email Heather Cook at-: Southport.hod@hotmail.com