Residents and visitors can now access great-value tickets on Merseyrail services to support Southport’s headline events throughout 2026.
For just £2 return for adults and £1 for children, the offer provides an affordable way to reach the seaside destination from any Merseyrail station.
In some cases, these pocket-friendly fares represent savings of up to 70 per cent compared with standard tickets.
The discounted fares are part of a wider drive to attract more visitors and strengthen the local economy.
Beyond the travel savings, the initiative highlights the ongoing investment in the town, including the restoration of Southport Pier, the new Marine Lake Events Centre, and the transformation of the Town Hall Gardens.
Supporting a Vibrant Event Programme
The promotion applies to all Merseyrail services to and from Southport for several flagship events.
These include the Cristal Palace on 3 to 4 April, the Big Top Festival on 2 to 3 May, and the Southport Food and Drink Festival from 29 to 31 May.
The offer continues into the summer for the Southport Flower Show from 20 to 23 August and the Southport Airshow on 29 to 30 August.
Autumn events are also covered, including the British Musical Fireworks Championship on 26 to 27 September and the Books Alive festival from 24 to 31 October.
Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson welcomed the move as a boost for local families, she said:
“We really welcome this initiative, that will give families a chance to visit our wonderful town and experience some of our really exciting events that we have lined up.
“We have really been investing in Southport’s regeneration and I am really looking forward for people to take advantage of the discounted train fares and make the most of Southport.
“With something on nearly every month as part of our Elegantly Eccentric cultural programme, there is really something for everyone to enjoy.
“These affordable train tickets are helping encourage everyone to take the train to Southport and experience the programme of events that promise to keep the town buzzing.”
Accessible and Sustainable Travel
The reduced-price tickets are funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority using funds recovered from train manufacturer Stadler.
Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail, noted that the £2 fare is a great way to support the visitor economy by making travel more accessible.
Mayor Steve Rotheram also commented on the initiative, he said:
“Southport is one of the jewels in our region’s cultural crown.
“But for too long it hasn’t had the attention, or ambition, it deserved.
“Thanks to devolution, and determined leadership from Cllr Marion Atkinson, we’re now working better across all levels of government to change that.
“So we’re cutting the cost of train fares for these big events to try and make it cheaper and easier than ever to hop on the train and enjoy everything has to offer.
“You too can play your part, bring the family, support local businesses, and come and be part of what’s set to be a fantastic year for Southport.”
Tickets are available from Merseyrail ticket offices or via Tap and Go on the specified event days.
This offer encourages more people to enjoy the town’s flagship attractions while contributing to the local community and businesses.
