One of Southport’s grandest churches will open its doors for the Heritage Open Days festival for the first time this September.
Holy Trinity Church, a Grade II* listed building on Hoghton Street in Southport town centre, will welcome visitors from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 19 September 2026.
The landmark church, renowned for its impressive stonework and stained glass windows, will host a programme of events throughout the day alongside stalls from local community organisations.
The event also celebrates the recent publication of a new guidebook exploring the fascinating history of Holy Trinity and the people who have helped shape its story.
Admission is free and no booking is required.
Southport Heritage Open Days returns this September following the success of last year’s festival.
England’s largest festival of history and culture takes place from 11-20 September 2026, with more than 20 Southport events already listed as part of this year’s programme.
A church at the heart of Southport’s history
Before Christ Church was built on Lord Street in 1821, the whole of the North Meols parish – stretching from Hundred End in the north to the Birkdale and Ainsdale boundary in the south – was served by the ancient St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown.
As Southport grew rapidly during the 19th century, so too did the need for additional churches.
The Reverend Charles Hesketh, who became Rector of North Meols in 1835, quickly took steps to provide additional church accommodation in Southport and Crossens with the support of his brother Peter Fleetwood Hesketh, Lord of the Manor.
Holy Trinity and St John’s Church in Crossens were both built in 1837.
In 1893, a meeting was held to consider plans for a new Holy Trinity Church on the same site.
The present church was consecrated by the Bishop of Liverpool, Bishop Chavasse, on 12 March 1912 in front of a large congregation.
Its impressive tower was completed and dedicated on 15 February 1913.
Music, tours and community groups
Holy Trinity continues to play a central role in the local community, including its close relationship with neighbouring Holy Trinity Primary School, where Ann Charters is the new headteacher.
Visitors during the Heritage Open Days event will be able to see displays from Holy Trinity Guides, Brownies and Scouts.
Partner organisations including the Forget Me Not Dementia Cafe at Southport YMCA, Compassion Acts and homelessness charity Light For Life will also be represented.
Musical Director Dan Mansfield will act as MC for the day and will lead performances on the church’s organs, including a rare double recital.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear Holy Trinity’s choir, featuring singers aged seven and upwards, which recently returned from performing in Dublin.
Three guided tours of the church will take place throughout the day.
Copies of the newly published Holy Trinity guidebook will also be available to buy. Written and produced by Ken Smith, the book explores the history of the church and the people who have contributed to its story.
Holy Trinity Church will be open for Heritage Open Days from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 19 September 2026. Admission is free and no booking is required.
Marlyn Banham, the Parish Safeguarding Officer, a member of the PCC and a former Holy Trinity Primary School Head of Governors, said:
“We are excited to invite you to Holy Trinity, a Grade 2* Listed Building for our first Heritage event.
“There will be the opportunity to learn more about the history and construction of the building and magnificent stained-glass windows with guided tours available throughout the day.
“Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.
“However, Holy Trinity is much more than a building, it is a Christian community for the community.
“We have a primary school, uniformed organisations, a very active choir that provides a free musical education for children and so much more.
“Come and sample a range of activities and lots of information about the support offered by other organisations too.
“Refreshments and a delicious hot lunch will be available, a foretaste of our weekly lunch club!
“You can also purchase a copy of our new guide book.”
Event programme:
10am – Welcome & introduction by the Church Wardens
10:15am – Organ recital
10:30am – Poetry reading
10:45am – Presentation by Holy Trinity school pupils
11:15am – Flower arranging demonstration / guided tour of the church
12pm – Poetry reading
1pm – Guided tour of the church
1:30pm – 2:15pm – Organ recital and church choir
2:15pm – Flower arranging demonstration/guided tour of the church
4pm – Closing remarks and thanks
Booking information – Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details – Access for wheelchair users by ramp on the right side of the church. The main body of the church is wheelchair accessible, but there are steps to the choir stalls and the lady chapel.
For more Heritage Open Days events in Southport, visit the HOD website.
READ MORE: Heritage Open Days returns with free events across Liverpool City Region
