Free Bandstand Revival Music Events Announced in Southport to Welcome The Open Visitors

July 7, 2026
By Editor - Elliot Thompson

People are invited to come and enjoy two superb live music events at the iconic Bandstand on Lord Street in Southport town centre over the next two weekends.

These fabulous free gatherings will take place between 1 pm and 4 pm on Sunday, 12th July and Sunday, 19th July 2026.

Organised by Southport Matters, the Bandstand Revival Southport events are designed to coincide with the huge influx of visitors coming into Southport from around the world to enjoy The 154th Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

Southport town centre will be full of live music throughout the tournament, with the Market Quarter Festival taking place on Saturday 18th July, and pubs, bars and restaurants across the area also hosting live music sessions.

Bandstand Revival Southport will also celebrate the significant ongoing work by the Lord Street In Bloom Garden Volunteers, with support from Green Sefton and local businesses, to transform the historic Bandstand Gardens in recent months.

The volunteers are aiming to raise £10,000 to carry out the work and to buy new plants and flowers, with people able to donate online via their dedicated community crowdfunding page.

Local Residents Drive Historic Town Centre Restoration Initiative

The project originally stemmed from a direct public consultation regarding the future use of the town’s historical coastal assets.

Richard Owens from Southport Matters said:

“Bandstand Revival comes from an idea from local residents.

“We worked with the Lord Street In Bloom Garden Volunteers and other local partners to showcase what can be done at the Lord Street Bandstand.

“Back in 2025, at a listening exercise run by Southport MP Patrick Hurley, residents told us that they would like to see the bandstand on Lord Street brought back into use.

“Since then, the Lord Street In Bloom Garden Volunteers have worked tirelessly to improve the area with lots of new planting, restoring the flowerbeds to their former glory.

“Behind the scenes, Southport Matters has acted as facilitator for a pilot season of Summer Afternoon Music.

“So for the next two Sunday afternoons, it’s a community pop-up event at the Bandstand on Lord Street and YOU are invited.

“Thanks to Southport BID for their advice and support, to Hesketh Mount Business Centre, to Moonlight Events and to all the acts who have given their time and energy for free to support this community initiative.”

Full Performance Line-up Confirmed for Two Weekend Showcase Event

The regional community group has secured a diverse collection of local performance acts, brass bands, and dance schools to provide entertainment throughout the duration of the international sporting competition.

Sunday 12th July 2026 Performance Schedule:

1.00pm – Kelly Bond
1.20pm – Ukulele Buddies
1.50pm – Awk the Clown
2.10pm – Bradley Portersmith
2.30pm – Central School of Dance
3.00pm – Marshside Brass Band
3.45pm – Kelly Bond

Sunday 19th July 2026 Performance Schedule:

1.00pm – Jenny Wren
1.20pm – Rock Choir (To Be Confirmed)
1.50pm – The Warehouse Arts Centre Collective
2.40pm – Southport String Ensemble
3.15pm – Salvation Army Brass Band
3.55pm – Jenny Wren

All timings and specific performers remain subject to change depending on local circumstances on the day.

The cultural festivities are timed to run alongside one of the biggest events in the international sporting calendar.

The 154th Open Golf Championship is coming to Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport from Sunday, 12th July to Sunday, 19th July 2026.

The Southport links will stage The Open for the 11th time, with Championship play starting on Thursday, 16th July and running across four days, concluding when the Champion Golfer of the Year is named on Sunday, 19th July 2026.

From Sunday 12th July to Wednesday 15th July fans can attend new bespoke practice days, each with their own unique offering, from a Last-Chance Qualifier to Heroes Classic – a showcase event featuring Champion Golfers and an array of special guests.

Members of the public can review further details about the community group and track updates on regional activities by visiting the official Southport Matters Website.

Anyone wishing to support the botanical restoration of the local heritage site can access the donation system directly via the Bandstand Gardens Revival Crowdfunder.