Southport Beer Week is officially returning for 2026, bringing a six-day celebration of the independent brewing scene and historic pub culture to the seaside town.
Now in its second year, the festival is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, 20 May to Monday, 25 May 2026.
Positioned over the spring bank holiday weekend, the event provides the perfect excuse for a coastal visit to sample some of the finest cask ales and craft beers the region has to offer.
At the heart of the festivities is the popular “ale trail,” which guides participants through eighteen signed-up pubs and bars across the town centre.
Visitors can pick up a trail booklet, collect stamps as they sample different brews, and enter a draw for a chance to win various prizes.
It is estimated that well over 90 different beers will be available throughout the week, ranging from traditional bitters to modern experimental craft pours.
Luke Randles, Head of Operations at Southport BID, said:
“The first Beer Week in 2025 was a resounding success with both our businesses and attendees eager to see it return as an annual event.
“It was great to see so many joining in with the celebrations last year and there was a real buzz around the hospitality venues in the town centre.
“May is set to be a very exciting month in Southport, with the Big Top Festival and Southport Food and Drink Festival also taking place.”
A Diverse Mix of Heritage Pubs and Modern Beer Bodegas
The festival highlights the incredible variety within Southport’s hospitality sector. Participants include long-standing traditional favourites such as The Guest House, The Masons Arms, The Windmill, and The Lakeside Inn, renowned for their classic atmosphere and well-kept casks.
Contrasting these are modern craft specialists like Tap and Bottles, Northern Quarter venues such as Sinclair’s and Punch Tarmey’s, and the newly established beer bodega, The Bugle Tap.
The 2025 debut set a high bar with a packed schedule of activities, including tap takeovers, “meet the brewer” sessions, beer history tours, and live music.
Organisers have confirmed that similar individual events for 2026 will be announced as the festival approaches.
The creative identity of the week has also been maintained through the work of celebrated local artist Ruthie Illustrations, who has once again produced original artworks to capture the spirit of the event.
A Massive Month of Festivities for the Seaside Town
Southport Beer Week is just one part of a blockbuster month for the town.
The celebrations kick off earlier in the month with the Big Top Festival on 2–3 May, which sees world-class contemporary circus performers take over the streets.
Following the Beer Week bank holiday finale, the Southport Food and Drink Festival will arrive in Victoria Park from 29 to 31 May.
The event is a collaborative effort organised by Southport BID (Business Improvement District) alongside Southport Pubwatch members and town centre venues.
By linking local businesses together, the initiative ensures that the town remains a vibrant destination for both residents and tourists seeking a quality, community-driven experience.
