Southport Heritage Open Days will return this September following the success of last year’s festival, with more than 20 free events already confirmed.
The annual celebration of the town’s history and culture will take place from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 20, as part of England’s largest heritage festival.
More venues are taking part this year, including several locations opening their doors to visitors for the first time.
Among them is the historic former Southport Magistrates’ Court building on Albert Road, now home to the Access Point offices. The building has also been used as a filming location for a number of television programmes and movies.
Visitors will also be able to explore St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown, the oldest church in Southport. A church has stood on the site since 1178.
Legendary signwriter Graham Booth will give a talk at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant about his career and intricate hand-painted work around the world. His local projects include the lettering on Silcock’s Carousel on Southport Promenade.
At The Atkinson, Dr Julia Paul will present a talk titled Behind The Headlines Of Southport’s Newspapers.
People will also be able to discover the story of the buried Victorian section of Nevill Street, which once welcomed crowds of seaside visitors heading towards the beach. The street’s history will be brought to life through the work of 3D artist Joe Hill.
The ArtHouse on Eastbank Street is staging a series of events inspired by the distinctive Salus building, formerly known as the Jaeger building, on Lord Street.
Organisers have said further events will be added to the Heritage Open Days website in the coming weeks.
There is also still time for venues and organisations to take part in the festival, although the registration deadline is approaching. Anyone interested can email Southport.hod@hotmail.com.
Heritage Open Days sees thousands of volunteers across England organise events celebrating the history and culture of their communities.
The festival gives visitors the opportunity to explore places that are not usually open to the public and take part in new experiences, with every event free to attend.
Southport Heritage Open Days Co-ordinator Heather Cook said:
“Last year was my first 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.”
Hundreds of people visited some of Southport’s best-known landmarks and hidden historic sites during the 2025 festival.
Feedback from attendees showed that 100% of those surveyed said they would like to return to the event in 2026.
This year’s Heritage Open Days festival forms part of the Southport 2026 events programme.
The town recently hosted the 154th Open Championship and has introduced events under its Elegantly Eccentric banner, including Lightport, the Big Top Festival and Books Alive.
These sit alongside established Southport Originals events including the Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show, British Musical Fireworks Championship and Southport Comedy Festival.
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 first time, which is exciting! It’s great that the message is getting out.
“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 first church in Southport. It’s a really beautiful building. They’re part of the festival for the first 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 13th August 2026.
“Great things happen when you celebrate what you’ve got on your doorstep!”
For more details about Southport Heritage Open Days you can email Heather Cook.
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