The Atkinson is Southport’s premier arts centre, offering a dynamic and diverse programme of events and activities for all ages. We showcase captivating art exhibitions, theatrical performances, family-friendly workshops, and interactive experiences, creating a vibrant cultural hub where everyone can find inspiration and enjoyment.
👩🎨 The Sefton Open
05 April – 31 May 2025
Free Entry. Mon- Sat. 10am – 4pm.
Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays.
An annual exhibition celebrating the creativity and artistic talent across the borough. The exhibition takes over The Atkinson’s art gallery in an eclectic salon-style hang and features a wide variety of works from individual artists and local groups. Artworks are available to purchase.
1️⃣ Chesney Hawkes
Saturday 5 April 2025, 7:30pm
£29
With his era-defining smash hit ‘The One and Only’, film star good looks and boy next door charm, Chesney Hawkes was one of the UK’s biggest pop stars of the ‘90s.
🍰 Cake & Classical: Trio Calderbank
Monday 7 April 2025, 12:30pm
£13
Beethoven Serenade in D Major and Berger Trio in G minor. ‘Cake & Classical Music’ takes place on the first Monday of each month, with a different ensembles, individuals and musicians performing 45 minute, lunchtime concerts.
📚 Story & Rhyme Time
Wednesday 9 & 16 April 2025, 11:30am – 12:15pm
Free, drop in event.
Ages 0-4
Explore stories through rhyme and help develop your child’s language and communication skills while meeting other parents and carers. Together with our friendly librarians, babies and under-fives will enjoy learning new songs, dancing, and making friends.
🖼️ Lunchtime Talk: Ethel Wright, The Path of Roses – A Talk by Dr Anna Maddison
Wednesday 9 April 2025, 1pm
Free
This talk considers The Path of Roses alongside Wright’s other important works, exploring her career as a respected painter and uncovering her connections to the suffragist movement.
🎨 Make it! Craft Workshop
Thursday 10 & 17 April 2025, 11am-3pm
Free, drop in event.
Suitable for all the family
Join us in the Art Box for a craft workshop suitable for all the family, with all materials supplied and all for free! Drop-in any time between 11am – 3pm and get creative.
👠 SONG: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 April 2025, times vary.
£18 / Concessions £16
Recommended age 13+
Join SONG for a captivating youth performance of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, a heartwarming musical that celebrates individuality, self-expression, and the power of believing in yourself.
⚽ An Evening With Paul Merson
Tuesday 15 April 2025, 7:30pm
£30 / VIP Meet & Greet £70
Offering insight into his illustrious career. He’ll talk about games, dressing room/training ground stories, managers, fall outs and everything you wanted to know about playing professional football.
🐦🔥 John Power: Cast, The La’s and Me
Wednesday 16 April 2025, 7:30pm
£26.50 / VIP Meet & Greet £65
Irish-English singer, songwriter and guitarist, John Power, is the frontman of the Britpop band Cast, and the bassist and backing vocalist for The La’s from 1986 to 1991.
🛡️ The Story Forge – Make Your Own Myth
Thursday 17 April 2025, 2:30pm.
£13
Age 8+
The renowned Rubbish Shakespeare Company and Silly History Boys present a hilarious hour of high-octane adventure for children and childish adults. Featuring clowning, storytelling, live music and more. You’d be mad to myth it!
🌈 The Wizard of Oz
Saturday 19 April 2025, 2pm & 6pm.
£17 / Concessions £15 / Family of 4 (min 1 adult) £60
Age 5+
Dorothy needs to find her way home, but it’s not going to be easy with the Wicked Witch of the West keeping a close eye on her! Will the Great and Powerful Oz be able to help?
🔎 Nu-Shabti Trail
Until 25 October 2025
Free, drop in event
Shabtis are small figurines that Ancient Egyptians placed in tombs, believing they would join them in the afterlife to help with tasks and be their loyal companions. Contemporary artist Zahed Taj-Eddin has created Nu-Shabtis that have come to life in The Atkinson and are enjoying daily tasks such as shopping, going to the gym and using mobile phones! Pick up a free trail sheet to find the Nu-Shabtis on display across The Atkinson.