As we prepare to welcome the next spectacular chapter of the Southport 2026 Elegantly Eccentric programme, The Atkinson will be adjusting its opening times to allow for essential preparations for Cristal Palace, the unforgettable event taking place in Town Hall Gardens.
Opening Hours:
Thursday 2 April: 10am – 3pm
Friday 3 April: Closed Good Friday
Saturday 4 April: 10am – 3pm / Library closes at 2pm / A Great Little Place Café is closed
Sunday 5 April: Closed Easter Sunday
Monday 6 April: Closed Bank Holiday Monday
On Thursday 2 April and Saturday 4 April The Atkinson will close at 3pm in preparation for Cristal Palace.
The Atkinson is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays as usual.
What is Cristal Palace?
On Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April 2026, internationally acclaimed French performance company Transe Express will bring their breath-taking large-scale production to the heart of the town as part of the Southport 2026: Elegantly Eccentric programme. Taking place during the Easter holidays, this free event promises a magical evening out for all generations, from grandparents to grandchildren.
Find out more: Southport 2026: Cristal Palace.
How to find us?
Please be aware that access to The Atkinson front entrance will be limited from 30 March to 1 April and from Thursday 2 April, there will be no public access. We are still open and during this time visitors are kindly asked to use our alternative entrances via Cambridge Arcade and Eastbank Street. Thank you for your patience.
Find more information about how to find the alternative entrances here.
Travelling by train?
Southport is bursting with brilliant events this year, and visitors can make the most of them thanks to a special travel offer with Merseyrail. On select event dates, travellers can enjoy £2 return journeys to Southport, with children’s tickets priced at just £1. Find out more about the Merseyrail ticket offer here.
We can’t wait to see Cristal Palace come to life in the heart of Southport, and if it’s anything like the incredible success of Lightport, we know it’s set to be another unforgettable moment for the town.