Skip to main content

Southport is set to glow this February half term as Lightport, a brand-new free  immersive light art experience, takes over the town’s iconic Lord Street for three magical evenings to mark the start of Southport 2026, a year-long cultural calendar  of events in the town. 

Running from 14–16 February, Lightport will invite families, friends and visitors of all ages to step into a vibrant world of colour, sound and movement. Stretching across a 400-metre route in the heart of the town, the experience will transform Lord Street  into a playful, walk-through trail of interactive light installations inspired by the beauty and joy of rainbows, creating magical visuals for everyone to enjoy. 

Created by leading international artists Lucid Creates, Lightport promises a multi-sensory adventure designed to lift spirits and chase away the winter blues. Expect glowing arches, immersive soundscapes and large-scale installations that visitors  can enter, explore and enjoy together – all designed to spark curiosity, connection and joy. 

The event marks the opening moment of Southport 2026, a year-long celebration of the town’s Elegantly Eccentric past, present and future. Using cutting-edge lighting technology and immersive audio, Lightport sets the tone for a year packed with culture, creativity and unforgettable experiences. 

Open daily from 5pm to 9pm, Lightport is completely free to attend, making it the perfect half-term outing for families and a must-see evening experience for visitors to the region. 

Ella Willis-Nasseri from Lucid Creates said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Sefton Council to transform Lord Street with a vibrant, family-friendly light show and experience. Reimagining this well-loved part of the town centre through light, sound and colour, we have created tens of large-scale, interactive installations that people can enter, move through and enjoy. Audiences can expect our signatureLucid’ take on the playful ‘Inside the Rainbow’ theme – we can’t wait for people to experience the extraordinary, multi-sensory world we’ve created.” 

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, added: “Lightport is something no one will want to miss. It’s the perfect way to kick off an exciting year for Southport. Colourful, joyful, family friendly and totally free, it’s a wonderful way to start February half term and blow away the gloom of winter with a shock of glorious colour. 2026 and beyond is an incredibly exciting time for the town, with major regeneration projects and a packed programme of free events that will shine a spotlight on everything Southport has to offer.” 

 

For more information, visit www.southport2026.com/lightport 

 

Latest News

VIEW ALL
17 September 2026

Books Alive! Exciting chapter as Southport to become living storybook this October half term!

Southport is to become a living storybook for October half term as Books Alive! brings a world of imagination and adventure to the town.

14 September 2026

THE ZOO IS COMING TO SOUTHPORT!

Rod Campbell’s much-loved Dear Zoo returns live on stage

1 September 2026

The Atkinson in Southport announces cast of this year’s family panto Cinderella

Bringing magic, romance and wicked sisters to Southport this Christmas from 4 - 31 December 2026

25 August 2026

Battle Of Mons Commemoration held in Southport to honour sacrifices made in World War One

A special service was held at Southport War Memorial on Friday (21st August 2026) to mark 112 years since the Battle Of Mons, which took place in Belgium in the early stages of World War One.

14 August 2026

The Next Act: Drama, Music, Comedy and Family Fun Awaits

There's plenty to look forward to on The Atkinson stage in the months ahead. Take a look at the fantastic shows coming soon...

7 August 2026

The Atkinson in Southport celebrating another ‘very good’ rating by Visit England

The Atkinson in Southport has retained its “Very Good” rating after a mystery shopper visit by the national tourism agency, VISIT ENGLAND.

6 August 2026

Join our team:
Marketing Manager

We are seeking a Marketing Manager to lead the development and delivery of innovative marketing, communications and audience development strategies for our ambitious cultural programme.

9 July 2026

Humanitarian, inspirational speaker and tennis coach Sam Jalloh presents new ‘Yes I Can’ show in Southport

Award-winning humanitarian, inspirational speaker and tennis coach Sam Jalloh will be presenting his brand-new show on Friday

8 July 2026

Sefton Young Artist of the Year 2026: Winners Announced!

We are delighted to announce the winners and highly commended young artists of this year's Sefton Young Artist of the Year competition.

7 July 2026

Southport's Golfing History

6 July 2026

Summer Reading Challenge

This year’s challenge is Read to the Beat!, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music Group UK.

1 July 2026

Join our team:
Customer Assistants

We’re looking for friendly and reliable Customer Assistants to join our team. Could it be you?

25 June 2026

The Atkinson Celebrates Armed Forces Day

The Atkinson is proud to join the celebrations of Armed Forces Day and will be partially open on Sunday for a day of remembrance and discovery.

13 June 2026

Inspirations: Poetry & Creative Writing Competition 2026

Respond to artworks in our Taking Centre Stage: Female Artists in The Atkinson’s Collection Exhibition and win prizes donated by the Arts Society Southport.

9 June 2026

Southport:
That’s Entertainment

The Atkinson awarded National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to explore Southport’s seaside entertainment heritage

3 June 2026

Young Curator Summer Sessions Sign Up Now Open!

Sign up for this years Young Curator Summer sessions!

2 June 2026

The Sefton Open 2026: A Student's Perspective

A guest review by University of Liverpool Work Placement student, Niamh Humphrey. 

21 May 2026

Joanne Chamberlain awarded Bene Merito honorary distinction

In recognition of outstanding service to the Polish community in Sefton.

14 May 2026

Observer Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Journalism 2026

Julia Clayton is named runner-up for her feature on The Atkinson 150th Anniversary Exhibition

8 May 2026

Sefton Open 2026 Awards

The Sefton Open 2026 celebrates local artistic talent at The Atkinson, with People’s Prize and Judges’ favourites now announced.