The Atkinson, Sefton’s home for music, history, art, literature, comedy and more has been nominated for a Liverpool City Region Award.
The venue, run and managed by Sefton Council is one of 7 venues nominated for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year award.
The Albert Dock Liverpool, Bubbles’ World of Play, Liverpool Cathedral, Dazzle Ferry, The Atkinson, The Beatles Story, and World Museum have all been shortlisted as examples of the very best of the city region’s tourism industry.
The 84-strong shortlist across 16 categories will now go forward to the final judging panel ahead of the award ceremony, which takes place on May 19.
The Atkinson opened in May 2013 after a major refurbishment of Southport Arts Centre, Southport Library and The Atkinson Art Gallery. It programmes an eclectic and diverse performance programme that consists of top quality children’s theatre, big names in comedy (Rich Hall, Josh Widdicome and Ed Byrne) and TV personalities (Martin Kemp, David Starkey and Michael Portillo). They host sell out blues and folk festivals, contemporary dance and renowned names in music from Suggs to Midge Ure, Seth Lakeman and Kathryn Tickell.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member Regeneration and Skills, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Liverpool City Region Awards Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. We have worked very hard to offer a regional visitor attraction for all who visit us and use our services. Culture brings so much to a borough, entertainment, health and wellbeing, tourism, education, heritage and more. We hope that this will encourage more people to come and see what we have to offer.”
Emma Anderson, Atkinson Director, added: “So its fingers crossed for The Atkinson as we mark our 3rd Birthday in May. Let’s hope we have something to celebrate as this would make a great birthday present for our staff, visitors and all Sefton residents highlighting an amazing facility.”
The Atkinson’s state of the art galleries have displayed major exhibitions from Matisse, Antony Gormley and more recently the UK first Shojo Manga exhibition. While the stunning Egyptology Gallery showcases beautiful artefacts from the Goodison Egyptology Collection and the museum Sefton: Between Land & Sea tells the story of Sefton with interactive and family friendly displays that link the borough to places around the world.
Southport Library is the borough’s flagship library with 50,000 books and community led activities for all ages. While the Bakery finishes of your visit with freshly made cakes and fairtrade coffee. The Atkinson shop is dedicated to supporting local craft and stocks unique gifts not found on the high street and for all occasions.
The judging comprises of notable figures from the city region, including Sara Wilde McKeown, chair of the Visitor Economy Board, Donna Howitt, Business Performance Director at Liverpool One, and Robin Tudor, head of PR at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
The panel now have the task of deciding who will be crowned winners in their respective categories at the ceremony in Liverpool’s St George’s Hall.