The team behind Victoria Park in Southport has announced a full events programme taking place in the seaside resort setting throughout 2026.
The 34-acre park is located in the heart of the town. It is open all year round to the public – and this year’s programme promises to be busier than ever before.
Victoria Park is most famous for being the home of Southport Flower Show – and this year’s event marks its 102nd anniversary. The four-day August event attracts 50,000 visitors, and is the UK’s largest independent flower show.
Alongside Southport Flower Show, the 2026 events calendar features established visitor favourites British Musical Fireworks Championships, Southport Comedy Festival, and Southport Food & Drink Festival.
The packed programme runs from March to October, and also includes a car rally, classic car show, and German beer festival.
Together, the events are expected to attract in the region of 160,000 visitors to Victoria Park.
Victoria Park plays a big part in the Southport community. The park is one of the biggest green spaces in Sefton, and is a real asset for the town.
It benefits from wide walkways and a level surface, providing excellent access to all areas of the park – making it the ideal setting to host a variety of events and festivals. The park is fully enclosed.
Victoria Park is leased from Sefton Council by Southport Flower Show, a registered charity. Any profit generated from Southport Flower Show and visiting events is reinvested into Victoria Park for its maintenance all year round, and to continue to further grow and develop the flower show.
Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Management Company are independent of Sefton Council. The park does need to be closed at times to generate income from external events – and the team appreciate the understanding of the local community when this occurs.
The team are always keen to talk to interested parties about new events.
It is a particularly exciting time for Southport this year with new events being staged in the town centre – further enhancing the resort as a strong visitor destination in Liverpool City Region.
Light Port was staged in February; Cristal Palace takes place over Easter on 3 April and 4 April; Big Top Festival is on 2 May and 3 May; and Books Alive runs from 24 October to 31 October.
The Victoria Park events programme 2026 – see the Victoria Park website for event ticketing information:
SATURDAY 11 APRIL / SUNDAY 12 APRIL 2026 – KC ARTISAN MARKET:
Organisers KC Artisan are returning to Victoria Park for a second consecutive year. The market runs between 11am and 5pm both days. The market will feature crafts, hand-made goods, and food.
SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2026 – SOUTHPORT SAUSAGE & CIDER FESTIVAL:
Elite Events host a day bursting with sausages, beer, cider, and entertainment. There are two sessions during the day – the afternoon session is 1pm to 5pm, following by the evening session 6pm to 10pm. Expect steins, live oompah band, plenty of Bavarian themed fun.
SUNDAY 24 MAY 2026 – EXTREME BHP CAR & FAMILY FESTIVAL:
A family day out for car enthusiasts from 11am to 5pm. Visitors can look forward to a large number of static displays alongside a designated area of show cars. Vehicles include draft cars, track cars, sports, American, and commercial. There will be trade stands and refreshments available.
FRIDAY 29 MAY / SATURDAY 30 MAY / SUNDAY 31 MAY 2026 – SOUTHPORT FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL:
The perfect event for foodies. This three-day event attracts the crowds every year. An exciting range of traders and stalls will tantalise the tastebuds of the most discerning visitors – from crepes and gourmet burgers, to hot wings and paella, with everything between. The festival runs from 10am to 6pm each day. The entertainment arena will provide a backdrop of an exciting day. Entry is free.
SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2026 – SUMMER SOLSTICE MUSIC FESTIVAL:
This epic eight-hour dance party will run between 2pm and 10pm. Tickets include two hours of bottomless drinks. Highlights also include street food village sun terrace.
SATURDAY 25 JULY / SUNDAY 26 JULY 2026 – CROSSFIT EVENT:
Conquer The Coast features two action-packed days of CrossFit competition. With new work-outs, bigger challenges, and an electric atmosphere, it promises to be an inspiring weekend all round for competitors and spectators. Categories include everyday athletes, intermediate, and RX athletes. Entry is free for spectators.
SATURDAY 8 AUGUST / SUNDAY 9 AUGUST 2026 – ANTIQUES FAIR:
A regular in the Victoria Park events calendar, Asbridge Promotions return with its increasingly popular antiques fair – perfect for collectors, browsers, or those looking for some inspiration. The event runs 10am to 4pm both days. Traders feature vintage homewares, jewellery, clothing, and accessories.
THURSDAY 20 AUGUST / FRIDAY 21 AUGUST / SATURDAY 22 AUGUST / SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2026 – SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW:
Southport Flower Show is not just flowers. This family event features names from the world of entertainment, culinary stars, and horticultural experts.
Guests already confirmed include Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton du Beke, television chefs Phil Vickery and Briony May Williams, television garden personalities Adam Frost and Arit Anderson, and children’s television presenter Andy Day. Kevin Duala from BBC Radio Merseyside is the event’s new compere.
A packed programme spanning the four days features celebrity guest Q&A sessions in the Garden Theatre, live demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre; live music performances on the Piazza Stage; and an outdoor show arena hosting dog display teams, birds of prey, and horse shows.
Horticultural highlights include spectacular award-winning show gardens, grand floral marquee, amateur grower and plant society exhibitors, floral art and raised bed displays, bees and honey marquee, and displays from local schools and charities.
Last year there was a spotlight on new family attractions – and due to popular demand, they are all back. These include alpacas, children’s trail, doodle wall, children’s yoga, and tennis skills. The Lakeside Reset is a new wellbeing and mindfulness zone, new for this year.
SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026 – GREAT BRITISH MOTOR SHOW:
The event returns to Southport for a classic car show. Highlights include hundreds of cars, bikes, and commercials, alongside house and garden displays to make it a fully rounded family day out. The event runs 10am to 4pm. Trade stands, autojumble, show arena, food stalls, and main displays will all feature.
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER / SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 – BRITISH MUSICAL FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIP:
A well established family event, this colourful spectacle returns to wow crowds in Southport. The British Musical Fireworks Championship isn’t just a fireworks display, it’s a pyro-musical competition. Fireworks are choreographed perfectly to music, creating an unforgettable experience – every explosion is timed to perfection. A fuse of tradition and innovation. The events runs from 5.30pm to 9.30pm each evening.
FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER TO SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2026 – SOUTHPORT COMEDY FESTIVAL:
The 15th annual Southport Comedy Festival welcomes stars of comedy for 17 days of laughter. This is the sixth year the festival has been staged in Victoria Park. Performers confirmed already include Jason Manford, Paul Merton, Henning Wehn, Jason Byrne, and Laura Smyth. The shows are seated and take place in a luxury heated marquee. Last year, 6,000 people attended the festival which included a record-breaking 10 sell-out shows, making it the most successful festival to date.
FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER / SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2026 – OKTOBERFEST:
Bavaria comes to Southport for two days packed with all the fun of a German beer festival. Live bands include the Bavarian Stompers, fancy dress competition, games, prizes, beer and steins, wine, and prosecco bar – all in a heated themed marquee. Sessions are Friday 6pm to 10pm, Saturday afternoon 1pm to 5pm, and Saturday evening 6pm to 10pm.
Two events have already taken place. Victoria Park was the starting point for the Mad Dog 10K race in February, and only recently it hosted the St Patrick’s Shindig festival.
Victoria Park is home to the Gang Of Elk Forest School, working with children to improve their wellbeing through outdoor adventure. The park is also being used as the official Open Golf Campsite this year.
Alan Adams is General Manager of Southport Flower Show and oversees the management of Victoria Park. He commented:
“We are incredibly proud and privileged to be custodians of Victoria Park. The 34-acre showground is the jewel in the crown of Southport. It brings the community together to experience and enjoy a whole host of free public events and ticketed events, while still being an integral green space in the town for people to enjoy all year round.
“Most people will know Victoria Park as the home of Southport Flower Show. And we are keen to encourage visitors to return time and time again – either to enjoy the open space or to experience another exciting event.
“The events programme is steadily growing year on year, and we anticipate this being our busiest yet. We work all year round to encourage event organisers to choose Southport – it’s a fantastic location, a welcoming destination, with superb hospitality and excellent transport links. We really do have a lot to offer. We’re always happy to discuss ideas and showcase Victoria Park and Southport as the ideal event setting.
“The cost to maintain and continually improve and enhance Victoria Park are considerable. We generate income to make this all possible by hiring out the park for events and festivals. At times we close the park to ensure events are safe and secure, but we keep this to an absolute minimum where possible. We thank local residents and the community for their understanding.
“It’s a particularly inspiring year for the town, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to Victoria Park and Southport Flower Show for 2026.”
Full details at www.victoriaparkevents.co.uk and www.southportflowershow.co.uk
