FAMILIES have given their verdict on the brand new Lightport event in Southport! ‘Fabulous’, ‘mesmerising’ and ‘beautiful’ are just some of the words used to describe this sensational new immersive attraction which has entertained thousands of visitors at the start of February Half Term. 

Lightport opened on Saturday, continued on Sunday and has its final night tonight, Monday, 16 February 2026. 

Lightport is produced by leading international artists Lucid Creates, turning Lord Street into a walk-through rainbow of colour and creativity.

Taking place along Lord Street 5pm to 9pm, Lightport sees families, friends and visitors of all ages explore a vibrant world of colour, sound and movement.

Starting off at Mermaid Gardens and stretching across a 400-metre route in the heart of our town towards the Town Hall Gardens, the experience has transformed Lord Street into a playful, walk-through trail of interactive light installations inspired by the beauty and joy of rainbows, creating magical visuals for all to enjoy.

Writing in Stand Up For Southport, Mary Earnshaw said:- “It was fabulous. The mesmerising display around and above the obelisk and peace memorial was beautiful, the highlights on buildings were subtle but interesting and the whole thing was plainly enjoyed by masses of families, old and young alike. Well done everyone!”

Bev Gavan said:- “I thought it was amazing and totally enjoyable. The atmosphere was electric and to see the crowds enjoying our wonderful town fantastic.”

Lucy Danson said:- “Thoroughly enjoyed it. We bypassed the first section due to the queues but could see everything from the road. Such a lovely atmosphere and brought a load of trade to all the local takeaways, pubs and restaurants. I'm looking forward to next year already.” 

Stephen Street said:- “Absolutely amazing and even better than I had anticipated. It attracted so many people to Southport. Every bar and restaurant in the area was banged out bringing much needed revenue to local businesses. Enjoyed it so much, I'm going again this evening. Only sorry it's only on for three days.”

Mary Wren said:- “A really amazing display and it was a lovely evening which brought in the crowds.”

Mary Cottee said:- “Brilliant! Very well done Lightport and all the organisers! Southport lends itself to this kind of display.”

Mark Wright said:- “I’ve not been out in Southport with smoke and lasers since The Kingsway! An amazing free event, huge crowds and businesses seemed busy. A fantastic advert for the town, great to see so many people here enjoying themselves.”

Judith Catton said:- “It was brilliant. Great atmosphere and a brilliant idea. Town was packed with young and old. Restaurants and bars were busy. Well done to the organisers. A success!”

Anne-Marie Kinta said:- “We met up with family and had a lovely evening together.”

Alan Dougan said:- “We went this evening, it was a great event, so good to see young and not so young out enjoying the light show. Here's looking forward to more events soon. Well done to all of those who worked to bring this together for Southport.”

Sean Connolly said:- “Well done Southport. Another superb effort.”

Lord Street In Bloom Garden Volunteers said:- “Loved it! I've never seen so many people in town for an event.”

Stephen Walton said:- “Such a great event to put on, really brought out the crowds and packed the town at night. So happy to see so many happy faces.”

Sorcha O'Brien said:- “Stunning displays and a really fab event outside The Grand on Sunday too. Regally Royal Parties were brilliant! I had a blast, let alone the kids!” 

Gayle Daley said:- “Absolutely stunning thank you Southport definitely well worth the visit.”

Jo-Anne Lewis said:- “After the initial crazy queuing for the Mermaid Gardens, we settled into it and it was lovely. Really felt quite emotional, definitely worth a visit.”

Philip Barnes said:- “It was good to see the chippies, ice-cream places and arcades absolutely packed out too.”

Lightport marks the 1st event of the Southport 2026 programme, a year-long celebration of the town’s Elegantly Eccentric past, present and future. 

Southport 2026 is produced by Sefton Council with Creative support from Culture Liverpool.

The programme is funded by Sefton Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. 

More major new events coming this year include:- 

3 April - 4 April 2026 - Cristal Palace 

2 May - 3 May 2026 - Big Top Festival

24 October - 31 October 2026 - Books Alive