LIVERPOOL City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has unveiled great‑value tickets on Merseyrail services to support Southport’s headline events during 2026.

For just £2 return for adults and £1 for children, the offer gives residents and visitors alike an easy, affordable way to reach 1 of the UK’s most historic and elegantly eccentric seaside destinations from any Merseyrail station to enjoy a spectacular line‑up of the area’s biggest cultural events.

In some cases, the discount represent savings of up to 70% when compared with standard fares, opening the door for more families, day‑trippers and visitors from across the City Region and beyond to enjoy what Southport has to offer.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:- “Southport is 1 of the jewels in our Region’s cultural crown. But for too long it hasn’t had the attention – or ambition – it deserved. Thanks to devolution, and determined leadership from Cllr Marion Atkinson, we’re now working better across all levels of government to change that. Alongside the restoration of Southport Pier, we’re investing in the town’s future – from the £17m we’ve committed to the new Marine Lake Events Centre, to the £2.5m we’re investing to transform the Town Hall Gardens. And now, with a packed calendar of major events coming up, we want to make sure as many people as possible can be part of it. So we’re cutting the cost of train fares for these big events to try and make it cheaper and easier than ever to hop on the train and enjoy everything has to offer. You too can play your part – bring the family, support local businesses, and come and be part of what’s set to be a fantastic year for Southport.”

The pocket friendly fares form part of a wider drive to help Southport rebuild confidence, attract more visitors, and boost its local economy, ensuring the resort remains a vibrant destination for major events throughout the year.

Leaders across the city region have emphasised the importance of supporting Southport not only in terms of its regeneration and economic ambitions, but also in nurturing its cultural identity and strengthening community wellbeing.

Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said:- “We really welcome this initiative, that will give families a chance to visit our wonderful town and experience some of our really exciting events that we have lined up. We have really been investing in Southport’s regeneration and I am really looking forward for people to take advantage of the discounted train fares and make the most of Southport. With something on nearly every month as part of our Elegantly Eccentric cultural programme, there is really something for everyone to enjoy. These affordable train tickets are helping encourage everyone to take the train to Southport and experience the programme of events that promise to keep the town buzzing.”

Tony Hall CBE, Lord Hall of Birkenhead - Chair of the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership said:- “The programme of events will showcase the very best of Southport from our beautiful coastline to our vibrant cultural scene. The special Merseyrail tickets unveiled by the Mayor today are a great way of encouraging visitors to travel in and enjoy everything the town has to offer. By attracting people throughout the year, we’re helping to support local businesses, boost the visitor economy and strengthen Southport’s reputation as 1 of the Region’s leading destinations.”

Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:- “The £2 fare is a great way for us to support Southport’s visitor economy by making travel to events more accessible and affordable for people across the Liverpool City Region. Combined with £1 child fares and the convenience of Tap & Go, this offer encourages more people to enjoy the town’s flagship attractions and contribute to the local economy.”

The fares promotion on all Merseyrail services to and from Southport will be in place for the following events, with tickets available from Merseyrail ticket offices and via Tap and Go.

• Cristal Palace 3-4 April 2026
• Big Top Festival 2-3 May 2026
• Southport Food & Drink Festival 29-31 May 2026
• Southport Flower Show 20 - 23 August 2026
• Southport Airshow 29-30 2026 2026
• British Musical Fireworks Championship 26-27 September 2026
• Books Alive 24-31 October 2026

The reduced-price tickets are being paid for by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority from funds recovered from train manufacturer Stadler. 

For more information visit the Merseyrail website.