WAYFARERS Arcade in Southport is launching a new ‘Creative Village’ strategy with ambitions to attract more quality tenants, host exciting new events and welcome more visitors. 

Wayfarers is 1 of the UK’s most beautiful Victorian shopping arcades, having entertained generations of visitors since it 1st opened on the Lord Street boulevard  in 1898. 

Excitement is building through new initiatives to reinvigorate the landmark heritage venue, creating a dynamic and appealing destination for shoppers and traders alike. 

People have already been able to see improvements, including the opening in December 2024 of the Grant Searl & The Northerner Art Gallery, to add to several quality tenants already in place. 

The Engine Room, based on the 1st floor, continues to welcome increasing numbers of creatives, artists, co-workers, classes and events. 

People can now look forward to seeing exciting new Creative Village events, which will bring a new energy into the venue with themed street fairs, live entertainment, farmers’ markets and more. 

Wayfarers Arcade always sparkles at Christmas time and visitors will be able to indulge in Christmas Markets there from 27 November 2025 through until Christmas Eve. 

Partnerships will be developed with other local businesses in Southport to host some of the showcases, such as working with the award-winning Tap & Bottles on Beer Street at the Rushbearing Festival, and with Volare at the Venetian Festival. 

On Saturday:- 1 March 2025 visitors will be able to enjoy a spectacular Venetian Carnival themed day and night. 

Expect quality Italian themed food and craft vendors during the day; stylish live entertainment; and lots of magic and mystery. 

At night, the arcade will come alive with an exclusive black tie ball with jazz from the New Orleans Jazz Band, with tickets (£10 in advance, £15 on the door) on sale. 

Further Creative Village events will take place every month, including:- 

29 March 2025 - Flower Festival 
3 May 2025 - May Day 
31 May 2025 - Global Village 
28 June 2025 - Kupala Night 
2 August 2025 - Lughnasadh 
30 August 2025 - Michaelmas 
27 September 2025 - Beer Street at the Rushbearing Festival 
31 October & 1 November 2025 - Halloween / Samhain 
27 November 2025 - Lancashire Day, and the launch of the Christmas Market until 28 December 2025. 

Existing tenants will be at the forefront, displaying what they have to offer as part of the fairs. 

They are a fabulous opportunity for other businesses which may want to come in and sell their goods and gauge for themselves whether Wayfarers Arcade would be a good long-term fit for them. 

Wayfarers Arcade spokesperson Dr Eric Lybeck said:- “The message we want to convey is that some people on social media recently have said:- ‘what a beautiful arcade, but it’s a shame there are some empty units in there’. We want to flip things around to say what a sensational, unique venue we have here, with some exciting opportunities for what these remaining vacant units could become. We would also like to engage with local; residents to ask what you would love to see in the arcade - a chocolate shop? A cheese shop? A whisky shop? We have spaces of a variety of sizes which are available, and contrary to local myths, the rents and the service charges are very reasonable. 

“The Creative Village events will be the perfect opportunity for any businesses keen to come in and have a presence in the arcade for pop-up events to see whether it’s a space that could become a long-term fit for them. We recognise that villages in Southport such as Birkdale, Churchtown and Ainsdale are thriving because they always have lots going on, with a great mix of live events, bars, shops, and a great environment. We want to bring a similar village vibrancy into Wayfarers Arcade and are delighted to announce a series of Creative Village events which will be exciting for people of all ages, with lots happening both during the day and during evenings. The arcade will become a focal point for people visiting from both Southport and also the wider region. We want people to be wowed and make sure they look forward to these dates happening every month.” 

Lots of work is happening behind the scenes to put everything in place. 

Dr Lybeck said:- “We are enjoying working in a collaborative way with existing businesses in Southport to stage some of our events, such as Tap & Bottles to organise Rushbearing and Beer Street. We are working with lots of local musicians and creatives to offer superb live music and creative workshops on these dates. Wayfarers Arcade is an inclusive and welcoming space for people for around the world, which is why we can’t wait to host events such as Kupala’s Night, a celebration which is very popular in Slavic countries such as Ukraine; Lughnasadh; a Gaelic harvest festival; and our Venetian Carnival. We want our new Creative Village events to spark an explosion of interest in what people and businesses can enjoy at Wayfarers Arcade this year. If you’re interested in getting involved, or would like more information, please get in touch, or call into The Engine Room for a coffee, we would love to hear from you.” 

For more details visit this website or contact:- civedcic@gmail.com.