In a powerful response to the tragic events of June, Southport is preparing to launch an ambitious year-long cultural programme designed to heal, unite, and celebrate community spirit. The 'Sefton Year of Culture 2026' represents a determined effort to reclaim the town's identity through the transformative power of arts and culture.
A Community's Resilience Through Culture
Council leaders and cultural organisers have unveiled plans for a comprehensive 12-month programme that will transform Southport into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. The initiative, backed by £200,000 in funding, aims to showcase local talent while attracting visitors from across the region.
Councillor Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council's cabinet member for regeneration and skills, emphasised the programme's deeper purpose: "This is about more than just events - it's about community healing. We want to create spaces where people can come together, share experiences, and rebuild through shared cultural experiences."
What to Expect in 2026
The cultural calendar will feature:
- Major outdoor performances and installations in key public spaces
- Community-led workshops encouraging local participation
- Collaborations with established arts organisations including Culture Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
- Showcases of Southport's diverse cultural heritage and contemporary creativity
Healing Through Shared Experience
Local community groups have welcomed the initiative as a crucial step in the town's recovery process. The programme specifically aims to create opportunities for residents to engage with arts activities that address collective trauma while celebrating the community's strength.
"Culture has this incredible ability to bring people together when words sometimes fail," noted one community organiser involved in the planning. "We're seeing this as our community's way of writing the next chapter on our own terms."
The year-long programme will officially launch in January 2026, with detailed event schedules to be announced in the coming months. Organisers promise that the emphasis will remain on accessibility and community involvement, ensuring every resident has the opportunity to participate in Southport's cultural renaissance.
