[Update: March 13, 2026]. Please note: The Lightport event was a limited installation for February 2026. For year-round walks in the area, see our Marine Lake Circuit Guide.
The seaside town of Southport is about to be transformed into a spectacular canvas of light and sound called ‘Lightport’. Starting tomorrow, Saturday, the 14th of February, the town launches its most ambitious outdoor installation to date.
The Lightport three-day event is the flagship opening for the Southport 2026 season, a year dedicated to celebrating the town’s unique heritage under the theme of being elegantly eccentric.
If you are looking for a way to brighten up the final stretch of winter, this immersive light trail along Lord Street is an essential addition to your weekend plans.
At A Glance: Lightport Southport
| Feature | Details |
| Dates | Saturday 14th to Monday 16th February 2026 |
| Times | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM nightly |
| Cost | Free entry, no tickets or booking required |
| Location | Lord Street, starting at Mermaid Gardens (PR9 0AF) |
| Distance | 400-metre walk-through trail |
| Accessibility | Entirely flat and paved, suitable for prams and wheelchairs |
| Driving | Lord Street is still open for traffic passing through. Parking on Lord Street is VERY limited. |
Lightport is not merely a collection of static fairy lights. It is a high-tech, 400-metre-long journey designed by the world-renowned creative collective Lucid Creates. The installation uses 10-metre-high glowing arches, synchronized lasers, and holographic projections to create a walk-through rainbow.
Because the event is entirely free and located on the flat, accessible pavements of the town centre, it is an ideal outing for families, photographers, and anyone looking for a bit of evening magic.
The Lightport Route: Four Zones of Wonder
The trail is designed to be experienced as a narrative, moving from the north end of Lord Street toward the Town Hall. To get the most out of the experience, you should follow the recommended flow of the four strategic zones.
Inside the Rainbow
The journey begins at Zone 1, located in the Mermaid Gardens near the Sainsbury’s on Lord Street. This section is titled ‘Inside the Rainbow’. Here, the installation uses mirrored LEDs and starburst lasers to create an ethereal field of moving patterns.
The journey concludes with a rainbow appearing to descend into the water, a final touch of mystery and magic known as the ‘End of the Rainbow’.
Atmosphere
As you continue south, you will enter Zone 2 at Monument Square. This area features an installation called ‘Atmosphere’.
This is a massive overhead laser spectacle that creates what looks like a living ceiling of light. Precision rainbow beams form a vibrant sky above you, making you feel as though you are walking beneath a shimmering, digital canopy.
Elemental
Zone 3 takes place in the Christ Church Gardens. This is the most immersive part of the middle section, featuring pulsing neon lights and a water projection known as ‘Elemental’. Within a veil of fine mist, a three-dimensional display floats and morphs in mid-air, creating a spectral hologram that leads you toward the grand finale of the event.
ARC
The trail concludes at Zone 4 in the Town Hall Gardens, situated right outside the Atkinson. This is the undisputed showstopper of Lightport, a 10-metre-high structure known as ‘ARC’. This towering rainbow is constructed from over 7,000 individual luminous pixels.
Unlike many art installations where you must keep your distance, visitors are encouraged to walk directly inside the ARC. Standing in the centre of 7,000 pulsing lights is a surreal experience that is guaranteed to be the most photographed spot in the North West this weekend.
Essential Event Logistics
Southport Lightport runs for three nights only: Saturday the 14th, Sunday the 15th, and Monday the 16th of February. The lights will be switched on at 5:00 PM each evening and will run until 9:00 PM.
This timing is perfect for those who want to visit after school or work, and it allows plenty of time to grab a meal in the town centre either before or after your walk.
Because the trail is located on the main boulevard, the terrain is entirely flat and paved. This makes Lightport one of the most accessible events of the year. It is perfectly suited for prams, wheelchairs, and those with limited mobility.
Parking and Travel Tips for Lightport Southport
Expect Southport to be busier than usual this weekend. If you are driving into town, the most convenient place to park is the Esplanade Car Park near the Eco-Centre. From there, it is a short, pleasant walk through the Kings Gardens to reach the start of the trail at Lord Street.
Alternatively, the Sainsbury’s car park on Lord Street is right at the entrance to Zone 1, though it is likely to reach capacity quickly during the peak hours of 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
For those travelling from further afield, Southport train station is less than a five-minute walk from the Town Hall Gardens. This makes it an incredibly easy trip for visitors coming from Liverpool or Manchester.
Using the train also allows you to enjoy a drink at one of the many bars along Lord Street without worrying about driving home.
Weather and Preparation
While the lights provide a warm glow, the Southport evening air in February remains quite chilly. The wind often whips up off the Irish Sea and funnels down the long, straight stretch of Lord Street. Even if the forecast looks clear, you should wrap up in plenty of layers.
A good windbreaker or a heavy coat is essential for enjoying the full forty-minute experience without rushing.
It is also worth noting that Lightport is a very popular event for dog owners. Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they are kept on a lead. However, be aware that the combination of flashing lights, large crowds, and synchronized soundtracks might be overwhelming for some pets.
If your dog is easily spooked by sudden movements or loud noises, you might find it easier to visit during the later window between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM when the initial family rush has subsided.
Why You Should Go
Lightport is a clear signal that Southport is evolving. By hosting world-class artists like Lucid Creates, the town is proving that it can offer more than just traditional seaside charm. This event is a celebration of light, colour, and community spirit.
It provides a rare opportunity to see the familiar Victorian architecture of Lord Street in a completely new, futuristic light.
Whether you are looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day activity, a fun half-term evening with the children, or simply a reason to get out of the house, Lightport is the answer.
It is a brief but brilliant addition to the local calendar that reminds us why Southport remains a premier destination for day trips in the North West.
