Are you ready for a big new event in Southport?

One Sefton Festival is the brainchild of Southport Pleasureland owner Norman Wallis.

Mr Wallis has floated the idea of the attraction in our Stand Up For Southport group on Facebook – and has enjoyed a huge response, with hundreds of messages of support and offers from people keen to get involved.

The event would be held at Southport Pleasureland Arena on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. It aims to celebrate the very best talent from across Sefton, with guests enjoying music, arts, culture, family fun, community and inclusivity.

It also aims to bring thousands of visitors into our resort, flying the flag for the Stand Up For Southport campaign.

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People from Southport, Bootle, Formby, Maghull, Aintree, Crosby, and everywhere else across the Sefton borough are being invited to take part.

An initial Open Meeting will take place on Tuesday next week (March 3) at RA Bar on Lord Street in Southport town centre.

It adds to an already busy year for Mr Wallis, who is currently working hard on plans to open a new Viking-themed adventure golf park at Southport Pleasureland, as well as bringing together his long-term vision of dramatically expanding the size and scope of one of the North West’s biggest attractions.

Speaking on the Stand Up For Southport Facebook page, Norman Wallis said: “Last year I was asked if I had any ideas for the Sefton Borough Of Culture year, so I did a mock-up poster for an event that I think it could be something we can do year after year. I would like to know what you think and who would like to help make it happen.

“Pleasureland Arena can be used and all the licenses required are already in place.

“My posts seem to have met with a very positive response and great enthusiasm – so let’s make this festival happen on the weekend of  September 19th and 20th.

 

“I suggest we hold an Open Meeting where anyone who has any ideas can contribute, and can all get together to get the ball rolling.

“The first meeting to start planning for the first Southport Festival will take place on Tuesday 3rd March from 7pm at the RA Bar on Lord Street.

“Everyone is welcome – it will be a great opportunity to table ideas and discuss what the festival will look like.

“At the meeting we will also agree next steps, action points and a date for the next meeting.

“If you have ideas to share, but are unable to attend, please email ahead of the meeting so that we can ensure all ideas are included in this initial brainstorm: festival@southportpleasureland.com

“Working together as a strong and positive community we will create a festival to be proud of – one which hopefully will become an annual event in Southport’s calendar.

“Get your thinking caps on and let’s make this Festival great.”

The idea for the new event has attracted huge support already.

Posting in the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, one member wrote: “Brilliant, and much needed. There’s a gaping hole where the Woodvale Rally used to be. Really hope you can put together something to replace it.”

Another wrote: “Just spotted a line-up for a Weekender at Pontins in Southport. They seem to have managed to attract some great artists, would be great if the One Sefton Festival could get some similar names in the mix.

“I appreciate One Sefton Festival is likely to be and probably should be a bit more eclectic but some well-known bands are more likely to attract a wider audience than just Southport residents and we need to attract people into town from elsewhere.”

Other comments included: “Hi Norman I think you are doing a great job with the fair complex, have you thought of having a steam rally now that The Riverside Rally has ended, just something to think about.”

All are welcome to attend the initial meeting next week. For more details please email: festival@southportpleasureland.com

#StandUpForSouthport