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Initiative is designed to champion Southport and its
community
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£2 return for adults and £1 return for children for
flagship events throughout 2026.
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Pocket friendly fares part of a commitment to increase
visitors and strengthen the local economy
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Savings of up to 70% when compared with standard
fares
Liverpool City Region Mayor 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 one 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 said:
“Southport is one 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.”
CBE, - 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 one 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
- Big Top Festival 2-3 May
- Southport Food & Drink Festival 29-31 May
- Southport Flower Show 20 - 23 August
- Southport Airshow 29-30 2026
- British Musical Fireworks Championship 26-27 September
- Books Alive 24-31 October
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 www.merseyrail.org
