Sefton Council is delighted to announce that it has been successful in its application to Arts Council England for Place Partnership funding.

Supporting growth of the cultural sector 

Working with a wide range of partners including At the Library, Culture Liverpool, Rule of Threes Arts, SACHA, SAFE Regeneration, Salt and Tar, Scrapyard Studios, Sefton CVS, Sefton Pride and YKids, a total award of £475,000 will support the growth of the cultural sector over the coming two years.

The culture sector has been put at the heart of an ambitious strategy to re-energise the town in the next decade and this award reflects the quality of the work being produced as well as the transformational impact this could have for local communities.

Supporting a programme of major cultural moments

In 2026, the funding will support the Southport 26 Elegantly Eccentric programme of major cultural moments which opened in February with the spectacular ‘Lightport’ which attracted 45,000 visitors over three days and continues with Cristal Palace – a show in which French Theatre Company Transe Express will transform the town into an open air ballroom across the Easter Weekend.

Big Top – a celebration of modern circus and Books Alive – a reimagined literature festival for kids – will follow later in the year.

Putting a spotlight on the town

In 2027, the momentum of these major cultural highlights will be continued through an aspirational programme developed by local cultural partners – putting a spotlight on the town as a centre for authentic programming which both represents local communities as well as attracts visitors.

Crucial investment to support our growing cultural sector

Councillor Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said:
“This award is fantastic news for Southport. It is both a crucial investment to support our growing cultural sector and the amazing projects which we have in store over the coming years, but it is also a validation of the plan we have to help re-energise the town.

“High quality art can build resilience within communities while also bringing people into the town to visit and support local businesses. The success already of our Elegantly Eccentric programme shows we are on the right track and I am delighted this funding is going to allow us to keep up the aspiration!”

Maria Brewster, Director of Rule of Threes, said:
“Sefton is bubbling with creativity and cultural intent. It is wonderful that this has been recognised by Arts Council England through this successful bid and the fact it now gives organisations like ours the chance to develop projects of real scale with communities and in the places that we love, with amazing partners.”

Jennifer Cleary, Director, North West, Arts Council England, said:
“We’re delighted to support Southport through our Place Partnership programme, recognising the scale and strength of the town's cultural ambition. This investment will help build on the fantastic work already underway, bringing partners together to create more opportunities for people to take part in high-quality cultural activity on their doorsteps.

Lasting benefits for the town

Southport’s ‘Elegantly Eccentric’ programme is a brilliant example of how creativity can help shape the identity and future of a place. We look forward to seeing this programme grow over the coming years and deliver lasting benefits for the town and its communities.”