Chase the Rainbow: Southport Lights Up February Half Term with Free Immersive Art Event
19 January 2026 5min read
Southport is set to glow this February half term as Lightport, a brand-new free immersive light art experience, takes over the town’s iconic Lord Street for three magical evenings to mark the start of Southport 2026, a year-long cultural calendar of events in the town.
Colour, sound and movement
Running from 14–16 February, Lightport will invite families, friends and visitors of all ages to step into a vibrant world of colour, sound and movement.
Stretching across a 400-metre route in the heart of the town, the experience will transform Lord Street into a playful, walk-through trail of interactive light installations inspired by the beauty and joy of rainbows, creating magical visuals for everyone to enjoy.
Multi-sensory adventure
Created by leading international artists Lucid Creates, Lightport promises a multi-sensory adventure designed to lift spirits and chase away the winter blues. Expect glowing arches, immersive soundscapes and large-scale installations that visitors can enter, explore and enjoy together – all designed to spark curiosity, connection and joy.
The event marks the opening moment of Southport 2026, a year-long celebration of the town’s Elegantly Eccentric past, present and future. Using cutting-edge lighting technology and immersive audio, Lightport sets the tone for a year packed with culture, creativity and unforgettable experiences.
Open daily from 5pm to 9pm, Lightport is completely free to attend, making it the perfect half-term outing for families and a must-see evening experience for visitors to the region.
Joyful, family friendly and totally free
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, added: “Lightport is something no one will want to miss. It’s the perfect way to kick off an exciting year for Southport. Colourful, joyful, family friendly and totally free, it’s a wonderful way to start February half term and blow away the gloom of winter with a shock of glorious colour.
"2026 and beyond is an incredibly exciting time for the town, with major regeneration projects and a packed programme of free events that will shine a spotlight on everything Southport has to offer.”
Vibrant
Ella Willis-Nasseri from Lucid Creates said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Sefton Council to transform Lord Street with a vibrant, family-friendly light show and experience.
"Reimagining this well-loved part of the town centre through light, sound and colour, we have created tens of large-scale, interactive installations that people can enter, move through and enjoy.
"Audiences can expect our signature ‘Lucid’ take on the playful ‘Inside the Rainbow’ theme - we can’t wait for people to experience the extraordinary, multi-sensory world we’ve created.”
You can find out more about Lightport and the exciting programme of Southport 2026 events here.
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