Volunteers and Sefton Council officers are working hard this month to prepare the Town Hall Gardens in Southport ahead of the amazing Lightport experience.
 
Running from 14–16th 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.
 
Southport’s Town Hall Gardens will be the centrepiece of the incredible display, with preparatory works already taking place to ensure the space is ready.
 
Temporary floral planters in the centre of the gardens are now in the process of being decommissioned and rehomed with community groups across Sefton, while benches around the perimeter of the Gardens will soon be permanently relocated elsewhere in the town centre.
 
These works not only compliment the exciting 2026 Elegantly Eccentric events programme but also precede the long-term redevelopment of the Town Hall Gardens as a multi-use family friendly events space.
 
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Many of the benches feature plaques, with the majority relating to corporate donations or historic commemorations dating as far back as 1959.
 
“A small number of plaques contain tributes to people who have sadly passed away and we will handle their relocation with the utmost care and respect. 
 
“Anybody whose family members are named on a memorial bench are invited to get in touch to share their preferences for relocation. 
 
“However we appreciate given the age of these plaques family may not come forward. In this instance Sefton Council will ensure these benches are, where possible, relocated as close to the gardens as possible.
 
“Other benches will be relocated within Southport, including alternative locations across the town centre or placed in the care of local community organisations.
 
People wishing to make contact regarding a family member’s bench are asked to email communications@sefton.gov.uk by Monday February 9th so their views can be considered.
 
Further updates on the Town Hall Gardens project will be shared in due course.