Southport News

Latest news from in and around Southport from several respected reporters and resources. This feed is updated from the facebook group Southportnews – Just click the link at the bottom of each story to see comments and participate.

Latest Southport News as of 28th March 2024

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45 live music events listed this week already...Please post details of your live music events in the comments below, including times (and any artwork) and I will add them to the main listing. It will be updated throughout the week, so please check back regularly! Also please like, follow & share!
#SouthportLiveMusic

Monday 25th March 2024:
KARINE WOODWARD'S Ukulele Beginners Course at Royales, from 5:15pm (book)
Open Mic Night at The Rabbit, from 6:00pm
DICKIE McSTEIN at No.4 (Birkdale), 6pm

Tuesday 26th:
The Tuesday Club (a booked slot mic night) at Royales, from 8pm
TOM REMON & SID JACOB (jazz guitar duo) at Cooper's Bar, 8:30pm (ticketed event)

Wednesday 27th:
Open Mic Night at Enelle's Glasshouse, from 6:30pm

Thursday 28th:
PAUL KAPPA (solo) at No.4 (Birkdale), 6pm
STEVE McKENNA hosts an Open Mic Night at Royales, from 9pm
DREW MAC at The Windmill, 9pm

Friday 29th: (Good Friday Bank Holiday)
SHAN TILLEY at The Hesketh Arms (Churchtown), 7pm (see below)
ETHAN & ADAM at Punch Tarmey's, 8pm
MARVIN GAYE (tribute) at The Hungry Monk, 8pm (book)
MARIE LA RAE at The Southport Coaster, 8:30pm (see below)
Open Mic Night at The Windmill, from 8:30pm
CATCH-22 at Royales, 9pm
THE FOUR KING LEGENDS at Cooper's Bar, 9pm
THE AMAZING KAPPA BAND at The Chop House, 10:30pm

Saturday 30th: All times GMT
JENNY WREN at Royales, 1pm (see below)
STEFFI LORENA at The Southport Coaster, 3pm (see below)
STEVE McKENNA at Cooper's Bar, 3pm
THE JUKEBOX DUO at Punch Tarmey's, 8pm
GEORGE MICHAEL (tribute) at The Hungry Monk, 8pm (book)
ECHO at The Southport Coaster, 8:30pm (see below)
FREDDIE MERCURY (tribute by Alex Holt) at The Monument Bar, 8:30pm
MATT FEARON at The Purple Rain Lounge, 8:30pm
NEVILLE GRUNDY at The Guesthouse, 9pm
THE FUSE at Royales, 9pm (see below)
SLIM FILTER & THE CIGARETTES at Cooper's Bar, 9pm (see below)
CHERRY & THE PLUMS at the Windmill, 9pm
F49* ASH LIL at The Zetland, 9:30pm (see below)
THE CLAN at The Ship & Anchor, 9:30pm (see below)
HOBOT at The Chop House, 10:30pm

Sunday 31st: All times BST (Easter Sunday)
STEVE McKENNA & PAUL KAPPA at Royales, 2pm
JUST KEITH at The Sacrebleu Bar, 2pm (see below)
The House Jazz Band at Cooper's Bar, 4:30pm
THE DUKE STREET BAND at The Monument Bar, 5pm
JUST KEITH at The Ra Bar, 5pm (see below)
THE FUSE at The Ship & Anchor, 6pm (see below)
MAX & AIDEN host An Open Mic Night at Cooper's Bar, from 6:30pm
SEAN KELLY at Punch Tarmey's, 8pm
VIA GRACE at The Southport Tavern, 8pm (see below)
ELVIS (tribute) at The Windmill, 8:30pm
HELLO FELIX at The Chop House, time?

Monday 1st April 2024: (Easter Monday Bank Holiday)
THAT THING ON YOUR DOORSTEP at The Ship & Anchor, 2pm (see below)
KARINE WOODWARD'S Ukulele Beginners Course at Royales, from 5:15pm (book)

*Facebook algorithm compliance
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 12:35 pm
45 live music events listed this week already...

Photos from Official Maghull Musical Theatre Company's post ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 12:32 pm
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# [Ainsdale Beach Gateway update by Cllr Lynne Thompson](www.qlocal.co.uk/southport/news_list/Ainsdale_Beach_Gateway_update_by_Cllr_Lynne_Thompson-5506909...)

Information received yesterday from Green Sefton. Food Concessions for Ainsdale now agreed and should be in place (at discretion of concessionaire) Easter weekend using the existing Beach Containers.

Scaffolding around the existing toilet block will also be removed to allow full vehicle access on to the beach for Easter opening. Portaloos due to arrive today.

I did ask if the picnic area could be given some attention too.

Fingers crossed for a better season this year.Full toilet refurbishment still on track for completion late Summer. Completion was hampered by electrical issues now resolved.

Ainsdale Cllr Lynne Thompson

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/southport
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 12:12 pm
# [Ainsdale Beach Gateway update by Cllr Lynne Thompson](https://www.qlocal.co.uk/southport/news_list/Ainsdale_Beach_Gateway_update_by_Cllr_Lynne_Thompson-55069096.htm)

Information received yesterday from Green Sefton. Food Concessions for Ainsdale now agreed and should be in place (at discretion of concessionaire) Easter weekend using the existing Beach Containers.

Scaffolding around the existing toilet block will also be removed to allow full vehicle access on to the beach for Easter opening. Portaloos due to arrive today.

I did ask if the picnic area could be given some attention too.

Fingers crossed for a better season this year.Full toilet refurbishment still on track for completion late Summer. Completion was hampered by electrical issues now resolved.

Ainsdale Cllr Lynne Thompson 

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/southport

A blast from the past. This was taken over thirty four years ago in Southport Town Hall. Mrs Fearn laid on a small reception to thank the staff of the Town Hall for all their hard work. That included the cleaners, who also served the meals a meetings. At least six of those on the photo are now dead. ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 12:02 pm
A blast from the past. This was taken over thirty four years ago in Southport Town Hall. Mrs Fearn laid on a small reception to thank the staff of the Town Hall for all their hard work. That included the cleaners, who also served the meals a meetings. At least six of those on the photo are now dead.

# **[Merseyrail’s Southport line reaches historic landmark for railway industry](www.qlocal.co.uk/merseyside/news_list/Merseyrail%E2%80%99s_Southport_line_reaches_historic_landma...

Merseyrail’s Southport line is celebrating 120 years of electric train services.

The 18-mile route was the world’s first inter-urban electric railway when it opened to passenger service at the end of March 1904.

It was the then Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway company who carried out the work, with the project starting in 1902. Along the busy route that generated commuter and leisure travel, the new electric trains replaced Victorian steam trains between Liverpool Exchange and Southport via Waterloo and Ainsdale.

The line voltage was originally 625V DC, and power to the live rails was supplied from a specially built electricity generating station at Formby. The electrical equipment for the line and the trains was supplied by the Dick Kerr & Company at Preston and the electric multiple unit trains were built by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.

Those original trains were replaced by the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) Class 502's from 1939 onwards, which in turn were replaced by the British Rail built Class 507's between 1978 & 1980.

The new state-of-the-art Class 777's are the fourth generation of electric trains to have operated along the historic route, which is now part of the well-patronised Merseyrail Northern line.

Two of the original brick built large transformer buildings dating from 1904, that now house modern equipment at Southport and at Hillside are still in-situ and have been silent witness to 120 years of progress.

Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, said: “This is another historic milestone that we are celebrating on the Merseyrail network this year. It illustrates the incredible railway heritage that we have in this part of the UK.

“We are incredibly proud of the history of our network and the public service that has been provided in three centuries – from the 1800s, through the 1900s and now into the 2000s.

“Today, thousands of customers are travelling on the Southport to Hunts Cross line every day. It is one of the busiest lines on the Merseyrail network with a 15-minute service, seven days a week during the summer months.

“And we are sure that the new fleet of Class 777 trains will serve the people on this line for many years to come.”

Pictures from Paul Gorton Collection.
1. Ainsdale 1935
2. Hillside 1935
3. 1st 502 Test Run 1939

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/merseyside
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 11:48 am
# **[Merseyrail’s Southport line reaches historic landmark for railway industry](https://www.qlocal.co.uk/merseyside/news_list/Merseyrail%E2%80%99s_Southport_line_reaches_historic_landmark_for_railway_industry-55069094.htm)**

Merseyrail’s Southport line is celebrating 120 years of electric train services.

The 18-mile route was the world’s first inter-urban electric railway when it opened to passenger service at the end of March 1904.

It was the then Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway company who carried out the work, with the project starting in 1902. Along the busy route that generated commuter and leisure travel, the new electric trains replaced Victorian steam trains between Liverpool Exchange and Southport via Waterloo and Ainsdale.

The line voltage was originally 625V DC, and power to the live rails was supplied from a specially built electricity generating station at Formby. The electrical equipment for the line and the trains was supplied by the Dick Kerr & Company at Preston and the electric multiple unit trains were built by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.

Those original trains were replaced by the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) Class 502s from 1939 onwards, which in turn were replaced by the British Rail built Class 507s between 1978 & 1980.

The new state-of-the-art Class 777s are the fourth generation of electric trains to have operated along the historic route, which is now part of the well-patronised Merseyrail Northern line.

Two of the original brick built large transformer buildings dating from 1904, that now house modern equipment at Southport and at Hillside are still in-situ and have been silent witness to 120 years of progress.

Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, said: “This is another historic milestone that we are celebrating on the Merseyrail network this year. It illustrates the incredible railway heritage that we have in this part of the UK.

“We are incredibly proud of the history of our network and the public service that has been provided in three centuries – from the 1800s, through the 1900s and now into the 2000s.

“Today, thousands of customers are travelling on the Southport to Hunts Cross line every day. It is one of the busiest lines on the Merseyrail network with a 15-minute service, seven days a week during the summer months.

“And we are sure that the new fleet of Class 777 trains will serve the people on this line for many years to come.”

Pictures from Paul Gorton Collection.
1. Ainsdale 1935
2. Hillside 1935
3. 1st 502 Test Run 1939

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/merseysideImage attachmentImage attachment

We’re pleased to announce that our favourite Children’s Entertainer Justin Fletcher will return for our 100th anniversary Southport Flower Show sponsored by The Seventy Ninth Group🎈

He will be at the garden theatre on Sunday 18th August ✨

Get your tickets now! Click here: bit.ly/3tEK6mE
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 11:08 am

Any painters or decorators out there after a few months work? If interested please use the email address on the post to contact the manager at the Prince of Wales Hotel Southport ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 10:41 am
Any painters or decorators out there after a few months work? If interested please use the email address on the post to contact the manager at the Prince of Wales Hotel Southport

Today is Maundy Thursday, when we commemorate the Last Supper and remember the Lord’s commandment to love one another as he loves us. Join us tonight for the Eucharist at 7pm. Church will remain open afterwards for those who wish to stay for The Watch at the Altar of Repose.

O God, who has called us to participate
in this most sacred Supper,
in which your Only Begotten Son,
when about to hand himself over to death,
entrusted to the Church a sacrifice new for all eternity,
the banquet of his love,
grant, we pray,
that we may draw from so great a mystery,
the fullness of charity and of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 10:26 am

Ainsdale Civic Society Station Volunteers Andrew and Richard preparing the platform troughs and baskets ready for Spring. ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 10:03 am

Photos from Your Southport's post ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 9:27 am
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Our volunteer team Easter 🐣 spring reading recommendations. Open Thursday 1-4pm 📕😄 ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 9:03 am

Photos from Queenscourt Hospice's post ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 9:00 am
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Note the date / time ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 9:00 am
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Looking for a Joiner to help us with a very special bespoke project if anyone has any recommendations ☺️ ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 8:56 am

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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 8:51 am

Looks like the water companies managed to smash their record from last year! And united utilities here is leading the pack! 😡

Our MP Damian Moore along with the rest of the Conservative MPs voted to allow the water companies to continue dumping sewage. 🤬

[www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68665335#:~:text=Raw%20sewage%20spills%20into%20England%20...'s%20rivers,1.75%20million%20hours%20in%202022](www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68665335#:~:text=Raw%20sewage%20spills%20into%20England%20...'s%20rivers,1.75%20million%20hours%20in%202022).
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 8:41 am
Looks like the water companies managed to smash their record from last year! And united utilities here is leading the pack! 😡

Our MP Damian Moore along with the rest of the Conservative MPs voted to allow the water companies to continue dumping sewage. 🤬

[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68665335#:~:text=Raw%20sewage%20spills%20into%20England%20rivers%20and%20seas%20doubles%20in%202023,-Published&text=Sewage%20spills%20into%20Englands%20rivers,1.75%20million%20hours%20in%202022](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68665335#:~:text=Raw%20sewage%20spills%20into%20England%20rivers%20and%20seas%20doubles%20in%202023,-Published&text=Sewage%20spills%20into%20Englands%20rivers,1.75%20million%20hours%20in%202022).Image attachment

A massive thanks to Ashley Showrooms for generously supplying a toilet and sink for our volunteers workspace! We can't thank you enough 😍🥰 ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 8:40 am
A massive thanks to Ashley Showrooms for generously supplying a toilet and sink for our volunteers workspace! We cant thank you enough 😍🥰Image attachment

Photos from Becconsall- Lancashire’s Living Museum & Heritage Park's post ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 7:39 am
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 6:30 am

# **Thursday weather forecast**

Good luck with this one!
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 6:00 am
# **Thursday weather forecast**

Good luck with this one!

THURSDAY...Wordle 1,013 3/6

🟨🟨⬜🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟨⬜🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
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Thursday March 28th, 2024 - 12:02 am

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Wednesday March 27th, 2024 - 11:25 pm

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Wednesday March 27th, 2024 - 10:20 pm

Photos from Southport Tabletop Gaming Club's post ... See MoreSee Less

Wednesday March 27th, 2024 - 9:20 pm
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Wednesday March 27th, 2024 - 9:14 pm

They are coming … ... See MoreSee Less

Wednesday March 27th, 2024 - 9:09 pm
They are coming …Image attachmentImage attachment

# **[Full steam ahead at Southport Pleasureland this Easter after £5m investment](www.qlocal.co.uk/merseyside/news_list/Full_steam_ahead_at_Southport_Pleasureland_this_Easter_afte...

Southport Pleasureland are steaming ahead with their highly anticipated opening for the 2024 season this Friday the 29th March.

The theme park is delighted to be opening its gates once again to visitors who will be thrilled at the new additions to the park this season.

The team at Southport Pleasureland are ecstatic ahead of the opening weekend, Norman Wallis, Chief Executive Officer, said ‘Since August 2023 we have invested over £5m into the park. We have created a new themed land ‘Steampunk Bay’.’

"We've worked day and night across the winter months to bring these new attractions to life and with the help of an incredible team, we’ve managed to do it, just in time for opening.

Our 2024 season is going to be the best yet.’ The investment into the park comes following a plan for monumental development which has already seen the creation of Viking Adventure Golf, an 18-hole mini golf, which was completed in 2022.

Norman Wallis said, ‘The new land we have developed is a major draw to performers and festivals and we have already got some exciting events planned for Southport later this year.’ ‘Steampunk Bay is the UK’s only steampunk theme park - Victoriana and sci-fi meet to create an immersive realm which will bring a whole new feel to the park.’

Southport Pleasureland re-opens for it’s 2024 season on Good Friday and are currently running a series of competitions across social media to entice park goers to visit the ever growing and evolving theme park. For tickets to Southport Pleasureland visit: [www.southportpleasureland.com](www.southportpleasureland.com/)

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/southport
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Wednesday March 27th, 2024 - 8:00 pm
# **[Full steam ahead at Southport Pleasureland this Easter after £5m investment](https://www.qlocal.co.uk/merseyside/news_list/Full_steam_ahead_at_Southport_Pleasureland_this_Easter_after_%C2%A35m_investment-55069081.htm)**

Southport Pleasureland are steaming ahead with their highly anticipated opening for the 2024 season this Friday the 29th March.

The theme park is delighted to be opening its gates once again to visitors who will be thrilled at the new additions to the park this season.

The team at Southport Pleasureland are ecstatic ahead of the opening weekend, Norman Wallis, Chief Executive Officer, said ‘Since August 2023 we have invested over £5m into the park. We have created a new themed land ‘Steampunk Bay’.’

Weve worked day and night across the winter months to bring these new attractions to life and with the help of an incredible team, we’ve managed to do it, just in time for opening.

Our 2024 season is going to be the best yet.’ The investment into the park comes following a plan for monumental development which has already seen the creation of Viking Adventure Golf, an 18-hole mini golf, which was completed in 2022.

Norman Wallis said, ‘The new land we have developed is a major draw to performers and festivals and we have already got some exciting events planned for Southport later this year.’ ‘Steampunk Bay is the UK’s only steampunk theme park - Victoriana and sci-fi meet to create an immersive realm which will bring a whole new feel to the park.’

Southport Pleasureland re-opens for it’s 2024 season on Good Friday and are currently running a series of competitions across social media to entice park goers to visit the ever growing and evolving theme park. For tickets to Southport Pleasureland visit: [www.southportpleasureland.com](http://www.southportpleasureland.com/)

Reported at qlocal.co.uk/southport
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