Travel Trade NewsletterFor more information call Julia on 0151 934 2333, email julia@visitsouthport.com or go to www.visitsouthport.com

The Rod and Wendy Wright Show!Rod and Wendy Wright are back foranother year and looking forward to welcoming old and new visitors toSouthport. From March to the end ofOctober on Tuesdays to Saturdays, they’ll be covering the Lord Street andPromenade coach drop off points, handing out Visitor Passports. Coach parties staying for short breaks won’t missout either as all Southport hotels will begiven a supply for their guests!

Welcome to Southport

Voucher Power!This year’s Southport VisitorPassport is bigger and better than everand packed with money off vouchers touse during your stay – whether it’s just a day trip or a short break. We’ve also listened to feedback from our visitors and included more information aboutSouthport and the surrounding areaswhich we hope you’ll find useful. Our lovely Coach Hosts Rod and Wendyissue the passports to coach passengersdropping off in the town centre, but ifyou’re arriving outside their workinghours, let me know and I can arrange tohave a supply left for you at the TouristInformation Centre within The Atkinson.

There’s never been a better time to visitSouthport so please take time to readthrough this newsletter to find out all the reasons why it’s such a great place tobring your group in 2015.

We’re proud to be considered one of the most ‘coach and group friendly’ townsin the UK with a FREE ‘meet & greet’ service, town centre drop off points,Visitor Passports containing money offvouchers, and secure coach parking withdrivers facilities.

So, if your group enjoys beautiful beaches,fantastic events, scenic parks & gardensand great shopping, then Southport’s the place for you!

We look forward to seeing you very soon…

Information contained in this guide is produced in good faith and is correct at the time of going to press. Sefton MBC accepts no liability forinaccuracies or subsequent changes to events. The businesses and organisations listed in this guide are not intended as an exhaustive list andare intended to be indicative only. Sefton MBC does not include those named by recommendation or otherwise and their inclusion or omissionshould not be taken as an endorsement by the council as to the services offered by them.

2015

Southport MarketSouthport Market, situated on King Streetand Market Street, brings you fresh localproduce, arts & crafts and clothes alongwith a great mix of stalls offering a wideand varied range of goods and services … not to mention some great bargains. As well as traditional market shopping,Southport Market has FREE WiFi and toiletfacilities, so why not stop for a coffee in Mustard Coffee House or treat yourselfto a pizza or pasta in Scoozi after a dayshopping or sightseeing

1Visitor Passport19/02/2 1

Visitor Passport

All these hotels welcome groups so give them a call for details of their rates and availability!Ramada Plaza The Promenade, Southport01704 516220 • rm@ramadaplazasouthport.co.ukwww.ramadaplazasouthport.co.uk

Best Western Royal Clifton Hotel & SpaThe Promenade, Southport01704 533771 • sales@royalclifton.co.uk • www.royalclifton.co.uk

The Bold HotelLord Street, Southport01704 532578 • info@boldhotel.com • www.boldhotel.com

Britannia Scarisbrick & Prince of Wales HotelsLord Street, Southport01704 536688 • 719@britanniahotels.com www.britanniahotels.com

The Talbot Hotel23 – 25 Portland Street, Southport01704 533975 • talbothotel@btconnect.com www.talbothotelsouthport.co.uk

To receive a copy of the latest Southport Visitor Guide, call Julia or download from www.visitsouthport.com

ACCOMMODATION FOR GROUPSEATING OUTWhether you’re in Southport for anevent, short break or just a daysshopping, it won’t be long beforeyou’ll work up an appetite – and withso many restaurants to choose from,you certainly won’t be spoiled forchoice! Southport RestaurateursAssociation is made up of many of the town’s best eateries and produces an Eating Out Guide – to receive your copy, please emailyour name and address to eatingoutguide@visitsouthport.com, download a copy from www.visitsouthport.com or just give Julia a call and she’ll be happy to post one out!

GREAT EVENTS

For more information please call Julia on 0151 934 2333, email julia@visitsouthport.comor go to www.visitsouthport.com

Southport Jazz FestivalFriday 8 to Sunday 10 MaySituated in town centre venues with many of the gigs completely FREE of charge – go to www.visitsouthport.com for a full list of what’s on.

Southport Food & Drink Festival Friday 29 to Sunday 31 MayHeld in Southport’s Victoria Park within easy walkingdistance of Lord Street and the town centre. ThisFREE event will attract thousands of visitors with foodsampling, live cooking demonstrations, a food village,entertainment and much more besides.

Southport Flower ShowThursday 20 – Sunday 23 AugustThe Southport Flower Show will display more than a million blooms and host 350 independent stalls and shops at this year’s Chinese themed show held in Victoria Park. Visitors will also be able to see spectacular show gardens and a variety of cookerydemonstrations.

Groups discounts and incentives are available for theshow. Group prices for parties of 10 or more start at£16.20 (28% discount off the standard gate price).Groups of 49 or more are £15.30 (32% discount offthe standard gate price). Parties of 10 or more willreceive free coach parking and a complimentary ticket for the event organiser.

To book tickets and for more information please visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk or telephone01704 547147.

Southport Air ShowSaturday 19 and Sunday 20 SeptemberOne of the UK’s greatest air shows taking place onSouthport’s famous seafront, there’ll be two days of thrilling aerial and aerobatic displays plus a fun packed show village.Pre-booked groups of 10 or more get 1 FREE ticketfor every 10 purchased (£8) and FREE coach parking.Call Julia to book.

The Atkinson is Southport’s multi-art formvenue in the middle of Lord Street. Home to the Tourist Information Centre,

this renovated 19th century building provides a platform for music, literature,poetry, theatre, art and history and hosts some of the country’s most talentedperformers (as well as many from abroad).

By day, take in the major exhibitions in the galleries including works by John Piper and Henry Moore or visit one of the frequent touring exhibitions,recent artists include Matisse and Lowry.

The new museum Between Land and Sea: 10,000 Years of Sefton’s Coastopened in February 2015. From Mesolithic footprints in the sand on FormbyBeach to modern day life at the docks in Bootle, the museum tell the storyof the many people who have lived and worked along the coast. The richhistory of Sefton includes Frank Hornby, the inventor of Meccano and FrankHampson the cartoonist behind Dan Dare. Also, discover Ancient Egypt displays in the fascinating Goodison Egyptology Collection not seen forover 40 years.

Take time out in the Bakery, choose from a range of drinks including tea,coffee and a number of locally brewed real ales. Sweet treats are a must witha choice of delicious tray bakes and cakes and daily specials are also available.

For more information visit www.theatkinson.co.uk or call 01704 533 333.

There’s plenty to do in Southport but if you fancy trying somethinga little different there’s even more to do without having to travelvery far at all!

Only a short drive or bus journey (no.49) from Southport town centre is Churchtown where the town has its origins – this is a veryquaint and pretty village with a lovely selection of shops, pubs andtea rooms. Churchtown is also home to the Botanic Gardens –beautiful whatever time of year you visit. Birkdale is another villagenot far from Southport – there’s some great foodie treats to findhere with specialist shops and top class restaurants.

Travel south towards Liverpool and you can visit the Red SquirrelSanctuary at Formby then go on a little further to see AntonyGormley’s Iron Men at Crosby – then, if you have little ones withyou, visit Farmer Ted’s Playbarn.

A little further afield brings you to WWT Martin Mere andWindmill Animal Farm – and if you fancy a little retail therapy afteryou’ve finished, pop into The Courtyard at Tarleton where you’llfind bargains galore!

EXCITING FESTIVALS AND

ON THE FRINGE

Event Dates 2015DATE EVENT VENUE

9 – 11 April Crabbie’s Grand National Aintree Racecourse8 – 10 May Southport Jazz Festival Town Centre Venues29 – 31 May Southport Food & Drink Festival Victoria Park20 & 21 June Woodvale Rally Victoria Park/Princes Park27 June British Armed Forces Day Princes Park20 – 23 August Southport Flower Show Victoria ParkSeptember Southport International Festival Town Hall Gardens/Lord St12 & 13 September 24 Hour Yacht Race Marine Lake19 – 20 September Southport Air Show Seafront2 – 4 October British Musical Fireworks

Championships Victoria Park24 Oct – 1 Nov ‘Spookport’ Halloween Festival Across SouthportNovember Round Table Fireworks Display Victoria Park21 November Southport Christmas Lights

Switch On Town Hall Gardens/Lord St

Please note that all dates are provisional and events may be subject to change – please go to www.visitsouthport.com for the latest information.

British Musical Fireworks ChampionshipFriday 2 to Sunday 4 OctoberLighting up the Southport skies for three consecutive nights, the BMFC returns to Victoria Park as the UK’s top pyrotechnic companies battle it out for this prestigious title.Pre-booked groups of 10 or more get 1 FREE ticket for every 10 purchased (£5 Friday & Sunday and £7 Saturday) and FREE coach parking.Call Julia to book.

‘Spookport’ Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 NovemberSouthport mutates into ‘Spookport’ for a week of Halloween themed activities for all the family to enjoy no matter what their age! Go to www.visitsouthport.com for further details.

Christmas Saturday 21 NovemberSouthport’s busiest shopping season gets off to a flying start when the town centre Christmas lights are switched on after an afternoon of fantastic entertainment.

Dunes Splash Worldis open throughout the year and offers fantastic discounts to pre-booked groups. For further information, call them on 01704 537160 or visitwww.splashworldsouthport.com

For more information please call Julia on 0151 934 2333, email julia@visitsouthport.comor go to www.visitsouthport.com

WWT Martin Mere offers groups unforgettable days out and opens 364 days a year.

There are fantastic benefits for groups of 12 or more including competitively priced discounted group admission – NEW 15% discount(from 1 April 2015) as well as:-

• FREE pre-visit and on-the-day entry for the group organiser • FREE coach parking • FREE entry and refreshments for the driver • group catering packages • a welcome pack on arrival • a range of pre-bookable activities and tours

To find out more, call the centre on 01704 895181 or go to www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere

GREAT EVENTS

For more information please call Julia on 0151 934 2333, email julia@visitsouthport.comor go to www.visitsouthport.com

Southport Jazz FestivalFriday 8 to Sunday 10 MaySituated in town centre venues with many of the gigs completely FREE of charge – go to www.visitsouthport.com for a full list of what’s on.

Southport Food & Drink Festival Friday 29 to Sunday 31 MayHeld in Southport’s Victoria Park within easy walkingdistance of Lord Street and the town centre. ThisFREE event will attract thousands of visitors with foodsampling, live cooking demonstrations, a food village,entertainment and much more besides.

Southport Flower ShowThursday 20 – Sunday 23 AugustThe Southport Flower Show will display more than a million blooms and host 350 independent stalls and shops at this year’s Chinese themed show held in Victoria Park. Visitors will also be able to see spectacular show gardens and a variety of cookerydemonstrations.

Groups discounts and incentives are available for theshow. Group prices for parties of 10 or more start at£16.20 (28% discount off the standard gate price).Groups of 49 or more are £15.30 (32% discount offthe standard gate price). Parties of 10 or more willreceive free coach parking and a complimentary ticket for the event organiser.

To book tickets and for more information please visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk or telephone01704 547147.

Southport Air ShowSaturday 19 and Sunday 20 SeptemberOne of the UK’s greatest air shows taking place onSouthport’s famous seafront, there’ll be two days of thrilling aerial and aerobatic displays plus a fun packed show village.Pre-booked groups of 10 or more get 1 FREE ticketfor every 10 purchased (£8) and FREE coach parking.Call Julia to book.

The Atkinson is Southport’s multi-art formvenue in the middle of Lord Street. Home to the Tourist Information Centre,

this renovated 19th century building provides a platform for music, literature,poetry, theatre, art and history and hosts some of the country’s most talentedperformers (as well as many from abroad).

By day, take in the major exhibitions in the galleries including works by John Piper and Henry Moore or visit one of the frequent touring exhibitions,recent artists include Matisse and Lowry.

The new museum Between Land and Sea: 10,000 Years of Sefton’s Coastopened in February 2015. From Mesolithic footprints in the sand on FormbyBeach to modern day life at the docks in Bootle, the museum tell the storyof the many people who have lived and worked along the coast. The richhistory of Sefton includes Frank Hornby, the inventor of Meccano and FrankHampson the cartoonist behind Dan Dare. Also, discover Ancient Egypt displays in the fascinating Goodison Egyptology Collection not seen forover 40 years.

Take time out in the Bakery, choose from a range of drinks including tea,coffee and a number of locally brewed real ales. Sweet treats are a must witha choice of delicious tray bakes and cakes and daily specials are also available.

For more information visit www.theatkinson.co.uk or call 01704 533 333.

There’s plenty to do in Southport but if you fancy trying somethinga little different there’s even more to do without having to travelvery far at all!

Only a short drive or bus journey (no.49) from Southport town centre is Churchtown where the town has its origins – this is a veryquaint and pretty village with a lovely selection of shops, pubs andtea rooms. Churchtown is also home to the Botanic Gardens –beautiful whatever time of year you visit. Birkdale is another villagenot far from Southport – there’s some great foodie treats to findhere with specialist shops and top class restaurants.

Travel south towards Liverpool and you can visit the Red SquirrelSanctuary at Formby then go on a little further to see AntonyGormley’s Iron Men at Crosby – then, if you have little ones withyou, visit Farmer Ted’s Playbarn.

A little further afield brings you to WWT Martin Mere andWindmill Animal Farm – and if you fancy a little retail therapy afteryou’ve finished, pop into The Courtyard at Tarleton where you’llfind bargains galore!

EXCITING FESTIVALS AND

ON THE FRINGE

Event Dates 2015DATE EVENT VENUE

9 – 11 April Crabbie’s Grand National Aintree Racecourse8 – 10 May Southport Jazz Festival Town Centre Venues29 – 31 May Southport Food & Drink Festival Victoria Park20 & 21 June Woodvale Rally Victoria Park/Princes Park27 June British Armed Forces Day Princes Park20 – 23 August Southport Flower Show Victoria ParkSeptember Southport International Festival Town Hall Gardens/Lord St12 & 13 September 24 Hour Yacht Race Marine Lake19 – 20 September Southport Air Show Seafront2 – 4 October British Musical Fireworks

Championships Victoria Park24 Oct – 1 Nov ‘Spookport’ Halloween Festival Across SouthportNovember Round Table Fireworks Display Victoria Park21 November Southport Christmas Lights

Switch On Town Hall Gardens/Lord St

Please note that all dates are provisional and events may be subject to change – please go to www.visitsouthport.com for the latest information.

British Musical Fireworks ChampionshipFriday 2 to Sunday 4 OctoberLighting up the Southport skies for three consecutive nights, the BMFC returns to Victoria Park as the UK’s top pyrotechnic companies battle it out for this prestigious title.Pre-booked groups of 10 or more get 1 FREE ticket for every 10 purchased (£5 Friday & Sunday and £7 Saturday) and FREE coach parking.Call Julia to book.

‘Spookport’ Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 NovemberSouthport mutates into ‘Spookport’ for a week of Halloween themed activities for all the family to enjoy no matter what their age! Go to www.visitsouthport.com for further details.

Christmas Saturday 21 NovemberSouthport’s busiest shopping season gets off to a flying start when the town centre Christmas lights are switched on after an afternoon of fantastic entertainment.

Dunes Splash Worldis open throughout the year and offers fantastic discounts to pre-booked groups. For further information, call them on 01704 537160 or visitwww.splashworldsouthport.com

For more information please call Julia on 0151 934 2333, email julia@visitsouthport.comor go to www.visitsouthport.com

WWT Martin Mere offers groups unforgettable days out and opens 364 days a year.

There are fantastic benefits for groups of 12 or more including competitively priced discounted group admission – NEW 15% discount(from 1 April 2015) as well as:-

• FREE pre-visit and on-the-day entry for the group organiser • FREE coach parking • FREE entry and refreshments for the driver • group catering packages • a welcome pack on arrival • a range of pre-bookable activities and tours

To find out more, call the centre on 01704 895181 or go to www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere

Travel Trade NewsletterFor more information call Julia on 0151 934 2333, email julia@visitsouthport.com or go to www.visitsouthport.com

The Rod and Wendy Wright Show!Rod and Wendy Wright are back foranother year and looking forward to welcoming old and new visitors toSouthport. From March to the end ofOctober on Tuesdays to Saturdays, they’ll be covering the Lord Street andPromenade coach drop off points, handing out Visitor Passports. Coach parties staying for short breaks won’t missout either as all Southport hotels will begiven a supply for their guests!

Welcome to Southport

Voucher Power!This year’s Southport VisitorPassport is bigger and better than everand packed with money off vouchers touse during your stay – whether it’s just a day trip or a short break. We’ve also listened to feedback from our visitors and included more information aboutSouthport and the surrounding areaswhich we hope you’ll find useful. Our lovely Coach Hosts Rod and Wendyissue the passports to coach passengersdropping off in the town centre, but ifyou’re arriving outside their workinghours, let me know and I can arrange tohave a supply left for you at the TouristInformation Centre within The Atkinson.

There’s never been a better time to visitSouthport so please take time to readthrough this newsletter to find out all the reasons why it’s such a great place tobring your group in 2015.

We’re proud to be considered one of the most ‘coach and group friendly’ townsin the UK with a FREE ‘meet & greet’ service, town centre drop off points,Visitor Passports containing money offvouchers, and secure coach parking withdrivers facilities.

So, if your group enjoys beautiful beaches,fantastic events, scenic parks & gardensand great shopping, then Southport’s the place for you!

We look forward to seeing you very soon…

Information contained in this guide is produced in good faith and is correct at the time of going to press. Sefton MBC accepts no liability forinaccuracies or subsequent changes to events. The businesses and organisations listed in this guide are not intended as an exhaustive list andare intended to be indicative only. Sefton MBC does not include those named by recommendation or otherwise and their inclusion or omissionshould not be taken as an endorsement by the council as to the services offered by them.

2015

Southport MarketSouthport Market, situated on King Streetand Market Street, brings you fresh localproduce, arts & crafts and clothes alongwith a great mix of stalls offering a wideand varied range of goods and services … not to mention some great bargains. As well as traditional market shopping,Southport Market has FREE WiFi and toiletfacilities, so why not stop for a coffee in Mustard Coffee House or treat yourselfto a pizza or pasta in Scoozi after a dayshopping or sightseeing

1Visitor Passport19/02/2 1

Visitor Passport

All these hotels welcome groups so give them a call for details of their rates and availability!Ramada Plaza The Promenade, Southport01704 516220 • rm@ramadaplazasouthport.co.ukwww.ramadaplazasouthport.co.uk

Best Western Royal Clifton Hotel & SpaThe Promenade, Southport01704 533771 • sales@royalclifton.co.uk • www.royalclifton.co.uk

The Bold HotelLord Street, Southport01704 532578 • info@boldhotel.com • www.boldhotel.com

Britannia Scarisbrick & Prince of Wales HotelsLord Street, Southport01704 536688 • 719@britanniahotels.com www.britanniahotels.com

The Talbot Hotel23 – 25 Portland Street, Southport01704 533975 • talbothotel@btconnect.com www.talbothotelsouthport.co.uk

To receive a copy of the latest Southport Visitor Guide, call Julia or download from www.visitsouthport.com

ACCOMMODATION FOR GROUPSEATING OUTWhether you’re in Southport for anevent, short break or just a daysshopping, it won’t be long beforeyou’ll work up an appetite – and withso many restaurants to choose from,you certainly won’t be spoiled forchoice! Southport RestaurateursAssociation is made up of many of the town’s best eateries and produces an Eating Out Guide – to receive your copy, please emailyour name and address to eatingoutguide@visitsouthport.com, download a copy from www.visitsouthport.com or just give Julia a call and she’ll be happy to post one out!