Books Alive! Paid partnership
Take a look at the series of Fringe Festival events you can enjoy across Southport as part of the brand new Books Alive! Festival throughout October Half Term!
Families can enjoy author reading sessions; the Wonder Library; comedy, dancing and storytime with pantomime characters; a Seusstacular rave; Stories of Wonder from young writers; a Story Seekers’ Trail, and more.
Organisers Visit Southport would love to hear from local businesses, venues, cafés, retailers and community organisations keen to take part in the Books Alive! Fringe Festival.
This is a fantastic opportunity to attract families into your business, showcase your creativity and be part of a town-wide celebration of stories, books and literacy.
Ideas could include:
- Storytelling sessions
- Book-themed menus, products or special offers
- Literary workshops
- Craft activities
- Character appearances or themed displays
- Reading corners or cosy book nooks
- Interactive trails, games or challenges
Email: tourism@sefton.gov.uk
1 – Specsavers Story Seekers Trail
Specsavers Southport presents the Specsavers Story Seekers Trail
Ready for an adventure? Join the quest!
Use your curiosity and finely tuned eyes to find the hidden story characters around the Specsavers Southport store.
Can you spot them all and discover the secret word?
Visit during Books Alive! and ask for your free Story Seekers Kit at reception.
Complete the trail, find the word, and be in with a chance of winning a £20 book voucher!
Date
October 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026
Address
19 Eastbank Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DY
2 – Genevieve Aspinall: Author Reading and Story Activities at Southport Library
Genevieve Aspinall is an illustrator and author based in Lancashire, with a love of painting, drawing, making picture books and creating characters.
Genevieve works predominantly in pencil crayon and gouache and loves exciting textures and colours.
Free tickets are limited to six per transaction.
Please note that a photographer will be present during the event and photographs may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes.
Date
Monday, October 26, 2026 -10.30am-11.30am
Address
Southport Junior Library, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DH
Tel: 01704 533333
Book: Genevieve Aspinall: Author Reading and Story Activities
3 – John Kirk: We’re going on a Musical Story Hunt at Southport Library
John Kirk is a versatile storyteller and drama facilitator who captivates audiences with a mix of silly and serious stories.
He brings his engaging performances to libraries and museums across Britain, aiming to leave his audience happy and satisfied.
John Kirk has visited Southport Library before – take a look here!
Free tickets are limited to six per transaction.
Date
Monday October 26, 2026 – 1pm and 2.30pm
Address
Southport Junior Library, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DH
Tel: 01704 533333
Book:John Kirk: We’re going on a Musical Story Hunt – The Atkinson
4 – Susan Brownrigg: Author Reading & Story Activities at Southport Library
Susan Brownrigg is a Lancashire-based author of historical mysteries for children and adults, known for the Gracie Fairshaw series and other adventure novels.
Free tickets are limited to six per transaction.
Please note that a photographer will be present during the event and photographs may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes.
Date
Tuesday October 27, 2026, 10.30am
Address
Southport Junior Library, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DH
Tel: 01704 533333
Book: Susan Brownrigg: Author Reading and Story Activities
5 – Jude Lennon: Storytelling & Author Discussion at Southport Library
Local author Jude was born in Southport she spent 11 years living and teaching in London before settling in Liverpool in 2011. Following an 18 year career in the profession Jude waved goodbye to the chalk face but still wanted to be involved in promoting reading for pleasure, books and the joy of words to children. Her storytelling business Little Lamb Tales was born and the rest is history.
With mascots Lamby and Flossie, She tells stories at Primary schools, community events, festivals and libraries. Passionate about children having access to literature whether spoken, read or written, Jude works with pupils in Nursery to Year 6.
This event is part of Books Alive! Festival of Stories Fringe Events
Free tickets are limited to six per transaction.
Please note that a photographer will be present during the event and photographs may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes.
Date
Tuesday October 27, 2026, 1pm and 2.30pm
Address
Southport Junior Library, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DH
Tel: 01704 533333
Book: Jude Lennon: Storytelling and Author Discussion
6 – The Churchtown Postman’s Misplaced Letters at Cornerstone Library
Cornerstone Library presents The Churchtown Postman’s Misplaced Letters.
The Churchtown Postman has lost some of his letters in the Children’s Library! Visit the special Churchtown Postman display and help search for the missing letters hidden throughout the children’s section.
Any child who finds a letter and returns it to the Postman will receive a free book as a reward (limited to one book per child, while stocks last).
Join for a special Churchtown Postman Storytime and Craft Session on Tuesday 27 October, 2.00pm – 3.00pm, suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Places must be booked via Eventbrite.
They will also be running their regular Rhyme Time session on Thursday 29 October, 10.15am – 11.00am, offering stories, songs and rhymes for younger children and their families.
Drop in throughout the week to see if you can reunite The Churchtown Postman with his lost letters.
Dates:
Tuesday October 27, 2026 – 10am-1pm
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – 10am-4pm
Thursday, October 29, 2026 – 1pm-6pm
Friday, October 30,2026 – 10am-1pm
Address
Cornerstone Library, 1 Marshside Road, Churchtown, Southport, Merseyside PR9 9TL
Tel: 07979 293 536
Visit: The Cornerstone Library | Community Library in Churchtown
7 – Wonder Library: Stories brought to life at Southport Library
The Wonder Collective began with one simple belief…
Long before first words and first steps come the first moments of wonder. Long before little feet can run, little minds are already exploring.
The Wonder Collective was born from a love of child development, sensory exploration and magical storytelling. Every class is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, nurture confidence and celebrate each baby and child’s unique way of discovering the world.
Please note that a photographer will be present during the event and photographs may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes.
Date
Wednesday October 28, 2026, 1pm and 2pm
Address
Southport Junior Library, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DH
Tel: 01704 533333
Book: Wonder Library: Stories brought to life through sensory exploration and activities
8 – Books Alive! Comedy with Buttons at The Atkinson Studio
Comedy with Buttons
Play games, tell jokes and recreate the characters of Cinderella
Suitable for ages 7-11
One ticket per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult (maximum 2 adults per child)
This event is part of Books Alive! Fringe Festival. All events are free to attend, but advance booking is essential as places are limited.
Free tickets are limited to six per transaction.
Please note that a photographer will be present during the event and photographs may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes.
Date
Wednesday October 28, 2026, 2.30pm-3pm
Address
The Studio, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DH
Tel: 01704 533333
Book: Comedy with Buttons
9 – Books Alive! Dance with Cinderella at The Atkinson Studio
Dance with Cinderella workshop
Come and practice for the ball with our very own Cinderella
Suitable for ages 7-11
One ticket per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult (maximum 2 adults per child)
This event is part of Books Alive! Fringe Festival. All events are free to attend, but advance booking is essential as places are limited.
Free tickets are limited to six per transaction.
Please note that a photographer will be present during the event and photographs may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes.
Date
Wednesday October 28, 2026, 12pm-12.30pm
Address
The Studio, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DH
Tel: 01704 533333
Book: Dance with Cinderella Workshop
10 – Books Alive! Storytime with Fairy Godfather at The Atkinson Studio
Story Time with Fairy Godfather workshop
Hear the magical story of Cinderella with our very own Fairy Godfather
Suitable for ages 4-7
One ticket per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult (maximum 2 adults per child)
This event is part of Books Alive! Fringe Festival. All events are free to attend, but advance booking is essential as places are limited.
Free tickets are limited to six per transaction.
Please note that a photographer will be present during the event and photographs may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes.
Date
Wednesday October 28, 2026, 11am-11.30am
Address
The Studio, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DH
Tel: 01704 533333
Book: Story Time with Fairy Godfather Workshop
11 – Miracles Alive at Christ Church Southport
Dynamic, interactive performances bringing Bible stories to life for children and families. A vibrant, faith-filled experience to engage and inspire
• Under 7s: Thursday 29th October & Friday 30th October at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
• Over 7s: Thursday 29th October & Friday 30th October at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Address
Christ Church Southport, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1AA
Tel: 01704 531756
Visit: Christ Church Southport
12 – Something Miraculous Awards Presentation at Christ Church Southport
Celebrating the winners of the Something Miraculous? Creative Writing Competition. The top 100 stories will be published in a book, and the top 3 stories will be read out at the awards ceremony.
Date
Friday October 30, 2026, 4pm-5pm
Address
Christ Church Southport, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1AA
Tel: 01704 531756
Visit: Christ Church Southport
13 – Starkidz Seusstacular Rave at Southport Market
Starkidz are bringing a wonderfully wacky SEUSSTACULAR RAVE to the Books Alive Festival
Expect nonsense, mischief and LOTS of dancing as some very familiar storybook friends escape from the pages and take over Southport Market!
Dance with the mischievous Cat
Cause chaos with Thing 1 & Thing 2
Meet our grumpy little orange friend
Throw some seriously silly shapes
Join in with crazy games & challenges
Bubbles, dancing, giggles & surprises
And a whole lot of Starkidz PARTY madness!
This isn’t story time where you sit quietly…
THIS is what happens when the BOOKS COME ALIVE! 
Expect a high-energy, interactive party packed with music, games, dancing and wonderfully wacky surprises for the whole family.
Part of Books Alive Festival
Come dressed colourful, crazy or as your favourite book character, the sillier the better!
One Cat. Two Things. A grumpy orange friend… and a WHOLE lot of chaos!
Are you ready to get Seusstacular?!
Date
Friday October 30, 2026, 12pm-1.30pm
Address
Southport Market, Market Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1LA
Tel: +447725256974
Book: Starkidz SEUSSTACULAR RAVE at Southport Market event tickets from TicketSource
14 – New Children’s Section at Parkinson’s Books
Come and enjoy a traditional bookshop this half term and take in the new Children’s section at the iconic Parkinson’s Books on Lord Street in Southport town centre.
They have books suitable for ages 3 years old to 100 years old and above.
Peppa Pig, Harry Potter, Just William, Famous 5, to name a few. Ranging from 50p – £30.
They are open right through the school holiday
Date
October 24-31, 2026
Address
Parkinson’s Books, 361 Lord Street, Southport PR8 1NH
Visit: (20+) Facebook
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