Books Alive! paid partnership
Organisers behind Southport’s October half-term spectacular Books Alive! today released full details for the week-long event, and the map for The Jolly Postman Book Trail for anyone wanting to experience “a living storybook” version of the beloved children’s book.
Books Alive! brings a world of imagination and adventure to the town centre from 24-31 October 2026.
This free kids’ festival will bring children’s stories to life with a mix of immersive and interactive experiences throughout the town centre and a festival set to take over The Atkinson and Southport Library, full details of which have now been released by Visit Southport.
From events with leading authors, hands-on activities and a new town-wide trail inspired by the iconic book The Jolly Postman as part of its 40th birthday celebrations, organisers are promising lots of fun.
The Jolly Postman Book Trail map was also released today and sees nine large-scale installations around the town centre, including at key locations such as the Wayfarers Arcade, Southport Market and Lord Street. Families are invited to follow a specially designed trail map, discover immersive storybook scenes, meet the familiar fairytale characters, and even post their own letters along the route.
It was released as organisers encouraged local businesses to participate in the family-friendly town-wide cultural celebration as visitors get the chance to engage with nationally recognised authors, artists and creative organisations as they explore Southport this half term.
Books Alive! is focused around three key elements:
The Jolly Postman Book Trail
This is a new interactive story trail inspired by the well-known children’s classic by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, published by Puffin, which will take over Southport town centre.
Make CIC have been commissioned to work with artists from across the Liverpool City Region to create nine large-scale installations celebrating iconic moments and characters from the story.
Puffin, part of Penguin Random House Children’s UK, is also providing a free copy of the book to every Key Stage One class across the Southport Learning Partnership Network. The trail aims to encourage children and families to experience books beyond the page while exploring Southport’s town centre.
Festival of Stories
Festival of Stories at Southport Library and The Atkinson. Taking place on October 29 to 30 in partnership with Children’s Book North Network – participants will enjoy a packed schedule of theatre performances, craft workshops and creative activities designed to spark imagination and encourage a lifelong love of reading. They will also be able to hear directly from some of the UK’s most celebrated children’s authors and illustrators behind the books – including Dapo Adeola, Joseph Coelho, Lydia Monks, and Kate Pankhurst. All events are free to attend, but advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment!
Noisy Noise Noise
Visitors can also experience Noisy Noise Noise which is an interactive sound library created especially for noisy children and their grown-ups by Working Boys Club. It has been commissioned by The Cultural Hub and produced by Activate Performing Arts, producers of ‘Inside Out Dorset’.
Kirsten Little, Co-Founder and Director of Make CIC, said:
“At Make CIC, we are passionate about using creativity to connect people, places and communities. The Jolly Postman Trail brings a beloved story to life in an exciting new way, inviting families to experience books beyond the page while discovering Southport’s town centre.
“Working with talented artists from across the Liverpool City Region, we’ve created a trail filled with imagination, nostalgia and adventure that we hope will inspire a new generation of readers.”
Fringe Festival
The Fringe Festival will see local businesses, community groups and cultural venues unite for a celebration throughout the town. Businesses can host book-themed events, reading activities, workshops, performances or creative experiences aimed at and suitable for primary school children, helping to extend the festival atmosphere across Southport and create a truly town-wide celebration of storytelling.
Participation guidelines and information on how to get involved, including how to access the Jolly Postman Trail map and full programme, are available via the Visit Southport website.
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