Historic Southport gardens set for glittering open-air ballroom transformation - full details
Southport’s Town Hall Gardens will be transformed into a glittering open-air ballroom next month, as a spectacular event arrives in the seaside town.
On Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, internationally acclaimed French performance company Transe Express will bring Cristal Palace to the heart of the town as part of the Southport 2026: Elegantly Eccentric programme.
Taking place during the Easter holidays, this free event promises a ‘magical evening out for all generations’, and celebrates 150 years of dance and music in a swirl of soaring aerial performance, live sound and striking visual theatre.
Suspended high above the audience will be a show stopping 12-metre-wide chandelier, creating an unforgettable centrepiece.
For more than four decades, Transe Express have captivated audiences around the world with ambitious outdoor productions that transform everyday spaces into moments of wonder. Cristal Palace aims to do exactly that, turning Southport’s gardens into a living, breathing ballroom where international artistry meets community celebration.
36 Southport performers, including 20 young dancers from schools across the town, will take part in a specially created section choreographed by local creative Grace Goulding.
Access to the outdoor ballroom will open from 6.00pm, with the performance running from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Audiences should enter the ballroom via entrances on Lord Street.
Road closures will be in place around the Lord Street area from 4.00pn on both performance days. Visitors are advised to plan their journey in advance and check here for full travel information and event updates.
Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said “Hot on the heels of Lightport, we’re thrilled to welcome Transe Express and their jaw dropping Cristal Palace spectacle to Southport.
“Once again this is a perfect opportunity for families across the Northwest to come to our wonderful town and experience something truly magical. Showcasing the incredible talent of our local young dancers alongside world class performers makes Cristal Palace particularly special.”
Tickets for an accessible viewing area can be found here.