New Children’s Book and Arts Trail Coming to Southport

A magical new children’s book is set to be launched in Southport this November, with a town-wide sculpture trail to follow in 2027.

The illustrated book follows the story of ‘Herbie the Carousel Horse’, who dreams of the world beyond Southport’s famous carousel.

Herbie hears whispers of a racehorse called Rummy running free on Southport beach and bravely decides to escape in search of something more.

An inspiring story full of adventure unfolds in the new children’s book, set against the backdrop of some of the most recognisable locations in Southport.

‘Herbie the Carousel Horse’ will launch on Saturday 14th November and is available to buy for just £6.99 from the following Southport town centre retailers:

• Waterstones Southport
• Great Reads Southport
• The Atkinson
• Wine & Words By Watson
• The Hobby Post
• Whittaker’s School Wear Southport
• Silcock's Funland

Southport BID (Business Improvement District) has collaborated with local author and illustrator Nicola Robson to bring the story to life.

People can find out more about the project at the Southport Christmas Spectacular on Saturday 14th November, where the book will also be available to purchase and a special reading will take place live on stage.

The book launch will be followed by an ambitious arts trail, launching in April 2027, that will see 12 large-scale carousel horses bringing a splash of colour to the town centre.

Each sculpture will be uniquely decorated by artists to reflect different themes.

The trail will offer an engaging visitor experience, where people can explore the town in search of the sculptures, using a trail map included in the new book.

Rachel Fitzgerald, Southport BID CEO said: ‘Southport BID are delighted to launch this new children’s book that will pave the way for a captivating sculpture trail in 2027.’

‘Herbie’s adventure is a special story that we hope will captivate and inspire the young people of Southport and beyond.

‘Nicola Robson has done an incredible job realising the story through beautiful illustrations that really jump off the page.

‘The book makes for a fantastic present and will give people the chance to get to know Herbie before the art trail begins next year.

‘The success of the We’re Going on Bear Hunt trail in 2025 inspired us to consider a more ambitious project that would be unique to Southport.

‘After initial discussions, the carousel horse emerged as an enduring image of Southport that reflects the town’s seaside heritage and tourism economy.

‘This symbol will serve as the canvas for unique art that will celebrate Southport’s creative culture and the modern identity of our vibrant coastal town.

‘The trail will make for a free, fun activity for families to enjoy next year and will offer yet another reason for day trips into the town centre.

‘Projects like this are all made possible due to the support of Southport BID businesses, who’s investment makes our town a better place to live, work, and visit.

‘Special thanks to Sefton Council, InvestSefton, and Merseyrail, who have all been vital partners in the process of making this project a reality.’

The Southport Christmas Spectacular takes place on Lord Street on Saturday 14th November.  Find out more here

Southport BID (Business Improvement District) is a not-for-profit organisation that represents over 750 businesses in Southport Town Centre  www.southportbid.com