Southport strikes up the music for the 154th Open

Live music is set to take over Southport town centre during The Open at Royal Birkdale!

The 154th Open Golf Championship is back in Southport this July with visitors from around the world looking forward to experiencing all that this beautiful coastal town has to offer.

Southport town centre will boast a vibrant atmosphere all week with live music at a variety of venues, the perfect way to unwind and enjoy yourself after a day watching the golf at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

There will be lots to enjoy including the first ever Market Quarter Festival, a new event at Southport Bandstand, and a long list of live performances at venues in Southport town centre.

The Market Quarter Festival takes place 10am-8pm on Saturday 18th July 2026 with an unforgettable day celebrating music, food, and community in the heart of Southport!

Located at Southport Market and across Market Street and King Street, this free festival brings the Market Quarter to life with something for everyone to enjoy with three exciting stages, including a lively outdoor stage, with live bands and singers, market stalls and children’s entertainment.

The Bandstand Revival Project will see live music at the Lord Street Bandstand, in front of The Vincent Hotel on Lord Street, 1pm-4pm on both Sunday 12th July 2026 and Saturday 18th July 2026.

Local musicians and young performers will provide the backdrop to a charming day of music beside the coast.

You can also explore a full list of what's on and things to do during the tournament - Your Guide Exploring to Southport During The Open | Your Southport

There is lots more happening across the week too, with over 40 gigs taking place in venues across Southport town centre.

Head to The Guesthouse, Kokomo, or Sacre Bleu on Friday night to watch local musicians perform.  Catch the Hurricane Blues Band at Coopers on Saturday, or enjoy traditional entertainment at Connolly’s Irish Pub.

Live music will be taking over the town centre, with more shows at Southport Bijou Cinema, The Windmill, Warehouse Arts Centre, Punch Tarmey’s, Corridor, The Ship & Anchor, The Grazing Lounge, The Southport Coaster, The Engine Room, Banff, and many more.

You can see live music listings here: Southport Live Music Guide | Your Southport 

Southport businesses are fully embracing The Open, with venues such as Wine & Words by Watson, VS Jewels & Workshop and Rebecca’s Jewellers on Lord Street among those sporting impressive The Open themed window art.

Golf lovers can enjoy the Golf Activation zone at the Hole In 1 golf shop on Lord Street, where you can play Golf Darts, Spin The Wheel, Pick A Player Raffle.

Love playing golf on a miniature scale? You can head to Viking Adventure Golf at Adventure Coast Southport or the Masters Putting Green in the scenic Kings Gardens, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.

The 154th Open Golf Championship is coming to Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport from Sunday 12th July to Sunday 19th July 2026.

The links will stage The Open for the 11th time, with Championship play starting on Thursday 16th July and running across four days, concluding when the Champion Golfer of the Year is named on Sunday 19th July 2026.

From Sunday 12th July to Wednesday 15th July fans can attend new bespoke practice days, each with their own unique offering, from a Last-Chance Qualifier to Heroes Classic - a showcase event featuring Champion Golfers and an array of special guests.