Southport Education Group receives major Government investment for KGV and Southport College campuses

YOUNG people in Southport will see major upgrades to KGV and Southport College campuses, as Labour provides over:- �920,000 as part of a:- �307 million investment to turn the page on years of neglect.

From repairing leaky roofs and fixing broken windows to updating worn out heating systems, 175 Colleges will benefit, including:- the Southport Education Group. Colleges will be given the flexibility to decide how the funding is spent, so it can be directed where it is needed most.

These upgrades will restore pride in Southport's further education setting and break down barriers to opportunity for students, with fewer disruptions to lessons, more comfortable learning environments, and better spaces for students to focus and succeed. Modernised Colleges will be key to delivering on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's target for ⅔ of young people to be taking a gold standard apprenticeship or heading to University, aged 25.

The fund has been boosted by:- �5 million since 2025, when Labour introduced it in response to Colleges calling for a reliable annual allocation to plan and maintain their estates. It is part of a:- �1.7 billion investment from Labour's Industrial Strategy for Colleges to modernise buildings by 2030.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:- "The young people in these Colleges are the engineers, bricklayers and designers of the future, and they and the dedicated staff teaching them deserve the best possible environment to learn and succeed. This �307 million investment will repair and modernise facilities across all 175 Colleges in England, giving young people the spaces they need to build the skills they need for good careers, helping to drive economic growth."

MP for Southport and the Northern Parishes, Patrick Hurley said:- "I'm delighted to have worked with the Labour Government to secure vital investments for Southport College and KGV's campuses. I back the Prime Minister's bold target to get 2-thirds of young people to be taking a gold standard apprenticeship or heading to University, aged 25. His ambition is matched in this funding. I'll be working with constituents and speaking with the Education Group about where this money will be best spent, so we can unlock opportunity for young people in Southport and restore pride in their College."

It follows Labour's announcement of:- �570 million to increase capacity in Colleges to train the next generation of skilled workers.

More widely, Labour's ambitious Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper set out plans to unlock opportunity for young people and drive growth for the country by improving the quality of further education. This includes:- the introduction of structured professional development for further education teachers and an expectation that Colleges deliver at least 100 hours of face-to-face English and maths teaching for those who haven't passed those GCSEs.

Labour also announced the creation of V levels as a brand new vocational pathway to provide clearer, stronger options for young people, allowing them to mix and match academic and vocational subjects and setting them up for the jobs of tomorrow.

Funding will be distributed to the Southport Education Group in due course.

World class Circus acts to:- 'Roll up!' in Southport for May Bank Holiday Big Top Festival

FAMILIES will be given a unique chance to clown around, stilt walk and juggle alongside world class circuit acts when Southport hosts a spectacular 2 day:- 'Big Top Festival' this May Bank Holiday.

Suitable for all ages and completely free, the festival on:- Saturday, 2 May 2026 and Sunday, 3 May 2026 will see the Town Centre transformed like never before.

Visitors can expect breathtaking acrobatics and daring aerial displays at the event which will comprise 5 performance stages across Lord Street and the surrounding areas as it welcomes a line up of acts from across the globe as well as from the Town itself. And not only will Southport witness international performers such as Circa ('Masters at what they do' The Guardian), Gandini Juggling, ('rib tickling, high skill silliness' The Times) and Circumstances who will be bringing their widely acclaimed show:- 'Beyond' thanks to support from Global Streets, those attending can expect breathtaking acrobatics and daring aerial displays.

A series of contemporary clowning and hands on workshops will be taking place allowing people to hone their Circus skills.

The event, part of the Southport 2026 live events and cultural programme, will also bring immersive street theatre and brilliant local performers such as:- Egg People and Seeing Doobla as Southport turns into the Centre of the Circus World.

The Big Top Festival is also proud to present a number of new commissions including:- 'Wild Laughter: Fun on the Prom.' This unique story about world class touring comedian Albert:- 'Jimmy the Jester' James, who worked with some of the biggest names in show business until his death, in 1913, has been specially created for the festival by companies:- Sidelong Glance and Cut To The Chase Productions.

It is being performed by Albert's great granddaughter, Southport resident Ellie Lybeck: a perfect way to capture the legacy of both his performances and of Circus from the Town all the way to the present day.

Organisers say the festival is rooted in the rich heritage of Circus and clowning in the Town and will blend the nostalgia of classic Circus with a bold, modern twist. Designed to be fully family friendly, the event's packed schedule runs from:- 11 am to 6 pm, both days and is aimed at all ages, allowing people to explore, play and be amazed.

As well as being free to attend, the event will also be part of the Merseyrail �2 deal where train travel from anywhere, on the Merseyrail Network, to Southport is just:- �2 for adults and �1 for children return, on the event days.

Phil Porter, Chief Executive of Sefton Council, said:- "To see some of the acts who are performing in other parts of the UK would cost you over �30 a ticket. In Southport everything at our amazing Big Top Festival is completely free, once again reiterating our commitment to providing top class awe inspiring family friendly shows that are accessible and affordable to all. Events like this are yet another reason for people to visit Southport as part of our Southport 2026: Elegantly Eccentric programme, showcasing the Town's unique character and cultural offer. It's also incredible to see our local businesses fully engaging with the festival, benefitting from the increased footfall and contributing to the atmosphere that makes Southport such a special place to visit and spend time."

Yaron Lifschitz, Artistic Director, Circa said:- "Wolf is a raw and elemental work. The 1st � explores the lone wolf, the force that disrupts. The second, the pack. How we gather, survive, and collide. It's a piece pulsing with instinct, longing, and the kind of ferocious physicality that defines our work. Circa are excited for Southport audiences to experience our acrobatic thrill ride next month."

Ellie Lybeck, Sidelong Glance, said:- "We can't wait for Big Top Festival. Southport has long been a Mecca for some spectacular clowning, so to bring our Albert and his company of fools to the Town is super exciting. And Big Top Festival itself is right up our street: inclusive, accessible, and:- above all, a lot of fun!"

Serena Silcock-Prince, Silcock Leisure Group said:- "Big Top Festival is set to be 1 of the highlights of 2026. We can't wait to welcome all of the acts as they take over the Town Centre, transforming Southport into the Centre of the Circus universe once again. It's also fantastic to see so many Southport businesses opening later and backing Big Top Festival and the Elegantly Eccentric programme of events, and of course, Silcock's Funland and Carousel will be open late for the weekend too."

To find out details around stage timings, please go to:- VisitSouthport.Com/BigTop.

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Southport Education Group receives major Government investment for KGV and Southport College campuses

World class Circus acts to:- 'Roll up!' in Southport for May Bank Holiday Big Top Festival