Sound Sites of Southport

The Atkinson is our first stop on the tour. You may choose to begin elsewhere, however, we feel that this is good meeting place as it is centrally located on Lord Street. Built in 1874, The Atkinson is now home to a theatre, studio, library, gallery and museum space with changing events and exhibitions open to visitors of all ages. Although there are some events with a fee, you can use a lot of the space for free or donate if you wish. The Atkinson is an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night-time offer. The stunning 19th century buildings have been refurbished to create a welcoming and accessible multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel. The traditional Theatre and dynamic Studio space presents an outstanding programme of music, comedy and performing arts from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies. The space is also home to an impressive collection holding over 3,500 artworks and over 25,000 pieces of social history, which are displayed on rotation across the museum and galleries. The regularly changing exhibition programme presents work from the Atkinson’s collection as well as contemporary art, family friendly and thematic exhibitions delivered in partnership with other cultural organisations. Explore the history of those who have lived and worked along the Sefton coast, from prehistoric times to the present day in our museum Between Land and Sea – 10,000 Years of Sefton’s Coast. The Atkinson is also home to Southport Library who offer a range of services to the local community as well as tourist information. Find a range of handmade items from local artists, local history information and museum & exhibition souvenirs in The Atkinson’s shop. There are regularly hosted craft fairs that showcase items from local makers. Before your walk begins, why not relax in the award-winning café A Great Little Place and enjoy great coffee and delicious fresh food. Image ref - NS_P95_58 - Atkinson library and Art Gallery, c.1890 - ©️ Sefton Libraries Information Services courtesy of Sefton Looking Back - Image Archive

Wayfarers Shopping Arcade opened in 1898 and is situated on Lord Street. This Grade II listed, glass roofed building houses over 30 independent shops and boutiques as well as a popular café. The domed and vaulted roof, decorative iron work, stained glass, mosaic flooring and mahogany shop give the arcade a nostalgic feel, virtually unaltered since the Victorian age of its opening.

The Coliseum Cinema on Nevill Street opened May 1913 during a rise in popularity of film. Consisting of a 750 seat auditorium (and eventually a café), the site was popular with locals and visitors alike. After Charles Pathé visited to London in 1910 to introduce news reels to British audiences – many entrepreneurs began building new cinemas to suit demand. Before the advent of television, cinemas acted as places for people to socialise and get their weekly news. Within as many months, three more picture houses opened in the resort beginning competition for exclusive screenings and more exciting rosters. After a long life, the cinema eventually closed for good in November 1959 and was demolished the following year. On the site now stands the Embassy Restaurant & Takeaway. In our second recording, Norman Green remembers his time working at the Coliseum from the age of 13 in 1916. He was asked to join the staff there after many of the men in the town were called away to the army for the First World War. He was the youngest person in Southport working in a similar role at the time. He started as ‘rewind boy’ in the operating box and went on to do complete showings on his own, finally ending up as Chief Operator. Recording ref - UAP003/21 S1 (NWFA/21 S1) – Norman Green - ©️ North West Film Archive, Manchester Metropolitan University Image ref - NS_P22_159 – Neville Street and Promenade, c.1895 - ©️ Sefton Libraries Information Services courtesy of Sefton Looking Back - Image Archive