Summer of Family Fun Returns to Huyton, Prescot and Kirkby 2026

Key Points

• Knowsley Council launches “Summer of Fun” with free events across Huyton, Prescot, and Kirkby.
• Programme themed around dinosaurs, circus, Oz, and more, running from July to August 2026.
• Activities include live performances, markets, workshops, trails, and face painting.
• Events are aimed at families during school holidays, designed to boost town centre footfall.
• Local businesses, neighbourhood boards, and community groups are collaborating on delivery.
• Cllr Tony Brennan highlights the programme’s role in regeneration and community life.
• More details for the Serious Nonsense Festival in Prescot will be announced soon.
• All events are free, with timed sessions mostly between 9am–4pm on Saturdays.
• Interactive elements encourage children to engage in storytelling, crafts, and role play.
• The initiative supports local makers, performers, and town centre economies.

Huyton (Liverpool standard) July 03, 2026 – Families across Knowsley are being urged to make the most of the school holidays as a packed programme of free events rolls out in uk/local/huyton/">Huyton, Prescot, and Kirkby this summer.

As reported by the council’s regeneration team, the “Summer of Fun” line-up promises weeks of family-friendly activities in all three of Knowsley’s town centres, featuring everything from dinosaurs and circus performers to magical storybook characters, live entertainment, and interactive workshops [internal source]. Whether residents are looking for hands-on activities, spectacular performances, or unforgettable photo opportunities, council officials say there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The initiative, supported by local businesses, neighbourhood boards, and community groups, is designed to create a lively atmosphere in town centres while showcasing what they offer beyond shopping. Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, stated:

“Our town centres are at the heart of our communities, and we’re delighted to once again bring a fantastic programme of free summer activities for families to enjoy. Our Summer of Fun programme will create a lively atmosphere in Huyton, Prescot and Kirkby while showcasing everything our town centres have to offer. We’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors for what promises to be a fantastic summer”.

How Is Huyton Village Centre Transforming Throughout August?

Huyton Village Centre Summer Fun themed events will transform the area throughout August, offering free entertainment, crafts, trails, and family activities. On Saturday 1 August from 11am to 3pm, the first event, Marvellous Markets, will allow visitors to browse unique handcrafted products, support talented local makers, and enjoy a vibrant market atmosphere in the heart of Huyton.

The same day, the Come Alive Spectacular will run from 11am to 3pm, bringing thrilling performances, stilt walkers, jugglers, and show-stopping acts inspired by The Greatest Showman. According to the council programme, attendees can join circus workshops, meet Mr Business the orangutan and Captain Jon Voyage, and enjoy free face painting.

Dinosaur Takeover and Somewhere Over the Rainbow Follow

On Saturday 15 August, the Dinosaur Takeover event will bring a prehistoric adventure to Huyton from 11am to 3pm. As reported by the council, families can meet roaming dino rangers and lifelike creatures, enjoy storytelling sessions, fossil digging, and sit-on dinosaurs. The event also includes a Dinosaur Trail, themed crafts at Huyton Village Green, dress-up opportunities as a dino ranger, face painting, and a competition to Name the Dino.

The final August event, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, takes place on Saturday 29 August, 11am–3pm. This magical journey through the Land of Oz features performances from Dorothy, the Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow, alongside appearances from Glinda and Elphaba. Visitors can enjoy stilt walkers, Oz-themed crafts, a Yellow Brick Road trail, face painting, and plenty of Emerald City-inspired fun.

What Is Happening in Prescot Town Centre This Summer?

Prescot Town Centre Summer Fun will host three exciting events this summer, combining immersive experiences, family activities, and fantastic entertainment, according to the council’s published schedule.

Markets, Dinosaurs, and Oz in July and August

The first event, Marvellous Markets, takes place on Saturday 18 July, 10.20am–3pm, offering the chance to browse unique handcrafted products and support local makers in the heart of Prescot. The Dinosaur Takeover follows on Saturday 25 July, 11am–3pm, where dino rangers and prehistoric creatures will appear, alongside storytelling, fossil digging pits, a dinosaur trail, themed crafts at The Arc, dress-up as junior explorers, face painting, and the Name the Dino competition.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow arrives on Saturday 8 August, 11am–3pm, with performances from Oz characters, emerald wonders, stilt walkers, creative activities at Shakespeare North Playhouse, a Yellow Brick Road trail, face painting, and family-friendly fun.

Serious Nonsense Festival Returns in August

From Friday 21 to Saturday 22 August, Prescot will become a playground of imagination as the much-loved Serious Nonsense Festival returns. Across two days, families can enjoy a spectacular programme of free entertainment, activities, performances, and fantastical fun throughout the town centre. The council notes that more details are coming soon.

How Is Kirkby Town Centre Expanding Its Summer Activities?

Summer of Fun in Kirkby Town Centre sees businesses joining forces with the Kirkby Neighbourhood Board to deliver an expanded programme of activities featuring themed events, live entertainment, workshops, festivals, and family experiences.

World Cup Finale and Circus Spectacular

On Saturday 18 July, 11am–3pm, Kirkby will celebrate the end of the international tournament with the World Cup Finale, featuring freestyle footballers, interactive workshops, live performances, rodeo football, footpool, and more.

Marvellous Markets returns on Saturday 25 July and Saturday 29 August, 9am–4pm, allowing visitors to browse unique handcrafted products and support local makers in the heart of Kirkby.

On Saturday 1 August, 11am–3pm, the Circus Spectacular will bring free family entertainment with specialist performers, circus acts, and interactive workshops inspired by circus and carnival worlds. Expect stilt walkers, live music, a pianist, and a spectacular roller-skating performance from Paul Curran and Kirkby’s own Louise Dutton.

Fan Fest, Carnival, and Tribute Takeover

Kirkby Fan Fest runs Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August, 11am–3pm, as a two-day celebration of film, books, and popular culture. Families can meet cosplay heroes, giant autobots, movie-inspired characters, and fairytale favourites, plus enjoy storytelling sessions, workshops, and immersive experiences.

The Carnival Spectacular arrives Saturday 15 August, 11am–3pm, with a 12-piece samba band, carnival stilt walkers, and interactive activities. Visitors can try circus skills workshops, including hula hooping and juggling, enjoy bubble workshops, and get creative with family crafts.

Finally, Tribute Takeover Day on Saturday 22 August, 11am–3pm, invites families to bring their singing voices for live music and entertainment featuring popular tribute acts and sing-along performances celebrating music from across the decades.

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Background: How Did Knowsley’s Summer of Fun Programme Develop?

The Summer of Fun programme in Knowsley builds on previous years of community-focused town centre events aimed at increasing footfall, supporting local businesses, and providing accessible activities for families during school holidays. The initiative is coordinated by Knowsley Council’s regeneration and economic development teams, working closely with neighbourhood boards, local traders, and community organisations in Huyton, Prescot, and Kirkby.

Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, has highlighted the programme’s role in making town centres “at the heart of our communities,” linking cultural activities with wider regeneration goals. The council has chosen to keep all events free, ensuring they are accessible to families regardless of income, while using themed experiences—such as dinosaurs, Oz, and circus—to appeal to a broad age range and encourage repeat visits across the summer.

The partnership model, involving businesses and neighbourhood boards, reflects a shift toward collaborative delivery of public-facing events, reducing the council’s direct operational burden while deepening community ownership. Previous iterations of similar programmes have been used to test new formats, such as market-style events, festival weekends, and character-led trails, which are now being expanded and refined in the 2026 edition.

Prediction: How Will This Development Affect Families and Local Communities in Knowsley?

The expanded Summer of Fun programme is likely to have several measurable effects on families and local communities across Huyton, Prescot, and Kirkby. For families, the availability of multiple free, high-quality events during school holidays reduces the financial pressure of keeping children engaged and entertained, particularly for households with limited resources. The variety of themes and interactive formats also encourages repeated attendance, which can strengthen family routines around local town centres and build habitual use of community spaces.

For local businesses and town centre economies, the programme is expected to boost footfall during traditionally quieter periods. Events such as Marvellous Markets provide direct platforms for local makers to sell products, while larger festival-style events can draw visitors who may also shop, eat, or use other services in the area. Over time, consistent summer programming could help reposition Huyton, Prescot, and Kirkby as destinations for family leisure, supporting longer-term regeneration objectives.

In terms of community cohesion, the collaborative delivery model bringing together councils, neighbourhood boards, businesses, and performers strengthens local networks and fosters a sense of shared ownership. If the 2026 season is successful, it may encourage further investment in similar initiatives, potentially extending into other seasons or neighbouring areas. However, the long-term impact will depend on sustained funding, community engagement, and the ability to adapt themes and formats based on attendance and feedback.