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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Benjamin Roberts-Haslam

Six things you only know if you grew up in Southport

Southport is the seaside town that sits on the tip of Merseyside.

Known for its summer days out, millions across the country have visited for holidays over the decades, but people who grew up in the coastal resort will know it's a bit odd being on the edge of the region. Once a stalwart of Lancashire, the town is now firmly within the boundaries of Merseyside, a topic that still divides the town to this day.

People who grew up in the town will have heard the same hearsay and tales through the years, from the history of Lord Street to how the town needs another open-air swimming pool. The town steeped in history is definitely unique.

READ MORE: Worst street for antisocial behaviour in Merseyside

You're more likely to have a swim in Splashworld than the sea, despite living on the coast. So here are some things you'll only know if you grew up a Sandgrounder.

The list is not exclusive so let us know in the comments below other memories of Southport.

You remember when the beach was sandy

People living in Southport aren't always the biggest fans of the town's beach, with the majority of the stretch of sand next to the town covered in grass. Although this is a natural part of the ecosystem, it doesn't bring joy to excited kids looking to build sandcastles in the sun.

Many people who live in the town know to head to the nearby beaches of Birkdale or Ainsdale if they are looking for a day of golden sands.

Fireworks night was the big night

It's safe to say that Southport perhaps doesn't have the events and activities that Liverpool does so when autumn rolls around you only have one thing in mind, and that's the fireworks weekend. And the British Musical Fireworks Championship are a big deal.

Incredible displays have taken place in Southport for years with tickets selling out fast. And while it attracts crowds from all over the North West, people from Southport are always at the front of the queue.

The British Musical Fireworks Championship (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool ECHO)

*THAT* Burger King rumour

When Mcdonald's shut its doors for the last time on Eastbank Street rumours quickly swirled that Burger King was in line to fill the unit.

Despite all the excitement surrounding the prospect of having a Burger King in the town, the rumour never came true. The unit still stands empty in the town centre after McDonald's shut the store in 2014.

German Doner Kebab submitted two planning applications to Sefton Council in the hope of transforming the building although almost 18 months later GDK is yet to open.

The former McDonald's building on the corner of Eastbank Street and King Street in Southport (Andrew Brown Media)

Lord Street was the inspiration for the beautiful boulevards of Paris

So the rumour goes.

Lord Street is supposedly the inspiration for the beautiful streets of Paris, with it believed that Napoleon's nephew, Cherles-Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, visited the now Merseyside town from London in 1838. At the time the town was a luxury bathing resort reserved for those of the highest etiquette.

The prince is said to have fallen head over heels for the grand Lord Street, in the centre of the town. The street itself is believed to have been one of the first boulevards in the world.

Once he was crowned Emperor Napoleon III around a decade later, he is rumoured to have ordered his architect, Georges-Eugène Haussmann (Baron Haussmann), to replicate the luxurious and spacious seaside boulevard in the industrial Parisian streets. And these are rumours people from Southport proudly explain to others.

Lord Street, Southport (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

Having school called off for snow almost never happened

The likelihood of you waking up one winter's morning and seeing a flurry of snow stuck to the ground was slim at best.

The last time Southport saw snowfall that blitzed the town and led to children and parents alike having the day off was back in January 2011 when the town was covered in snow. It was something out of a movie as people were in awe of teh snow coating the pavements and roads.

Since then there have been a few flurries of slush, but never the winter wonderland you envision with falling snowflakes.

Heading to Southport Theatre for the pantomime every year

The Southport Theatre and Convention Centre was a place people often would only visit once a year.

The pantomime at the STCC was straight in the diary for many across Southport. From Cinderella to Aladdin it was always a laugh when the family went over the festive period.

Southport Theatre and Convention Centre (Liverpool Echo/Colin Lane)

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