Southport Then

It was a journey to another world; a weekend playground for millions where the sun always seemed to shine.

Crowds flocked to the beach and pier, as well as attractions such as the Floral Hall, parks and gardens, open air swimming pool and zoo. Pleasureland, though, ruled supreme, the undisputed King of the Castle.

The squeals of excited girls on the Cyclone roller-coaster, the laughter of riders on the Traumatizer as their worlds were turned upside down.

The excitement of the rides, the penny arcades and side stalls, all consumed by a mouth-watering aroma of candy-floss and sugar-laced doughnuts.

This land of thrills was the ultimate escape. Central to it all was the pier, which promised an energising walk out into the sea, dotted with fortune-tellers, entertainers and slot machines, along the way.

Those of a lazier disposition could catch the rattling train which ran up and down.

Southport Then is a pictorial trip down memory lane, from the grandiose splendour of Lord Street to family fun at the seafront and pier. Featuring over 100 photographs from the award-winning archives, magic memories include the Lakeside Miniature Railway, Southport Flower Show through the decades and many more. Published as part of the Liverpool Echo and Post's best-selling heritage collection, in partnership with the Southport Visiter, this special 84-page magazine will appeal to anybody interested in Southport's rich history.