Feb 10, 2026 | Local
If you are looking for somewhere to take the kids over the February half-term, or if you simply want to sample some truly unique North-West culture, why not head to Southport for an event unlike any other, one which delivers an immersive experience involving a world of rainbows.
From Saturday 14 February 2026 to Monday 16 February 2026, Southport’s famous Lord Street will transform as part of the Lightport exhibition. This is a light and sound experience that members of the public can enter for free from 17:00 to 21:00.
Once inside, attendees will be surrounded by a plethora of rainbows, all shining as brightly as can be. It is something truly special in an area that is well-known for delivering outstanding cultural events on the heels of its successful festive campaign The Bear and The Reindeer this past December.
The route will last four hundred metres, and there will be rainbow after rainbow to light up the night sky during the chilly February break from school. The event is presented by Lucid Creates, and the multi-sensory adventure aims to lift spirits, offer hope, and chase away any lingering winter blues as we edge ever closer to the spring.
Lightport also marks the beginning of Southport 2026, which is a celebration lasting all year long that emphasises the town’s eccentricity, elegance, and creativity. In that respect, Lightport is the perfect start, using cutting-edge lighting and immersive technology to guarantee a wonderful experience.
If you plan to attend Lightport, make sure to talk to our team. Hillbark Hotel & Spa is less than an hour’s drive away from Southport, and the tranquil surroundings of the nearby Royden Park will offer a nice contrast to the bright lights of the event, as well as ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep after all the excitement.
Be sure to talk to us if you want the best accommodation as you head to Lightport!
Feb 10, 2026 | Top Stories
Our team at Hillbark Hotel & Spa is delighted to be working alongside the Wirral Classic Car Club Members to arrange an incredibly special event this May.
The Wirral Classic Car Club Assembly is a static showcase of vintage vehicles which were registered prior to 31 December 2000. The cars on show will bring back memories of a golden age for anyone with a keen interest in the heritage of the British automotive industry.
Look out for a range of classic cars, which will be parked on the Top Car Park at Hillbark Hotel & Spa on Sunday 31 May 2026 from 11:00 to 15:00. Attendees will be able to view the cars and chat with their owners to learn more about the background of each vehicle.
In addition, the organisers will present the Bob Troop Founders Trophy, and there will be a prize for both the vehicle and its occupants who are judged to represent the specific manufacturing year of the car in the best possible manner.
This event, which is free of charge, will be a fantastic day for car-lovers, and a nice day out in the sun for families. Refreshments are available for purchase, and members of the public can also tour the magnificent premises of the hotel while you visit.
Please note that on-site car parking is not available for this event, so we recommend parking in a safe area and walking towards the hotel grounds from there.
Make sure to speak to our team if you want to attend the Wirral Classic Car Club Assembly 2026 on Sunday 31 May 2026. If you appreciate automotive history and craftsmanship, mark the date in your calendar and head to Hillbark Hotel & Spa for a wonderful day out!
Feb 10, 2026 | Seasonal
Spring is a time of renewal. As the trees begin to bloom, the evenings stretch longer, and the chill of winter recedes, it offers the perfect moment to refresh routines, restore energy, and embrace self-care in a way that feels effortless and natural.
One of the simplest ways to do this is to reconnect with the outdoors. The warmer days and fresh air invite gentle activity, whether that’s accompanying us on our free monthly Hillbark Hike, a dog walk through Royden Park, tending to a garden, or simply pausing to notice the changing landscape. Planting seasonal fruits and vegetables, from lettuce and carrots to tomatoes and strawberries, can be a quiet, rewarding form of self-care.
Spring also brings the equinox, around 21st March, when day and night stand in perfect balance. It’s a subtle, yet powerful reminder of renewal and harmony. Witnessing this moment can be a meditative experience in itself, encouraging reflection, calm, and the intention to embrace the months ahead with clarity and purpose. Meditation and mindful practices naturally align with this season of light. The longer days and gentle warmth provide the perfect backdrop for quiet reflection. Even a short period of meditation outdoors, listening to birdsong or feeling the sun on your face, can help calm the mind, recharge the body, and cultivate a renewed sense of energy and optimism.
For a deeper sense of restoration, Solaia Spa offers a range of holistic treatments designed to support wellbeing, relax the body, and nurture the mind. From soothing massages to therapies focused on reducing stress, these treatments provide a calm, restorative complement to outdoor and seasonal self-care practices.
Hillbark Hotel & Spa offers an ideal setting to explore these seasonal rituals, with opportunities to pause, reset, and nurture your wellbeing. Spring is the perfect time to recommit to self-care.
Feb 10, 2026 | Wellness
Wellness is often thought of as something to be addressed in moments of need, but in reality it is best embraced as an ongoing way of living. Small, consistent choices made each day can have a lasting impact on how we feel, both physically and mentally. When approached thoughtfully, wellness becomes less about routines and more about balance. There are numerous ways that you can incorporate wellness as a positive lifestyle choice.
Caring for your skin is one of the simplest yet most effective foundations of wellbeing. Healthy skin supports the body’s natural defences while also contributing to how we feel in ourselves. Investing time in quality skincare, tailored treatments, and professional guidance can help maintain a strong skin barrier, improve confidence, and support long-term skin health in a calm, considered way.
Rest is another essential pillar. Sleep allows the body and mind to reset, recover and restore. Without it, energy levels dip, focus drifts and everyday stresses can feel amplified. Creating an environment that encourages quality rest, from comfortable bedding to a consistent evening routine, can make a meaningful difference to overall wellbeing and day-to-day clarity.
Equally important is allowing space for genuine relaxation. Modern life often rewards busyness, but true wellness comes from balance. Making time to slow down, switch off and recharge helps manage stress, supports recovery, and restores a sense of calm. Whether through quiet moments at home or dedicated time for treatments and self-care, relaxation plays a vital role in feeling well.
At Hillbark Hotel, our Solaia Spa supports wellness in a way that feels unrushed and restorative. With a focus on advanced aesthetic treatments, holistic therapies and results-led skincare, each experience is designed to help you leave feeling better than when you arrived. For those looking to take a longer-term approach, the Solaia Lifestyle Programme offers a structured yet flexible way to prioritise skin health and wellbeing throughout the year, with added benefits for members. It’s more than just skincare. It’s an investment in how you look, feel, and live each day.
For more information, please contact our Spa Reception.
Feb 1, 2026 | Top Stories
If the country of England were shaped like a skeleton, there is an excellent chance that you would find the funny bone somewhere in the North-West. Cities such as Liverpool and Manchester are famous for producing legendary comedians; icons of the stand-up stage such as Ken Dodd, Peter Kay, and Victoria Wood. The North-West is also a hotbed when it comes to regularly hosting stand-up comedy shows, and there are some first-class funnymen and women heading to our region this February.
We start off with someone who is famous for his comedy, but who has become just as well-known for his ballroom dancing, and that is Strictly Come Dancing champion, Chris McCausland. The Liverpudlian is a man of many talents, and while we appreciate his fancy footwork, we absolutely love his ability to make us laugh. Chris is coming to Pyramid and Parr Hall in Warrington on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Another major show on the horizon comes to Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre, a historic venue which reopened in 2025 to the delight of theatre fans everywhere. Amongst its upcoming offerings is a stand-up performance from Crissy Rock, a legend of the small scene and the stage. Crissy has a unique style that brings the house down every night, and she always leaves audiences wanting more. Crissy brings her show From Bedlam To Benidorm to the Epstein Theatre on Saturday 7 February 2026.
Our final top recommendation takes us to Stockport, and to a show involving one of Manchester’s most beloved comedians of the 21st century. Jason Manford has a friendly personality and a charm that combine with his sharp wit and diverse range of talents to deliver a performance unlike any other in stand-up comedy. Jason brings his show A Manford All Seasons to Stockport Plaza on Friday 13 February 2026.
If you plan to attend these or any other stand-up comedy shows, make sure to speak to our team. We can provide accommodation of the highest standard as well as transportation to and from your chosen venue, not to mention a peaceful environment to calm you down ahead of anight of endless laughter. Be sure to get in touch!
