Families are invited to celebrate the joy of creativity, imagination and play this summer as Topsy Turvy returns to Whitby Park, Ellesmere Port from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August 2026.
Presented by Theatre Porto, the much-loved festival will once again transform the park and theatre into a vibrant space filled with outdoor performances, live music, workshops, creative activities and unexpected moments of discovery for children and families. A special preview event on Thursday 6 August will launch this year’s children’s art installation alongside a family quiz fundraiser.
As Theatre Porto begins celebrating its 40th birthday year, Topsy Turvy 2026 invites audiences to help kick off a landmark year with a festival inspired by invention, curiosity and seeing the world from a different perspective.
Festival entry is completely free with a Weekend Festival Pass, giving visitors access to three days of outdoor performances, drop-in activities and family experiences across Whitby Park. A select few indoor performances are ticketed separately from only £4, helping Theatre Porto keep the festival accessible for everyone.
Across the weekend, visitors can expect walkabout performances, live music, puppetry, dance, theatre, crafting, adventure walks, silent discos, hula hooping, DJs, sketch clubs, family barbecues, interactive installations and plenty of opportunities to play, make and explore together.
