Topsy Turvy 2026
Friday 7th – Sunday 9th August 2026 | Join us at Theatre Porto and Whitby Park in Ellesmere Port for our wonderfully intimate, child-centred family festival.
Topsy Turvy is back for 2026 – and this year, we’re beginning the countdown to something special. As Theatre Porto heads into our 40th birthday year, we’re inviting children, young people and families to join us in Whitby Park for a joyful, playful, Topsy Turvy celebration.
Expect the park to be filled once again with performances, live music, creative encounters and surprising, imaginative spaces for children and families to discover and enjoy.
Weekend Festival Entry is FREE, but it does cost money to make happen.
The Weekend Pass includes all events EXCEPT some ticketed performances in the indoor theatre spaces.
What to expect at Topsy Turvy 2026?
Dance if you want to. Build something impossible. Lose yourself in a silent disco. Sit quietly beneath the trees. Watch a puppet come to life, follow an adventure, make something with your hands, or simply stay long enough to see what surprises find YOU.
This year’s festival celebrates the magic of invention – the delight of making, imagining and seeing the ordinary turned delightfully Topsy Turvy. Help us begin a birthday year by creating something unforgettable together.
A glimpse at what’s waiting…
Thursday 6th August – preview (starts 3pm)
The big reveal of our 2026 children’s art installation & Family Quiz Fundraiser!
Friday 7th August
Walkabout / Junk Orchestra / Puppetry / Dance / Theatre / Young People’s Performance / Adventure Walks / Crafting and more…
Saturday 8th August
Walkabout / 80’s fun / Birthday Celebrations / Hula Hoops / You Gig – Live Music / Sketch Club / Family BBQ / DJ sets on the sun terrace and more…
Sunday 9th August
Dance / Acro-rats / Digital-Dance / Crafting / Family BBQ / Drinks & Live music – soak up the last Topsy Turvy moments before the weekend slips away.
Look out for the ‘Moonlings’ who will have just landed on Planet Earth and will be quietly exploring Whitby Park all weekend.
Makers Green
A festival highlight this year are our visiting artists, playing out on ‘Makers Green’ they’ll be kite flying, den building and and creating beautiful interactive spaces for you to help build and enjoy.
#TopsyTurvy26 #Porto40 #TheatrePorto #EllesmerePort #WhitbyPark #FamilyFestival #OutdoorArts #CreativeCommunities #PlayCreateExplore #InclusiveArts #ThePartyStartsHere #SummerInThePark
What’s included in your Weekend Festival Entry?
- Outdoor performances
- Drop-in activities
- Workshops and family events
What’s not included?
- Premium indoor shows require a separate ticket
Additional Resources
- Book tickets now via Ticketsource – click here
- Call Out: Bands & Musicians Wanted
- Save the Date: Topsy Turvy 7th, 8th & 9th August 2026
- Follow us on Facebook or join the mailing list for latest information
- Logo / sized variations for sharing below (right click > save as)
