Southport's first ever Year of Culture will take place in 2026, it has been announced. The town is set to be transformed into a year-round stage for art, performance and music, for what organisers have said will be a "truly unforgettable year in the town of seaside spectacle and wonder".

Southport voters chose to bring back its former mayor, Joe Pat Hatem, on Tuesday, ousting his rival that he lost to by only two votes in 2023. READ MORE: ‘ICE the alleyways’:

Just one day before Hatem was voted in unofficially, the board of aldermen passed a new public comment policy to address the same issue with residents.

The South East saw 1,397 people reported to the scheme, with London close behind at 1,354.

The fourth largest county in the state and the fastest growing, Brunswick has around 19 municipalities that held elections this year — some of the outcomes are shaking up boards.

Holiday cheer is returning to Southport as the Amuzu Theatre prepares for its annual Christmas show, opening the first two weekends of December.

Former mayor Joe Pat Hatem and incumbent Rich Alt battled to be Southport's next mayor. Amid a heated race, unofficial results on Election Day marked Hatem as the winner.