We are a movement that champions and enables live music in Southampton. We strengthen community pride, support local creativity and develop local grassroots, providing shared cultural experiences. Uniting the city’s communities at our multi-venue music festival, this year taking place on:

Saturday 12th September 2026

Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers
Music in the City performers

Our performers…

Registration to perform this year has now closed. If you would like to join the reserves list please sign up here - we anticipate some cancellations and slots becoming available, but cannot guarantee you a place.

Suncliffe

Suncliffe

Malcolm Carlo

Malcolm Carlo

Jess Breame

Jess Breame

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

160

160

Voice FM

Voice FM

Purple Grace

Purple Grace

Margarita Sleepover

Margarita Sleepover

Accrington Stanley

Accrington Stanley

The Sound Crew

The Sound Crew

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

Dawn of Dystopia

Dawn of Dystopia

Will Walton

Will Walton

Silent Disco King

Silent Disco King

The Latest

The Latest

Mosaic

Mosaic

Lucy RS Must c

Lucy RS Must c

Rosie Hollins

Rosie Hollins

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

Mike and the Mojitos

Mike and the Mojitos

Bella Cameron

Bella Cameron

Colour of Heartache

Colour of Heartache

Q Shaq

Q Shaq

RELLiX

RELLiX

Tired Less

Tired Less

Jonny Sansom

Jonny Sansom

Velickaite Sisters

Velickaite Sisters

Moakz

Moakz

Steve Weston

Steve Weston

Staff Discount

Staff Discount

The Zone

The Zone

Arlo Star

Arlo Star

Kalopsia

Kalopsia

Troy Ellis & his Hail Jamaica Band

Troy Ellis & his Hail Jamaica Band

WooHabs

WooHabs

PB Squared

PB Squared

Riverside Concert Wind Band

Riverside Concert Wind Band

Jordon  Mulvoy

Jordon Mulvoy

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

Basharan

Basharan

Hunch Power

Hunch Power

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

SO Sound Choir

SO Sound Choir

Romsey Shanty Crew

Romsey Shanty Crew

Elie Pembrey

Elie Pembrey

Saxofony

Saxofony

Fate  of the Magpie

Fate of the Magpie

Scarlett

Scarlett

The Pop Tarts

The Pop Tarts

Laurie Bolger

Laurie Bolger

Disco Lizards

Disco Lizards

The Surroyal

The Surroyal

Halliwell

Halliwell

Fragile Lucy

Fragile Lucy

Goffmog

Goffmog

Munro

Munro

Dan James

Dan James

The Red Stars

The Red Stars

Retro Rock'its

Retro Rock'its

PG Trips

PG Trips

RUBY

RUBY

Hobb Lane

Hobb Lane

Bees Knees

Bees Knees

Arboresque

Arboresque

desperateBeauty

desperateBeauty

Under The Attic

Under The Attic

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

Greenish

Greenish

Mango In Euphoria

Mango In Euphoria

Mick Gough

Mick Gough

Zen Juddhism

Zen Juddhism

Dj Sarah Nash

Dj Sarah Nash

Endless Talking

Endless Talking

Andy White Poetry

Andy White Poetry

Tony Arthur

Tony Arthur

Oddball Savage

Oddball Savage

Blood Red Sky

Blood Red Sky

Eric Walker

Eric Walker

Pooja Rajguru

Pooja Rajguru

Slap the Willow

Slap the Willow

Nick Tann and The Whole Family

Nick Tann and The Whole Family

JJCornick

JJCornick

The Long Shorts

The Long Shorts

Ajay Sahota

Ajay Sahota

The Ben Poore Project

The Ben Poore Project

Sofia Gillani

Sofia Gillani

Andrew Buchanan

Andrew Buchanan

Ukofonics

Ukofonics

Luna Acrobatics & Aerial Arts

Luna Acrobatics & Aerial Arts

The Slow Cooked Bears

The Slow Cooked Bears

Origin

Origin

DJ Drive

DJ Drive

FREESPIRITS

FREESPIRITS

The Tipsy Gypsies

The Tipsy Gypsies

The Monday Grooves

The Monday Grooves

Industry Plant

Industry Plant

Michael Devaux

Michael Devaux

Southampton's Greek & Cypriot Dance Group 'Methexis' & 'Nostos' Polyphonic Singing Group

Southampton's Greek & Cypriot Dance Group 'Methexis' & 'Nostos' Polyphonic Singing Group

RENEGADE ROSE

RENEGADE ROSE

The Black Bear Killing Spree

The Black Bear Killing Spree

GaYeon Lee

GaYeon Lee

Hanna Gibbons

Hanna Gibbons

The Howlin' Blackouts

The Howlin' Blackouts

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

Kieran Snell

Kieran Snell

Shiversa

Shiversa

Sculpt

Sculpt

Vacant Shores

Vacant Shores

Far Solar

Far Solar

The Plummers

The Plummers

Club Bad

Club Bad

Cherry Go Steady

Cherry Go Steady

Kindred Found

Kindred Found

Ironhide

Ironhide

Milkin' It

Milkin' It

Lounge Room Lizards

Lounge Room Lizards

Ibz & Da Goats

Ibz & Da Goats

The Elephant Cage

The Elephant Cage

WOOHABS

WOOHABS

DJ_MAJOR

DJ_MAJOR

The Halliwells

The Halliwells

Bex&Cole

Bex&Cole

Arzenic

Arzenic

Lost without cause

Lost without cause

City of Southampton Orchestra

City of Southampton Orchestra

Love Is Enough

Love Is Enough

Sebastian Horton

Sebastian Horton

Kinesis 4

Kinesis 4

5 Degrees North

5 Degrees North

ALLEY the band

ALLEY the band

Alfie Ingram

Alfie Ingram

Ribble

Ribble

Pacuk Band

Pacuk Band

Chayz3r

Chayz3r

Hydeout

Hydeout

SkunkWorks

SkunkWorks

NoteWorthy

NoteWorthy

Beardos and Weirdos

Beardos and Weirdos

Rogue Awakening

Rogue Awakening

Ocean Harmony

Ocean Harmony

The Sky at Night

The Sky at Night

Igloo Hearts

Igloo Hearts

Kase the Myth

Kase the Myth

Ken Wood and the Mixers

Ken Wood and the Mixers

HAZE

HAZE

H.AZ

H.AZ

The Salamanders

The Salamanders

Watching the Buzzards

Watching the Buzzards

Carl Zed

Carl Zed

Citizen Perez

Citizen Perez

Ras Amankwatia

Ras Amankwatia

Roger James Shephard

Roger James Shephard

Jon Yale

Jon Yale

Betterphor

Betterphor

Dr. Beatroot

Dr. Beatroot

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Twelve Caesars

Twelve Caesars

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

EVXN

EVXN

Brian Hooper

Brian Hooper

Naty Giachino

Naty Giachino

CHIMAN 101

CHIMAN 101

Mariano Korman

Mariano Korman

Big man with Small guitar

Big man with Small guitar

Nàila

Nàila

SKAM

SKAM

Godless Suns

Godless Suns

Emerson

Emerson

Hanterhir

Hanterhir

Giles Halski

Giles Halski

Halibut Jackson  & The Fishy Faces

Halibut Jackson & The Fishy Faces

KSJM

KSJM

Maerefolk

Maerefolk

Continental Liaison

Continental Liaison

Mai

Mai

Ryan Watts

Ryan Watts

Ronk Torp

Ronk Torp

NJT

NJT

Dompap

Dompap

Southampton Grad Band

Southampton Grad Band

The Alternates

The Alternates

Jaquie Daniels

Jaquie Daniels

Wire -JD

Wire -JD

Oscar Meades

Oscar Meades

Redz Man

Redz Man

The Wildcards

The Wildcards

Hük

Hük

Echo Mask

Echo Mask

Ian Kimber

Ian Kimber

Guilty Pleasure

Guilty Pleasure

St Andrews Pipe Band

St Andrews Pipe Band

The Postmen

The Postmen

Neko Roshi

Neko Roshi

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

The  Restless Coast

The Restless Coast

Uke Box Glory

Uke Box Glory

Shallow Music

Shallow Music

The Duskers

The Duskers

Vexmantra

Vexmantra

Drew Mason

Drew Mason

Achoiring Voices

Achoiring Voices

Haeze

Haeze

Jeannie

Jeannie

The Bob Squad

The Bob Squad

Madams Last Discovery

Madams Last Discovery

Bad Alchemy

Bad Alchemy

Ignitez

Ignitez

Noise Factory United

Noise Factory United

Broken Links

Broken Links

Lachlan Horne

Lachlan Horne

Vermin

Vermin

Psychedelic Skies

Psychedelic Skies

3's a Crowd

3's a Crowd

DJ JAMES B

DJ JAMES B

Cat Elliott

Cat Elliott

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

Broadsheet Speak

Broadsheet Speak

Dusky Moon

Dusky Moon

G-MAN 777

G-MAN 777

The Surge

The Surge

Roxy's Revenge

Roxy's Revenge

Adventure State

Adventure State

Reverence Sound

Reverence Sound

Adam Kammerling

Adam Kammerling

Interesting Wallpaper

Interesting Wallpaper

Flying Hearts

Flying Hearts

Space Ace Robot

Space Ace Robot

Way Down South

Way Down South

Voodoo Rays

Voodoo Rays

Ekoweko

Ekoweko

Greeny & the Voyagers

Greeny & the Voyagers

Diffy Dames

Diffy Dames

Spindrift

Spindrift

Eva Nicole

Eva Nicole

Nia Nicholls

Nia Nicholls

Xènia Páez

Xènia Páez

The Flipside Society

The Flipside Society

Ron May

Ron May

October Some When

October Some When

OCB & Adam Turner

OCB & Adam Turner

Hampshire Guitar Club

Hampshire Guitar Club

Rosie jay

Rosie jay

Jonathan Klein

Jonathan Klein

Adarna May Exist

Adarna May Exist

Aoife Scully

Aoife Scully

Madison Square

Madison Square

Pianoman Justie

Pianoman Justie

The Slack 5

The Slack 5

Helicopter Pirates

Helicopter Pirates

Arji  Manuelpillai

Arji Manuelpillai

Amy Fox

Amy Fox

Jim Pearson

Jim Pearson

Westingway

Westingway

Innovator

Innovator

Traitors

Traitors

Echo Union

Echo Union

Bisola

Bisola

He Fired First

He Fired First

Lyla Skyrim

Lyla Skyrim

Tongue & Groove

Tongue & Groove

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

Canis Arboris

Canis Arboris

Silvermon

Silvermon

D'vonti

D'vonti

this occasional society

this occasional society

Stuart Evans

Stuart Evans

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

GABRIELA

GABRIELA

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

The Outsiders

The Outsiders

71chain

71chain

Alexander Bithell

Alexander Bithell

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

Migh Mileage

Migh Mileage

Karl V

Karl V

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Flipside

Flipside

Bragging Rights

Bragging Rights

The Dark Poet

The Dark Poet

JACKPUDDING

JACKPUDDING

Ekowe (Acoustic)

Ekowe (Acoustic)

Woodfalls band

Woodfalls band

RODI

RODI

Mike Lemin Band

Mike Lemin Band

Angel Jones

Angel Jones

Eternal Gloom

Eternal Gloom

The Picton Readers Club

The Picton Readers Club

Ben Flournoy

Ben Flournoy

Southampton Ukulele Jam

Southampton Ukulele Jam

OC Thomas

OC Thomas

Mr. Buoyant

Mr. Buoyant

Totton Ukulele Band

Totton Ukulele Band

Xionic

Xionic

The Static

The Static

McGriff

McGriff

Mad Simple

Mad Simple

9 Lives

9 Lives

Gig Night

Gig Night

International Jet Set

International Jet Set

MoniQ

MoniQ

Hail

Hail

Batala Portsmouth

Batala Portsmouth

Simply Sax  - Kenny Garrick

Simply Sax - Kenny Garrick

Geoff Williams

Geoff Williams

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

Zombie’ites

Zombie’ites

Eat Your Greens

Eat Your Greens

James K. Barker

James K. Barker

Jim Bryant

Jim Bryant

Roger Chantler

Roger Chantler

Maple Valentine

Maple Valentine

ItsPetre

ItsPetre

Elemci

Elemci

Gaz Parker

Gaz Parker

Freestone

Freestone

The Cali Cartel from Hell

The Cali Cartel from Hell

Sean Bertram

Sean Bertram

Puddleglum

Puddleglum

The Phantom Majors

The Phantom Majors

Days of Speed

Days of Speed

Theresa Lola

Theresa Lola

Jax Leonard

Jax Leonard

NIKHITA

NIKHITA

Waldo Salt

Waldo Salt

CJOHNSON

CJOHNSON

Bob&the Bobettes

Bob&the Bobettes

Chris Payn

Chris Payn

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Amie Lou Shaw

Amie Lou Shaw

Nory-J

Nory-J

VALLEYBOYZERO

VALLEYBOYZERO

Angling For Farthings

Angling For Farthings

Charmtype

Charmtype

Jack Walker

Jack Walker

Mahoosive

Mahoosive

The Daytonas

The Daytonas

Jimmy b and the death rattles

Jimmy b and the death rattles

According to Brian

According to Brian

The Stokes

The Stokes

浪之乐队

浪之乐队

Davey Jones' Locker

Davey Jones' Locker

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

Tony Lehrle-Fry  and friends

Tony Lehrle-Fry and friends

The Dandelion Chain

The Dandelion Chain

Exhilaro

Exhilaro

Punkhub

Punkhub

Palookaville

Palookaville

Funky Business

Funky Business

Lost Post

Lost Post

SJ Ventįl

SJ Ventįl

The Can Can Club.

The Can Can Club.

Dean Antony

Dean Antony

Bill Thompson

Bill Thompson

Guillotine Union Boys

Guillotine Union Boys

gaz909

gaz909

Miriam

Miriam

The Shantywomen

The Shantywomen

Gimme a Break DJs

Gimme a Break DJs

James & Phil

James & Phil

Alex Jeffrey

Alex Jeffrey

Jubilee

Jubilee

Chimney and I K 8OY

Chimney and I K 8OY

The Bex quartet

The Bex quartet

Felis Leo

Felis Leo

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Elephants With Shotguns

Elephants With Shotguns

Rhythms of Resistance

Rhythms of Resistance

Cocoa

Cocoa

SPLOOGE

SPLOOGE

Lee Huxtable

Lee Huxtable

The Soulcatchers

The Soulcatchers

Cella

Cella

Nick JT

Nick JT

The Slowdown

The Slowdown

Shaun

Shaun

King Louie

King Louie

Chaos from Order

Chaos from Order

AfroDeX

AfroDeX

The Elderlys

The Elderlys

Days of closure

Days of closure

Loose Change

Loose Change

One foot in the rave

One foot in the rave

Stephanio

Stephanio

Nick Haynes

Nick Haynes

dj junk

dj junk

Jay Munday

Jay Munday

FancyWall

FancyWall

The Hinton  Cleeves Conspiracy

The Hinton Cleeves Conspiracy

Swan Samba

Swan Samba

Red Hot Chili Podders

Red Hot Chili Podders

Deepest Sense

Deepest Sense

Tesoro Duo

Tesoro Duo

Red Light Spies

Red Light Spies

Changing Melody

Changing Melody

Frontline

Frontline

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

Marsupial

Marsupial

Southbound

Southbound

Zakk Paules

Zakk Paules

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

Ricco Sakona

Ricco Sakona

Good-will

Good-will

Mighty Magic Animal

Mighty Magic Animal

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Footless Kicks

Footless Kicks

Lula Gold

Lula Gold

New Tide

New Tide

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

Thundizzle

Thundizzle

Reverb (Hampshire)

Reverb (Hampshire)

Heart & Voice

Heart & Voice

Royston Black

Royston Black

Southbound

Southbound

Paul Levi

Paul Levi

Bamboo and Bow

Bamboo and Bow

Edith and the Kingpins

Edith and the Kingpins

Anita Foxall Poetry

Anita Foxall Poetry

Sonne

Sonne

Room 18

Room 18

Our host venues…

To express your interest in being a venue for this years festival please sign up here.

room2

room2

Gallery Grounds

Gallery Grounds

The Joiners

The Joiners

The Social

The Social

St Joseph's Church

St Joseph's Church

Vinilo Record Store

Vinilo Record Store

Castle Hall

Castle Hall

The Loft

The Loft

Dirty Barrel

Dirty Barrel

The London Hotel

The London Hotel

Castle Vault

Castle Vault

Slug and Lettuce Southampton

Slug and Lettuce Southampton

Holyrood Church

Holyrood Church

The Watergate Ruin

The Watergate Ruin

Retro Cafe

Retro Cafe

Town Quay Park

Town Quay Park

O'Neill's Southampton

O'Neill's Southampton

Holyrood  DJ's

Holyrood DJ's

Belgium and Blues

Belgium and Blues

Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers

St Michael's Square

St Michael's Square

The Platform Tavern

The Platform Tavern

All Bar One Southampton

All Bar One Southampton

The Cricketers Arms

The Cricketers Arms

Overdraft

Overdraft

Castle Bailey Wall

Castle Bailey Wall

Duke of Wellington

Duke of Wellington

Lankester’s Vault

Lankester’s Vault

Quilter's Vault

Quilter's Vault

Medieval Merchant's House

Medieval Merchant's House

London Road Brew House

London Road Brew House

Dancing Man Brewery

Dancing Man Brewery

Weigh House & Vault

Weigh House & Vault

St Michael the Archangel

St Michael the Archangel

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

St Michael's Vault

St Michael's Vault

Southampton Masonic Hall

Southampton Masonic Hall

King John’s Palace

King John’s Palace

God's House Tower - Cafe/Bar

God's House Tower - Cafe/Bar

94 High Street Vault

94 High Street Vault

St Michael's  DJ's

St Michael's DJ's

Southampton City Art Gallery

Southampton City Art Gallery

The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary

God's House Tower - The Crawford Room

God's House Tower - The Crawford Room

HMV Southampton

HMV Southampton

Raven & Bine

Raven & Bine

Canute's Palace

Canute's Palace

Arundel Gardens

Arundel Gardens

John Hansard Gallery

John Hansard Gallery

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

The Undercroft

The Undercroft

Barraquito

Barraquito

Music in the City Volunteers

We need volunteers!

Please fill in this form to help out on Saturday the 12th September 2026. Everybody is welcome over the age of 16. It's fun and rewarding.

Volunteer sign up

The festival takes place across multiple venues, using historic, cultural, retail and public spaces; reflecting Southampton’s heritage and diversity.

The programme prioritises emerging and grassroots musicians, offering professional stage experience to artists at early career stages or from under-represented backgrounds. Alongside established local acts, performances include youth musicians, community choirs, and artists representing diverse cultural traditions.

“Loved the carnival atmosphere generated in the city, the camaraderie and the music.”

“What I loved most was the energy, creativity, and dedication behind the scenes.”

“Just the best festival there is. Love it.”

“It was a pleasure and privilege to be involved in such an excellent event.”

“What a weekend that was!! Huge congratulations to you for pulling that together, and organising the army of volunteers across the city.”

“We had a fabulous time. Can't wait to do it all again x. Thank you for the opportunity.”

“The festival is an amazing conception, and great to be part of. I liked the idea of performing at unusual venues and filling the city with music!”

“Loved the opportunity to play in an unusual venue, and to meet other musicians.”

“The atmosphere around Southampton on Sunday was lovely - well done!”

“Loved playing in a vault, very different! The website with the option to plan your line-up was genius.”

“Loved the inclusive nature of the event - all welcome to take part and contribute. The 'let's go for it' attitude and positivity from Chris Orr.”

“what did you love about Music in the City 2025?... the sheer range of music available to everyone for free was amazing, some great talent there. ”

“Pure Rehearsal Studios: A superb weekend showcasing the amazing talent in the area. Well done!”

“what did you love about Music in the City 2025?... opportunity to visit new venues and areas of the city, especially the Vaults. Variety of music. Music and joy everywhere. ”

“what do you think Music in the City stands for?... Promoting music as a community activity for all. Local musicians, local businesses, local venues and helpers all volunteering to provide a free music festival that showcases Southampton's multi-faceted culture and history.”

“I think this was the biggest and best yet! So many people had flocked to the city for the event. Very well organised event and I always love playing each year.”

“The outstanding quality of the performers all day from 1pm right through to 8pm made me so proud to be part of the Southampton music scene.”

“Huge Congrats Chris Orr, a fabulous time was has by one and all and it was a pleasure and great fun volunteering.”

“Would love to be a part of this again! London Road Brew House went off!!!”

“Thanks for pulling this festival together - what an amazing feat. It is a great thing!”

“The volunteer at our location was a legend, very much appreciate his contribution, and the sound guy as well.”

“The marketing materials were really professional looking this year and the availability of posters, t-shirts etc gave a real cohesive and community look to the whole event.”

“Saturday helping to organise and play at Beards & Boards for Music in The City was one of the best days of my life.”

“Loved the positive atmosphere from bands and punters, interest from passers by and cruise ship passengers, the inclusivity.”

“There was a lovely atmosphere, and a nice friendly crowd. I thought Johny and Katherine did a fabulous job in organising and supporting us artists.”

“Loved having the opportunity to be involved in a big event as a volunteer, and getting the chance to have a position of responsibility.”

“what do you think Music in the City stands for?... it highlights what an amazing music scene we have in Southampton. ”

“what did you love about Music in the City 2025?... the variety of music making and the opportunities it afforded everyone - also the sense of community.”

“Volunteering gave me a first-hand look into the inner workings of live event operations, and it was truly inspiring to witness everything come together.”

“We were on the Hythe ferry with the Southampton Salty Sea Dogs. Absolutely brilliant little cruise. Thanks to all!”

“DJing in the docks! 🚢 Amazing to play in parts of Southampton that are normally shut off to the public. We had a great time for Music in The City.”

“what did you love about Music in the City 2025?... a get together of all genres of music dedicated to highlighting raw talent. ”

“The website was really good and made it really simple to view the programme and work out who was on and where.”

“what did you love about Music in the City 2025?... the whole ‘buzz’ of everyone just enjoying themselves - acts and punters alike. ”

“Loved the total buzz around the city, music coming from every venue along the quay and high street and meeting so many other musicians.”

“Just a huge thank you to the organisers. I doff my cap to you all.”

“Loved the whole day. The support and people being brought together ❤️”

“Amazing to have access to lots of Southampton's historic nooks and crannies over the weekend for Music in the City.”

“The amount of work and collaboration that has gone into this event is incredible. Everyone should feel very proud of such an achievement.”

“what do you think Music in the City stands for?... Community, the love of music and showcasing our wonderful city!”

“Loved the audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”

“Loved playing in the lovely acoustic of the Art Gallery to a very large and enthusiastic audience.”

“The amount of work and collaboration that has gone into this event is incredible. Everyone should feel very proud of such an achievement.”

“Loved all of it! The atmosphere, the people, the music, Southampton felt alive and vibrant!”

“what do you think Music in the City stands for?... Championing live music and amateur performers in a diverse and inspiring way.”

“Hats off to all involved in this event. It gets better every year 👏👏.”

We do so much more than just our annual festival!

Latest news

02 June 2026

400th Sign Up - local up and coming RnB artist MoniQ

We’ve hit 400! That’s 400 acts that have signed up to perform at...

05 May 2026

Music in the Marathon 2026

Music is the City further establishes itself as a  year round movement...

13 April 2026

Fund Raising Raffle

We’ve launched a raffle with some fantastic prizes!Music in the City multi...

Friends of Music in the City… Southampton venues supporting local grassroots music, week in week out…

God's House Tower - Cafe/Bar

GHT Lates at God’s House Tower, 7pm til late on the last Friday of every month with live performances from some of the South’s best musicians.
Town Quay Road, Southampton SO14 2NY

Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers support the fantastic local scene that Southampton has to offer, as well as a wide range of international touring acts. Its a suave, neon-clad dive-bar that excels in cocktail creation and live music, and open 'til the early hours.
7-9 Hanover Buildings, Southampton SO14 1JX

Papillon

Papillon is a Music Venue, Restaurant, Bar & Event Space in the grade II listed former St. Peter's Church on Commercial Rd that dates from 1845.
61 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1GG

The 1865

Southampton's largest independent grassroots music and events venue. with a standing capacity of 750. Formerly the Dockers Club. Its a great space and stage, viewable from two bars and a large mezzanine.
Brunswick Square, Southampton SO14 3AR

The Cricketers Arms

Regular live music from local bands and performers as well as a weekly open mic and a fortnightly blues jam.
34 Carlton Place, Southampton S015 2DX

The Joiners

Southampton's Iconic 200 capacity multi genre, award winning grassroots music venue.
141 St. Mary Street, Southampton SO14 1NS

The Loft

Live music and event venue, upstairs at the Social with a 300 capacity. Often hosting rock and indie shows from up-and-coming bands.
21 Lower Banister Street, Southampton SO15 2EH

The Platform Tavern

Live Music at The Platform includes Blues, Rock, Soul, Rockabilly, Americana, R&B, Country & Jazz with free entry.
Town Quay, Southampton SO14 2NY

Friends of Music in the City… partners in music, please support…

Bedford Place Summer Festival

The ultimate summer festival, run by Local Traders for the community, Sunday 28th June, 2026 11am - 8pm.

Beggars Fair

Music and Dance returns once again to Romsey when the 32nd Beggars Fair takes over the town on 11th July 2026. Expect to see, hear and enjoy over 100 acts spread over 20+ Venues and all for FREE at Romsey’s annual Summer Music Festival.

The Drop

Southampton's No 1 live Hip Hop open mic & showcase event, monthly at Heartbreakers

SOC AFRO

Unique bi-monthly live artists showcase, & variations in Caribbean & African Music including; Soca, Afrobeat, Amapiano, Steelpan, Chutney, Reggae, Dancehall, and Limbo dancing competition!

Vinilo Record Store

Southampton, Independent Record Store 43 - 47 Queensway Southampton SO14 3BL

WTF IS INDIE?

Southampton natives who saw a lack of an indie scene in our own hometown and decided to take matters into our own hands! We play ALL your favourite indie choons. We're proud of creating our very own disco 2000 and can't wait to live forever with you all!

Bloc

BLOC is a coalition of independent music businesses, organisations and venues looking to unify the grassroots music scene in the South Central Region.

Our 2026 Partners & Supporters

We are supported by and working with Go! Southampton, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Southampton City Centre

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