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.

Mick Gough

Mick Gough

Adam Kammerling

Adam Kammerling

Staff Discount

Staff Discount

Goffmog

Goffmog

Lyla Skyrim

Lyla Skyrim

Rogue Awakening

Rogue Awakening

Mr. Buoyant

Mr. Buoyant

The Salamanders

The Salamanders

Continental Liaison

Continental Liaison

The Flipside Society

The Flipside Society

Greeny & the Voyagers

Greeny & the Voyagers

Milkin' It

Milkin' It

The Duskers

The Duskers

Lachlan Horne

Lachlan Horne

Igloo Hearts

Igloo Hearts

Chayz3r

Chayz3r

Love Is Enough

Love Is Enough

Club Bad

Club Bad

Madams Last Discovery

Madams Last Discovery

Tongue & Groove

Tongue & Groove

desperateBeauty

desperateBeauty

Rosie jay

Rosie jay

Sean Bertram

Sean Bertram

Rosie Hollins

Rosie Hollins

VALLEYBOYZERO

VALLEYBOYZERO

The Black Bear Killing Spree

The Black Bear Killing Spree

Ben Flournoy

Ben Flournoy

The Tipsy Gypsies

The Tipsy Gypsies

Haeze

Haeze

Big man with Small guitar

Big man with Small guitar

The Ben Poore Project

The Ben Poore Project

DJ Drive

DJ Drive

Michael Devaux

Michael Devaux

Ken Wood and the Mixers

Ken Wood and the Mixers

Mariano Korman

Mariano Korman

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

Reverence Sound

Reverence Sound

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

Hanna Gibbons

Hanna Gibbons

Hanterhir

Hanterhir

Kalopsia

Kalopsia

Citizen Perez

Citizen Perez

Roger James Shephard

Roger James Shephard

Angel Jones

Angel Jones

Dr. Beatroot

Dr. Beatroot

Broadsheet Speak

Broadsheet Speak

Ironhide

Ironhide

The Sky at Night

The Sky at Night

The Long Shorts

The Long Shorts

Vexmantra

Vexmantra

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

Will Walton

Will Walton

Bragging Rights

Bragging Rights

Ribble

Ribble

Totton Ukulele Band

Totton Ukulele Band

Ekoweko

Ekoweko

The Cali Cartel from Hell

The Cali Cartel from Hell

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

The Elephant Cage

The Elephant Cage

Interesting Wallpaper

Interesting Wallpaper

Nàila

Nàila

Munro

Munro

Adventure State

Adventure State

ALLEY the band

ALLEY the band

Sculpt

Sculpt

SKAM

SKAM

Watching the Buzzards

Watching the Buzzards

Stuart Evans

Stuart Evans

PB Squared

PB Squared

Origin

Origin

Giles Halski

Giles Halski

Ignitez

Ignitez

Guilty Pleasure

Guilty Pleasure

Slap the Willow

Slap the Willow

Kinesis 4

Kinesis 4

James K. Barker

James K. Barker

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

Nia Nicholls

Nia Nicholls

The Sound Crew

The Sound Crew

Charmtype

Charmtype

Southampton Ukulele Jam

Southampton Ukulele Jam

Redz Man

Redz Man

Hydeout

Hydeout

Jeannie

Jeannie

Ian Kimber

Ian Kimber

71chain

71chain

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

Aoife Scully

Aoife Scully

OCB & Adam Turner

OCB & Adam Turner

DJ_MAJOR

DJ_MAJOR

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

Nick Tann and The Whole Family

Nick Tann and The Whole Family

Bisola

Bisola

Mike and the Mojitos

Mike and the Mojitos

Xionic

Xionic

Dj Sarah Nash

Dj Sarah Nash

MoniQ

MoniQ

Arlo Star

Arlo Star

Amie Lou Shaw

Amie Lou Shaw

Jax Leonard

Jax Leonard

The  Restless Coast

The Restless Coast

SkunkWorks

SkunkWorks

Gig Night

Gig Night

Zombie’ites

Zombie’ites

Pianoman Justie

Pianoman Justie

Godless Suns

Godless Suns

Jess Breame

Jess Breame

Flipside

Flipside

Industry Plant

Industry Plant

Q Shaq

Q Shaq

The Alternates

The Alternates

JACKPUDDING

JACKPUDDING

Velickaite Sisters

Velickaite Sisters

Hunch Power

Hunch Power

Bex&Cole

Bex&Cole

The Monday Grooves

The Monday Grooves

Tired Less

Tired Less

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Mad Simple

Mad Simple

Ekowe (Acoustic)

Ekowe (Acoustic)

Andrew Buchanan

Andrew Buchanan

Vermin

Vermin

Ukofonics

Ukofonics

ItsPetre

ItsPetre

Fragile Lucy

Fragile Lucy

RELLiX

RELLiX

Mahoosive

Mahoosive

Zen Juddhism

Zen Juddhism

Dusky Moon

Dusky Moon

Jon Yale

Jon Yale

Naty Giachino

Naty Giachino

October Some When

October Some When

Karl V

Karl V

Elemci

Elemci

Helicopter Pirates

Helicopter Pirates

Lounge Room Lizards

Lounge Room Lizards

The Bob Squad

The Bob Squad

Hampshire Guitar Club

Hampshire Guitar Club

DJ JAMES B

DJ JAMES B

Steve Weston

Steve Weston

The Zone

The Zone

Purple Grace

Purple Grace

Ryan Watts

Ryan Watts

Days of Speed

Days of Speed

The Dark Poet

The Dark Poet

Greenish

Greenish

GaYeon Lee

GaYeon Lee

Beardos and Weirdos

Beardos and Weirdos

Hail

Hail

Hük

Hük

Chris Payn

Chris Payn

Space Ace Robot

Space Ace Robot

Mai

Mai

Lucy RS Must c

Lucy RS Must c

Halibut Jackson  & The Fishy Faces

Halibut Jackson & The Fishy Faces

Laurie Bolger

Laurie Bolger

He Fired First

He Fired First

this occasional society

this occasional society

The Picton Readers Club

The Picton Readers Club

NJT

NJT

Pooja Rajguru

Pooja Rajguru

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

Uke Box Glory

Uke Box Glory

Achoiring Voices

Achoiring Voices

Basharan

Basharan

Tony Arthur

Tony Arthur

Psychedelic Skies

Psychedelic Skies

Sebastian Horton

Sebastian Horton

Geoff Williams

Geoff Williams

Mango In Euphoria

Mango In Euphoria

Neko Roshi

Neko Roshi

Halliwell

Halliwell

Flying Hearts

Flying Hearts

The Latest

The Latest

Traitors

Traitors

GABRIELA

GABRIELA

Elie Pembrey

Elie Pembrey

Romsey Shanty Crew

Romsey Shanty Crew

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

Adarna May Exist

Adarna May Exist

International Jet Set

International Jet Set

Cat Elliott

Cat Elliott

Jack Walker

Jack Walker

Angling For Farthings

Angling For Farthings

D'vonti

D'vonti

The Surge

The Surge

Echo Union

Echo Union

Woodfalls band

Woodfalls band

The Red Stars

The Red Stars

Theresa Lola

Theresa Lola

Spindrift

Spindrift

Kat Hutchings Yoga

Kat Hutchings Yoga

Canis Arboris

Canis Arboris

NIKHITA

NIKHITA

Bob&the Bobettes

Bob&the Bobettes

Riverside Concert Wind Band

Riverside Concert Wind Band

WooHabs

WooHabs

Westingway

Westingway

160

160

The Outsiders

The Outsiders

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

RODI

RODI

The Phantom Majors

The Phantom Majors

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

Dawn of Dystopia

Dawn of Dystopia

The Howlin' Blackouts

The Howlin' Blackouts

HAZE

HAZE

Arzenic

Arzenic

Cherry Go Steady

Cherry Go Steady

Twelve Caesars

Twelve Caesars

CJOHNSON

CJOHNSON

Dan James

Dan James

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

The Static

The Static

McGriff

McGriff

Freestone

Freestone

Waldo Salt

Waldo Salt

Way Down South

Way Down South

Lost without cause

Lost without cause

Scarlett

Scarlett

Jim Pearson

Jim Pearson

Kase the Myth

Kase the Myth

Xènia Páez

Xènia Páez

Jaquie Daniels

Jaquie Daniels

Betterphor

Betterphor

The Postmen

The Postmen

RENEGADE ROSE

RENEGADE ROSE

Amy Fox

Amy Fox

Shiversa

Shiversa

Ras Amankwatia

Ras Amankwatia

Southampton Grad Band

Southampton Grad Band

Broken Links

Broken Links

Fate  of the Magpie

Fate of the Magpie

NoteWorthy

NoteWorthy

Eternal Gloom

Eternal Gloom

Suncliffe

Suncliffe

Jim Bryant

Jim Bryant

Blood Red Sky

Blood Red Sky

Roxy's Revenge

Roxy's Revenge

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Alexander Bithell

Alexander Bithell

Eat Your Greens

Eat Your Greens

G-MAN 777

G-MAN 777

Carl Zed

Carl Zed

Far Solar

Far Solar

OC Thomas

OC Thomas

Eric Walker

Eric Walker

Eva Nicole

Eva Nicole

CHIMAN 101

CHIMAN 101

Kindred Found

Kindred Found

The Slack 5

The Slack 5

Ibz & Da Goats

Ibz & Da Goats

Maple Valentine

Maple Valentine

Arboresque

Arboresque

Madison Square

Madison Square

Simply Sax  - Kenny Garrick

Simply Sax - Kenny Garrick

FREESPIRITS

FREESPIRITS

RUBY

RUBY

KSJM

KSJM

Ocean Harmony

Ocean Harmony

Mike Lemin Band

Mike Lemin Band

Colour of Heartache

Colour of Heartache

Emerson

Emerson

The Wildcards

The Wildcards

Echo Mask

Echo Mask

Kieran Snell

Kieran Snell

SO Sound Choir

SO Sound Choir

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Saxofony

Saxofony

5 Degrees North

5 Degrees North

The Surroyal

The Surroyal

Silvermon

Silvermon

Innovator

Innovator

The Pop Tarts

The Pop Tarts

Accrington Stanley

Accrington Stanley

Margarita Sleepover

Margarita Sleepover

Bella Cameron

Bella Cameron

St Andrews Pipe Band

St Andrews Pipe Band

Endless Talking

Endless Talking

Nory-J

Nory-J

Ron May

Ron May

Jordon  Mulvoy

Jordon Mulvoy

Puddleglum

Puddleglum

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

Maerefolk

Maerefolk

Shallow Music

Shallow Music

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

3's a Crowd

3's a Crowd

EVXN

EVXN

Dompap

Dompap

Voodoo Rays

Voodoo Rays

Troy Ellis & his Hail Jamaica Band

Troy Ellis & his Hail Jamaica Band

PG Trips

PG Trips

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

Ronk Torp

Ronk Torp

Retro Rock'its

Retro Rock'its

Batala Portsmouth

Batala Portsmouth

Silent Disco King

Silent Disco King

Jonathan Klein

Jonathan Klein

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

WOOHABS

WOOHABS

Sofia Gillani

Sofia Gillani

Drew Mason

Drew Mason

Luna Acrobatics & Aerial Arts

Luna Acrobatics & Aerial Arts

9 Lives

9 Lives

Alfie Ingram

Alfie Ingram

Under The Attic

Under The Attic

Arji  Manuelpillai

Arji Manuelpillai

Oddball Savage

Oddball Savage

Moakz

Moakz

Oscar Meades

Oscar Meades

H.AZ

H.AZ

Disco Lizards

Disco Lizards

Malcolm Carlo

Malcolm Carlo

Andy White Poetry

Andy White Poetry

City of Southampton Orchestra

City of Southampton Orchestra

Pacuk Band

Pacuk Band

Wire -JD

Wire -JD

Brian Hooper

Brian Hooper

Roger Chantler

Roger Chantler

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

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

Hobb Lane

Hobb Lane

Diffy Dames

Diffy Dames

Vacant Shores

Vacant Shores

Bees Knees

Bees Knees

The Plummers

The Plummers

Noise Factory United

Noise Factory United

Voice FM

Voice FM

The Slow Cooked Bears

The Slow Cooked Bears

Ajay Sahota

Ajay Sahota

Bad Alchemy

Bad Alchemy

Gaz Parker

Gaz Parker

Jonny Sansom

Jonny Sansom

High Mileage

High Mileage

Mosaic

Mosaic

The Halliwells

The Halliwells

JJCornick

JJCornick

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

The Daytonas

The Daytonas

Reverb (Hampshire)

Reverb (Hampshire)

Chaos from Order

Chaos from Order

Nick Haynes

Nick Haynes

Marsupial

Marsupial

Davey Jones' Locker

Davey Jones' Locker

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

One foot in the rave

One foot in the rave

Palookaville

Palookaville

gaz909

gaz909

Anita Foxall Poetry

Anita Foxall Poetry

Loose Change

Loose Change

Southbound

Southbound

FancyWall

FancyWall

Chimney and I K 8OY

Chimney and I K 8OY

Tesoro Duo

Tesoro Duo

According to Brian

According to Brian

Thundizzle

Thundizzle

Gimme a Break DJs

Gimme a Break DJs

The Soulcatchers

The Soulcatchers

The Slowdown

The Slowdown

浪之乐队

浪之乐队

Days of closure

Days of closure

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Red Hot Chili Podders

Red Hot Chili Podders

dj junk

dj junk

Cella

Cella

James & Phil

James & Phil

The Dandelion Chain

The Dandelion Chain

Steam Machine

Steam Machine

The Elderlys

The Elderlys

Bamboo and Bow

Bamboo and Bow

AfroDeX

AfroDeX

Tony Lehrle-Fry  and friends

Tony Lehrle-Fry and friends

The Stokes

The Stokes

Royston Black

Royston Black

Lee Huxtable

Lee Huxtable

Funky Business

Funky Business

The Hinton  Cleeves Conspiracy

The Hinton Cleeves Conspiracy

Lula Gold

Lula Gold

King Louie

King Louie

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Exhilaro

Exhilaro

Jay Munday

Jay Munday

Deepest Sense

Deepest Sense

Southbound

Southbound

Room 18

Room 18

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

Shaun

Shaun

Felis Leo

Felis Leo

The Shantywomen

The Shantywomen

The Bex quartet

The Bex quartet

Paul Levi

Paul Levi

Jimmy b and the death rattles

Jimmy b and the death rattles

Dean Antony

Dean Antony

Stephanio

Stephanio

Guillotine Union Boys

Guillotine Union Boys

Miriam

Miriam

Changing Melody

Changing Melody

Bill Thompson

Bill Thompson

Ricco Sakona

Ricco Sakona

Frontline

Frontline

SPLOOGE

SPLOOGE

Punkhub

Punkhub

Cocoa

Cocoa

Zakk Paules

Zakk Paules

Footless Kicks

Footless Kicks

Red Light Spies

Red Light Spies

New Tide

New Tide

Good-will

Good-will

Heart & Voice

Heart & Voice

SJ Ventįl

SJ Ventįl

Mighty Magic Animal

Mighty Magic Animal

The Can Can Club.

The Can Can Club.

Sonne

Sonne

Lost Post

Lost Post

Alex Jeffrey

Alex Jeffrey

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

Jubilee

Jubilee

Swan Samba

Swan Samba

Elephants With Shotguns

Elephants With Shotguns

Nick JT

Nick JT

Rhythms of Resistance

Rhythms of Resistance

Edith and the Kingpins

Edith and the Kingpins

Our host venues…

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

Weigh House & Vault

Weigh House & Vault

The London Hotel

The London Hotel

Slug and Lettuce Southampton

Slug and Lettuce Southampton

The Loft

The Loft

Bottle & Stoat

Bottle & Stoat

Raven & Bine

Raven & Bine

Duke of Wellington

Duke of Wellington

Overdraft

Overdraft

Dirty Barrel

Dirty Barrel

Holyrood Church

Holyrood Church

The Watergate Ruin

The Watergate Ruin

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

John Hansard Gallery

John Hansard Gallery

St Michael's Vault

St Michael's Vault

St Michael's Square

St Michael's Square

London Road Brew House

London Road Brew House

94 High Street Vault

94 High Street Vault

Dancing Man Brewery

Dancing Man Brewery

All Bar One Southampton

All Bar One Southampton

St Michael the Archangel

St Michael the Archangel

King John’s Palace

King John’s Palace

God's House Tower - Cafe/Bar

God's House Tower - Cafe/Bar

Retro Cafe

Retro Cafe

Castle Hall

Castle Hall

Southampton Masonic Hall

Southampton Masonic Hall

Castle Bailey Wall

Castle Bailey Wall

Town Quay Park

Town Quay Park

Canute's Palace

Canute's Palace

God's House Tower - The Crawford Room

God's House Tower - The Crawford Room

Southampton City Art Gallery

Southampton City Art Gallery

Quilter's Vault

Quilter's Vault

Gallery Grounds

Gallery Grounds

The Social

The Social

Lankester’s Vault

Lankester’s Vault

Medieval Merchant's House

Medieval Merchant's House

Holyrood  DJ's

Holyrood DJ's

The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary

Arundel Gardens

Arundel Gardens

HMV Southampton

HMV Southampton

St Michael's  DJ's

St Michael's DJ's

room2

room2

Barraquito

Barraquito

Castle Vault

Castle Vault

St Joseph's Church

St Joseph's Church

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

The Platform Tavern

The Platform Tavern

Royal British Legion Club

Royal British Legion Club

Vinilo Record Store

Vinilo Record Store

The Cricketers Arms

The Cricketers Arms

O'Neill's Southampton

O'Neill's Southampton

The Undercroft

The Undercroft

The Joiners

The Joiners

Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers

The Alexandra

The Alexandra

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.

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

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

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

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

“Loved the audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”

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

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

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

“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.”

“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!”

“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.”

“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. ”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

“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.”

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

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

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

“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. ”

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

“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.”

“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.”

“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 whole ‘buzz’ of everyone just enjoying themselves - acts and punters alike. ”

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

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

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

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

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

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 Alexandra

6 Bellevue Rd, Southampton

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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