Saturday 12th September 2026
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.
Watching the Buzzards
The Zone
Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars
Luna Acrobatics & Aerial Arts
Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets
Hanna Gibbons
He Fired First
Cat Elliott
The Latest
Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir
Endless Talking
The Alternates
Brian Hooper
Tony Arthur
Jim Bryant
Rosie jay
Big man with Small guitar
Bisola
PB Squared
The Long Shorts
Betterphor
Mad Simple
Jim Pearson
Drew Mason
Bex&Cole
Dompap
Dawn of Dystopia
Eva Nicole
City of Southampton Orchestra
Vacant Shores
Silvermon
Ribble
Margarita Sleepover
The Pop Tarts
Dj Sarah Nash
The Cali Cartel from Hell
Mariano Korman
New Forest Community Tango Orchestra
Michael Devaux
SkunkWorks
Tired Less
City of Southampton (Albion) Band
Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band
Tongue & Groove
Adventure State
Savoury Tooth Tiger
Goffmog
Dr. Beatroot
MoniQ
Hydeout
Waldo Salt
Industry Plant
Ukofonics
Jack Walker
CHIMAN 101
The Outsiders
OCB & Adam Turner
Dan James
Ryan Watts
Bragging Rights
Basharan
RUBY
Igloo Hearts
Sean Bertram
The Bob Squad
Club Bad
Ken Wood and the Mixers
Ekowe (Acoustic)
Angel Jones
The Slack 5
DJ JAMES B
Malcolm Carlo
Lucy RS Must c
Eat Your Greens
The Restless Coast
Andy White Poetry
Oddball Savage
Hük
Kieran Snell
Theresa Lola
Retro Rock'its
Disco Lizards
Hanterhir
Halliwell
The Monday Grooves
Ras Amankwatia
Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop
DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official
Romsey Shanty Crew
Reverence Sound
Lachlan Horne
Simon Maggs & People Like Us
The Tipsy Gypsies
desperateBeauty
Arlo Star
Traitors
Bob&the Bobettes
The Ben Poore Project
Roxy's Revenge
Southampton Salty Sea Dogs
Mahoosive
Ignitez
Mr. Buoyant
Arzenic
Mike Lemin Band
Jonny Sansom
Mai
The Picton Readers Club
WOOHABS
JACKPUDDING
71chain
Echo Union
NIKHITA
PG Trips
Suncliffe
160
Uke Box Glory
Haeze
Poetry from the Forward Prizes
HAZE
Bad Alchemy
Rosie Hollins
Ocean Harmony
Adarna May Exist
The Howlin' Blackouts
Arboresque
WooHabs
Pooja Rajguru
Under The Attic
Munro
Lyla Skyrim
Vexmantra
Colour of Heartache
Kase the Myth
Ian Kimber
Nory-J
Mango In Euphoria
Southampton Ukulele Jam
Kinesis 4
The Plummers
Greenish
Diffy Dames
Helicopter Pirates
H.AZ
Ron May
Shiversa
Dusky Moon
Lounge Room Lizards
Mosaic
Aoife Scully
Riverside Concert Wind Band
Staff Discount
Milkin' It
Flipside
Hobb Lane
Ronk Torp
Origin
Kat Hutchings Yoga
Emerson
The Phantom Majors
Roger Chantler
Way Down South
Jordon Mulvoy
The Slow Cooked Bears
Southside Rhythm & Blues Band
The Sky at Night
Gods House Tower Poetry Group
Ironhide
Charmtype
Simply Sax - Kenny Garrick
James K. Barker
Flying Hearts
Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)
Redz Man
Voice FM
Will Walton
Greeny & the Voyagers
The Surroyal
NJT
CJOHNSON
The Duskers
Love Is Enough
Scarlett
Carl Zed
Twelve Caesars
SO Sound Choir
Spindrift
JJCornick
Shallow Music
Cherry Go Steady
Batala Portsmouth
Elie Pembrey
Zombie’ites
Steve Weston
Broken Links
RELLiX
Gig Night
Woodfalls band
High Mileage
Maple Valentine
Elemci
Psychedelic Skies
Gaz Parker
Sebastian Horton
Citizen Perez
Lost without cause
Nick Tann and The Whole Family
The Salamanders
Southampton's Greek & Cypriot Dance Group 'Methexis' & 'Nostos' Polyphonic Singing Group
The Halliwells
Freestone
Geoff Williams
Westingway
Jeannie
Beardos and Weirdos
Zen Juddhism
McGriff
Q Shaq
Ibz & Da Goats
Amy Fox
KSJM
Naty Giachino
Mike and the Mojitos
Interesting Wallpaper
EVXN
VALLEYBOYZERO
ItsPetre
Mick Gough
Dirty Rotten Scoundrel
Blood Red Sky
Guilty Pleasure
Nia Nicholls
Ekoweko
Jonathan Klein
Hampshire Guitar Club
9 Lives
Oscar Meades
The Flipside Society
Canis Arboris
Godless Suns
Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)
Maerefolk
Noise Factory United
Vermin
FREESPIRITS
Neko Roshi
ALLEY the band
Innovator
this occasional society
Saxofony
Puddleglum
October Some When
DJ Drive
Southampton Grad Band
Karl V
Kalopsia
St Andrews Pipe Band
Far Solar
Nàila
Adam Kammerling
Achoiring Voices
Rogue Awakening
Xionic
Roger James Shephard
International Jet Set
Chris Payn
Pacuk Band
Jaquie Daniels
Pianoman Justie
Arji Manuelpillai
Accrington Stanley
The Surge
The Black Bear Killing Spree
Sculpt
Wire -JD
The Elephant Cage
5 Degrees North
Fragile Lucy
Space Ace Robot
3's a Crowd
Kindred Found
Madison Square
Continental Liaison
Hunch Power
Echo Mask
Sofia Gillani
Andrew Buchanan
Troy Ellis & his Hail Jamaica Band
Herleen Kaur Khalsa
DJ_MAJOR
Laurie Bolger
Eric Walker
Totton Ukulele Band
Broadsheet Speak
Jess Breame
The Red Stars
Hail
Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine
Stuart Evans
Eternal Gloom
Moakz
D'vonti
Voodoo Rays
Days of Speed
Velickaite Sisters
Bella Cameron
Amie Lou Shaw
Halibut Jackson & The Fishy Faces
OC Thomas
The Wildcards
Silent Disco King
The Static
Chayz3r
Fate of the Magpie
Alexander Bithell
The Sound Crew
SKAM
Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)
The Postmen
Jax Leonard
Madams Last Discovery
Bees Knees
RODI
Angling For Farthings
Ajay Sahota
NoteWorthy
Jon Yale
Ben Flournoy
Slap the Willow
Alfie Ingram
G-MAN 777
Purple Grace
GABRIELA
Xènia Páez
Giles Halski
RENEGADE ROSE
GaYeon Lee
The Dark Poet
Tony Lehrle-Fry and friends
Southbound
The Can Can Club.
Days of closure
Footless Kicks
The Shantywomen
Mighty Magic Animal
Anita Foxall Poetry
Jimmy b and the death rattles
Bamboo and Bow
Room 18
Southbound
The Stokes
Heart & Voice
The Bex quartet
The Soulcatchers
dj junk
The Daytonas
MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM
New Tide
Punkhub
Elephants With Shotguns
Chimney and I K 8OY
Gimme a Break DJs
Red Hot Chili Podders
Reverb (Hampshire)
The Elderlys
Palookaville
浪之乐队
According to Brian
SPLOOGE
Paul Levi
AfroDeX
King Louie
Steam Town Shanty Crew
Loose Change
Davey Jones' Locker
Lost Post
Jay Munday
Marsupial
Red Light Spies
Royston Black
Lee Huxtable
Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)
Rhythms of Resistance
Sonne
Cella
Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir
Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault
One foot in the rave
gaz909
Miriam
Frontline
Shaun
Thundizzle
Lula Gold
Nick Haynes
Jubilee
Dean Antony
Nick JT
James & Phil
Zakk Paules
Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School
SJ Ventįl
The Dandelion Chain
Guillotine Union Boys
Steam Machine
Edith and the Kingpins
Alex Jeffrey
Swan Samba
Tesoro Duo
Good-will
Bill Thompson
Funky Business
Ricco Sakona
The Slowdown
Exhilaro
FancyWall
Stephanio
The Hinton Cleeves Conspiracy
Felis Leo
Deepest Sense
Changing Melody
Chaos from Order
Cocoa
Our host venues…
To express your interest in being a venue for this years festival please sign up here.
Retro Cafe
Raven & Bine
Vinilo Record Store
Lankester’s Vault
The Queen Mary
Gallery Grounds
The Watergate Ruin
The Platform Tavern
London Road Brew House
St Michael the Archangel
Castle Bailey Wall
Barraquito
Quilter's Vault
Overdraft
94 High Street Vault
O'Neill's Southampton
The Cricketers Arms
St Joseph's Church
Heartbreakers
room2
Medieval Merchant's House
Holyrood DJ's
The London Hotel
Royal British Legion Club
Castle Hall
All Bar One Southampton
The Social
John Hansard Gallery
Canute's Palace
The Undercroft
Dirty Barrel
The Joiners
The Titanic Pub and Kitchen
God's House Tower - The Crawford Room
King John’s Palace
The Loft
HMV Southampton
Bottle & Stoat
Southampton City Art Gallery
Holyrood Church
St Michael's Vault
Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar
God's House Tower - Cafe/Bar
St Michael's Square
Castle Vault
Town Quay Park
Slug and Lettuce Southampton
Southampton Masonic Hall
Dancing Man Brewery
Weigh House & Vault
St Michael's DJ's
Arundel Gardens
Duke of Wellington
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 upThe 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.
“We were on the Hythe ferry with the Southampton Salty Sea Dogs. Absolutely brilliant little cruise. Thanks to all!”
“It was a pleasure and privilege to be involved in such an excellent event.”
“Loved the carnival atmosphere generated in the city, the camaraderie and the music.”
“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!”
“The volunteer at our location was a legend, very much appreciate his contribution, and the sound guy as well.”
“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 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.”
“Thanks for pulling this festival together - what an amazing feat. It is a great thing!”
“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.”
“Loved the opportunity to play in an unusual venue, and to meet other musicians.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Hats off to all involved in this event. It gets better every year 👏👏.”
“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. ”
“What a weekend that was!! Huge congratulations to you for pulling that together, and organising the army of volunteers across the city.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Just a huge thank you to the organisers. I doff my cap to you all.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Loved the audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”
“Would love to be a part of this again! London Road Brew House went off!!!”
“Loved the total buzz around the city, music coming from every venue along the quay and high street and meeting so many other musicians.”
“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!”
“Loved the whole day. The support and people being brought together ❤️”
“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.”
“Loved playing in the lovely acoustic of the Art Gallery to a very large and enthusiastic audience.”
“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. ”
“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!”
“Huge Congrats Chris Orr, a fabulous time was has by one and all and it was a pleasure and great fun volunteering.”
“We had a fabulous time. Can't wait to do it all again x. Thank you for the opportunity.”
“Just the best festival there is. Love it.”
“The website was really good and made it really simple to view the programme and work out who was on and where.”
“Amazing to have access to lots of Southampton's historic nooks and crannies over the weekend for Music in the City.”
“Loved playing in a vault, very different! The website with the option to plan your line-up was genius.”
“What I loved most was the energy, creativity, and dedication behind the scenes.”
“what do you think Music in the City stands for?... Championing live music and amateur performers in a diverse and inspiring way.”
“Loved having the opportunity to be involved in a big event as a volunteer, and getting the chance to have a position of responsibility.”
“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 whole ‘buzz’ of everyone just enjoying themselves - acts and punters alike. ”
Stay up to date with the Southampton live music scene from Music in the City
We do so much more than just our annual festival!
Friends of Music in the City… Southampton venues supporting local grassroots music, week in week out…
Heartbreakers
Papillon
The Loft
Friends of Music in the City… partners in music, please support…
Bedford Place Summer Festival
Beggars Fair
The Drop
SOC AFRO
Vinilo Record Store
WTF IS INDIE?
Bloc
Stay up to date with the Southampton live music scene from Music in the City
We do so much more than just our annual festival!
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