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 that tales place annually in September. We also provide live music performances to other local events all year round.

“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.”

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

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

“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.”

“Loved the audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”

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

“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.”

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

“Just when we thought Music in the City couldn’t get any bigger and better… you go and make it even bigger and better!! Hats off to all the organisers for bringing this amazing event to the City. Yesterday was superb! ”

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

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

“We don't know how you do it but Music in The City do a great job every year of pulling off a massive music festival in the centre of Southampton. Quirky little venues and established venues all taking part, bands and acts from all over the place playing every genre and cross genre you can think of.”

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

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

“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.”

“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.”

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

“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.”

“Thanks for having us as part of the Music in the City event on Saturday. We had a great time in a perfect location, with an appreciative audience, so we were very pleased! Thanks to you for all your efforts in organising this huge event.”

“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 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.”

“Just wanted to firstly say a massive well done on last weekend. We had a brilliant time. We seem to get one of our biggest and most enthusiastic audiences of the year at Music in the City, it's happened 2 yrs running so my members were very happy!”

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

“Thank you so much for yesterday - The city was so incredibly vibrant, filled with appreciation for music and communal. You’re awesome x I hope you’re proud of how it all went!”

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

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

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

“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 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 sheer range of music available to everyone for free was amazing, some great talent there. ”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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. ”

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

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

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

“Can we just play in St Michael's all the time?! Fabulous acoustics for our slot at Music in The City yesterday. Incredible atmosphere and audience. We were not sure if too many people would be out for our 12pm slot but we were definitely proved wrong! Music in the City is such a special event. Music on every corner and musicians all supporting each other. Hopefully we will be back next year!”

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

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

“Just wanted to drop a note to say a huge thank you for having Far Solar play at Music in the City this weekend. It's such a cool concept - I was explaining to friends and family (many of whom are in the US) and they thought it was such a brilliant project. We had a slot at 94 High St Vault... crazy venue, in a good way. Medieval history and rock! ”

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

“It was fabulous and so well organised I loved every act and they were all so different. The atmosphere was perfect.  Thank you for all your hard work it was so smooth and perfect.”

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