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…

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

The Long Shorts

The Long Shorts

Ronk Torp

Ronk Torp

Angel Jones

Angel Jones

Angling For Farthings

Angling For Farthings

Bragging Rights

Bragging Rights

The Outsiders

The Outsiders

The Salamanders

The Salamanders

D'vonti

D'vonti

Benana Student Showcase

Benana Student Showcase

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

Mai

Mai

DJ_MAJOR

DJ_MAJOR

Adam Kammerling

Adam Kammerling

Bamboo and Bow

Bamboo and Bow

DJ Alex

DJ Alex

Milkin' It

Milkin' It

Bella Cameron

Bella Cameron

The Sky at Night

The Sky at Night

The Sound Crew

The Sound Crew

Slap the Willow

Slap the Willow

Room 18

Room 18

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

Rosie jay

Rosie jay

Space Ace Robot

Space Ace Robot

Zen Juddhism

Zen Juddhism

Shiversa

Shiversa

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

International Jet Set

International Jet Set

ItsPetre

ItsPetre

Hampshire Guitar Club

Hampshire Guitar Club

The Slow Cooked Bears

The Slow Cooked Bears

The Howlin' Blackouts

The Howlin' Blackouts

Amy Fox

Amy Fox

Maerefolk

Maerefolk

CJOHNSON

CJOHNSON

Under The Attic

Under The Attic

Mike and the Mojitos

Mike and the Mojitos

Uke Box Glory

Uke Box Glory

Mr. Buoyant

Mr. Buoyant

The Surge

The Surge

Igloo Hearts

Igloo Hearts

Adventure State

Adventure State

Amie Lou Shaw

Amie Lou Shaw

Riverside Concert Wind Band

Riverside Concert Wind Band

Vexmantra

Vexmantra

Arboresque

Arboresque

Spindrift

Spindrift

Geoff Williams

Geoff Williams

Carl Zed

Carl Zed

Ocean Harmony

Ocean Harmony

My Black Poison

My Black Poison

DJ Drive

DJ Drive

Helicopter Pirates

Helicopter Pirates

Kalopsia

Kalopsia

Ribble

Ribble

Aoife Scully

Aoife Scully

Sean Bertram

Sean Bertram

Andy Tudor and the Usual Suspects

Andy Tudor and the Usual Suspects

Xènia Páez

Xènia Páez

GABRIELA

GABRIELA

Stuart Evans

Stuart Evans

Kalopsia (duo)

Kalopsia (duo)

Jack Walker

Jack Walker

High Mileage

High Mileage

Hük

Hük

Tired Less

Tired Less

Eternal Gloom

Eternal Gloom

The Dark Poet

The Dark Poet

Ollie Owen Jones

Ollie Owen Jones

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

NIKHITA

NIKHITA

JJCornick

JJCornick

Suncliffe

Suncliffe

Malcolm Carlo

Malcolm Carlo

Kase the Myth

Kase the Myth

Totton Ukulele Band

Totton Ukulele Band

Dompap

Dompap

Pacuk Band

Pacuk Band

Mad Simple

Mad Simple

Sofia Gillani

Sofia Gillani

Alexander Bithell

Alexander Bithell

Beardos and Weirdos

Beardos and Weirdos

Emerson

Emerson

Oscar Meades

Oscar Meades

Echo Union

Echo Union

Rosie Hollins

Rosie Hollins

SKAM

SKAM

Brian Hooper

Brian Hooper

Big man with Small guitar

Big man with Small guitar

Xionic

Xionic

Broken Links

Broken Links

Betterphor

Betterphor

Roger Chantler

Roger Chantler

Sam Solace

Sam Solace

OC Thomas

OC Thomas

The Red Stars

The Red Stars

Zombie’ites

Zombie’ites

Woodfalls band

Woodfalls band

The Duskers

The Duskers

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

Halibut Jackson  & The Fishy Faces

Halibut Jackson & The Fishy Faces

Tony Arthur

Tony Arthur

Waldo Salt

Waldo Salt

3's a Crowd

3's a Crowd

Moakz

Moakz

Dusky Moon

Dusky Moon

71chain

71chain

Canis Arboris

Canis Arboris

Innovator

Innovator

Wire -JD

Wire -JD

Puddleglum

Puddleglum

Silvermon

Silvermon

Good-will

Good-will

The Bob Squad

The Bob Squad

Alfie Ingram

Alfie Ingram

Giles Halski

Giles Halski

Batala Portsmouth

Batala Portsmouth

Southampton's Music History

Southampton's Music History

Club Bad

Club Bad

RUBY

RUBY

Greeny & the Voyagers

Greeny & the Voyagers

The Hinton  Cleeves Conspiracy

The Hinton Cleeves Conspiracy

The Cali Cartel from Hell

The Cali Cartel from Hell

Andrew Buchanan

Andrew Buchanan

He Fired First

He Fired First

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

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

Accrington Stanley

Accrington Stanley

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

Jim Pearson

Jim Pearson

Arzenic

Arzenic

Diffy Dames

Diffy Dames

FREESPIRITS

FREESPIRITS

Ukofonics

Ukofonics

The Zone

The Zone

Industry Plant

Industry Plant

Arlo Star

Arlo Star

Mike Lemin Band

Mike Lemin Band

Mariano Korman

Mariano Korman

Sebastian Horton

Sebastian Horton

Elemci

Elemci

Will Walton

Will Walton

The Postmen

The Postmen

GaYeon Lee

GaYeon Lee

Andy White Poetry

Andy White Poetry

Continental Liaison

Continental Liaison

Ekoweko

Ekoweko

KSJM

KSJM

Jim Bryant

Jim Bryant

Laura Klima

Laura Klima

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Freya Golding

Freya Golding

Way Down South

Way Down South

The Slack 5

The Slack 5

5 Degrees North

5 Degrees North

Margarita Sleepover

Margarita Sleepover

Lachlan Horne

Lachlan Horne

Oddball Savage

Oddball Savage

Dawn of Dystopia

Dawn of Dystopia

The Monday Grooves

The Monday Grooves

Steve Weston

Steve Weston

Lyla Skyrim

Lyla Skyrim

The Phantom Majors

The Phantom Majors

Lucy Smith

Lucy Smith

Arji  Manuelpillai

Arji Manuelpillai

Purple Grace

Purple Grace

James B / James  F

James B / James F

Houdini’s Hand

Houdini’s Hand

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

St Andrews Pipe Band

St Andrews Pipe Band

Nia Nicholls

Nia Nicholls

Ryan Watts

Ryan Watts

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs

Gaz Parker

Gaz Parker

James K. Barker

James K. Barker

The Ben Poore Project

The Ben Poore Project

Scarlett

Scarlett

MoniQ

MoniQ

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

Jax Leonard

Jax Leonard

Kat Hutchings Yoga

Kat Hutchings Yoga

Sculpt

Sculpt

this occasional society

this occasional society

The Wildcards

The Wildcards

Lottie Marie

Lottie Marie

Dan James

Dan James

Olivia Marsha

Olivia Marsha

Kinesis 4

Kinesis 4

desperateBeauty

desperateBeauty

Gig Night

Gig Night

NoteWorthy

NoteWorthy

Stereo Swan

Stereo Swan

Ken Wood and the Mixers

Ken Wood and the Mixers

WooHabs

WooHabs

Haeze

Haeze

Psychedelic Skies

Psychedelic Skies

Godless Suns

Godless Suns

Harry Ryan

Harry Ryan

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

Hanna Gibbons

Hanna Gibbons

Ajay Sahota

Ajay Sahota

Mahoosive

Mahoosive

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Charmtype

Charmtype

Voice FM

Voice FM

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

G-MAN 777

G-MAN 777

Flipside

Flipside

Jess Breame

Jess Breame

Southampton Grad Band

Southampton Grad Band

Eric Walker & Sarah Rose

Eric Walker & Sarah Rose

Cat Elliott

Cat Elliott

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

160

160

The Daytonas

The Daytonas

According to Brian

According to Brian

Greenish

Greenish

Citizen Perez

Citizen Perez

Sugar Bang

Sugar Bang

One foot in the rave

One foot in the rave

Fiesta FM

Fiesta FM

Vermin

Vermin

Lucy RS Must c

Lucy RS Must c

Jon Yale

Jon Yale

Ibz & Da Goats

Ibz & Da Goats

Dj Sarah Nash

Dj Sarah Nash

JACKPUDDING

JACKPUDDING

Westingway

Westingway

Pianoman Justie

Pianoman Justie

Saxofony

Saxofony

Michael Devaux

Michael Devaux

Hydeout

Hydeout

The Alternates

The Alternates

Hail

Hail

NJT

NJT

Ignitez

Ignitez

Elie Pembrey

Elie Pembrey

Bad Alchemy

Bad Alchemy

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

Eat Your Greens

Eat Your Greens

Madison Square

Madison Square

Southampton Ukulele Jam

Southampton Ukulele Jam

Velickaite Sisters

Velickaite Sisters

RENEGADE ROSE

RENEGADE ROSE

Echo Mask

Echo Mask

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

Jonathan Klein

Jonathan Klein

Karl V

Karl V

Watching the Buzzards

Watching the Buzzards

Riverside Blues Band

Riverside Blues Band

Jaquie Daniels

Jaquie Daniels

Munro

Munro

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

Ian Kimber

Ian Kimber

Address soundsystem

Address soundsystem

Laurie Bolger

Laurie Bolger

PB Squared

PB Squared

Mosaic

Mosaic

Kindred Found

Kindred Found

The Pop Tarts

The Pop Tarts

RELLiX

RELLiX

The Picton Readers Club

The Picton Readers Club

McGriff

McGriff

Reverence Sound

Reverence Sound

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

October Some When

October Some When

Cosmic Sisters

Cosmic Sisters

Silent Disco with Club Bad DJ's

Silent Disco with Club Bad DJ's

Halliwell

Halliwell

Theresa Lola

Theresa Lola

Earth Propellor

Earth Propellor

Naty Giachino

Naty Giachino

CHIMAN 101

CHIMAN 101

Hobb Lane

Hobb Lane

H.AZ

H.AZ

Simply Sax  - Kenny Garrick

Simply Sax - Kenny Garrick

Eva Nicole

Eva Nicole

EVXN

EVXN

Fragile Lucy

Fragile Lucy

9 Lives

9 Lives

Doc Martin & the Mayhem

Doc Martin & the Mayhem

Roxy's Revenge

Roxy's Revenge

SO Sound Choir

SO Sound Choir

Bisola

Bisola

Ekowe (Acoustic)

Ekowe (Acoustic)

The Halliwells

The Halliwells

The  Restless Coast

The Restless Coast

OCB & Adam Turner

OCB & Adam Turner

Lounge Room Lizards

Lounge Room Lizards

Days of Speed

Days of Speed

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

Achoiring Voices

Achoiring Voices

Q Shaq

Q Shaq

City of Southampton Orchestra

City of Southampton Orchestra

Mick Gough

Mick Gough

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

Freestone

Freestone

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Romsey Shanty Crew

Romsey Shanty Crew

Love Is Enough

Love Is Enough

Far Solar

Far Solar

You

You

Vacant Shores

Vacant Shores

Nàila

Nàila

Roger James Shephard

Roger James Shephard

WAPPADUSA Sound System

WAPPADUSA Sound System

Voodoo Rays

Voodoo Rays

Ricco Sakona

Ricco Sakona

Shaun Shears & The Locals

Shaun Shears & The Locals

Lamelle Shaw

Lamelle Shaw

Paul Levi

Paul Levi

Loose Change

Loose Change

FancyWall

FancyWall

Nick Haynes

Nick Haynes

SOS PRESENTS

SOS PRESENTS

Guillotine Union Boys

Guillotine Union Boys

SJ Ventįl

SJ Ventįl

Steam Machine

Steam Machine

Amelia Simpson

Amelia Simpson

MJs Whipround Extravaganza

MJs Whipround Extravaganza

Zakk Paules

Zakk Paules

Elephants With Shotguns

Elephants With Shotguns

The Slowdown

The Slowdown

Royston Black

Royston Black

Funky Business

Funky Business

Dean Antony

Dean Antony

Anita Foxall Poetry

Anita Foxall Poetry

Ruth Johnson & Simon Grant

Ruth Johnson & Simon Grant

Gimme a Break DJs

Gimme a Break DJs

Groove Bakers

Groove Bakers

The Bex quartet

The Bex quartet

Mart Ward Talks

Mart Ward Talks

Marsupial

Marsupial

Lula Gold

Lula Gold

Katy Halliwell

Katy Halliwell

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

Chimney and I K 8OY

Chimney and I K 8OY

dj junk

dj junk

DJ

DJ

Exhilaro

Exhilaro

Dara Blaxx

Dara Blaxx

gaz909

gaz909

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Millie Woodrow

Millie Woodrow

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

Red Light Spies

Red Light Spies

Darren Vernall (Clapton Unplugged)

Darren Vernall (Clapton Unplugged)

Changing Melody

Changing Melody

Rachel Jeffcoat

Rachel Jeffcoat

South Central

South Central

Days of closure

Days of closure

Belle Saint

Belle Saint

Stephanio

Stephanio

Miriam

Miriam

Frontline

Frontline

Lost Post

Lost Post

Felis Leo

Felis Leo

Footless Kicks

Footless Kicks

Jay Munday

Jay Munday

The Soulcatchers

The Soulcatchers

The Shantywomen

The Shantywomen

Tesoro Duo

Tesoro Duo

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

James & Phil

James & Phil

The Dandelion Chain

The Dandelion Chain

Matt Sanger

Matt Sanger

Jimmy b and the death rattles

Jimmy b and the death rattles

AfroDeX

AfroDeX

Sea Ranch

Sea Ranch

Lee Huxtable

Lee Huxtable

Cocoa

Cocoa

Swan Samba

Swan Samba

The Can Can Club.

The Can Can Club.

Deepest Sense

Deepest Sense

Michael, Stuart,  Steve & Charlie

Michael, Stuart, Steve & Charlie

Cella

Cella

The Elderlys

The Elderlys

Sonne

Sonne

Reverb (Hampshire)

Reverb (Hampshire)

DJ / Open Mic

DJ / Open Mic

TBC

TBC

Nick JT

Nick JT

Jubilee

Jubilee

New Tide

New Tide

Craig Chalmers

Craig Chalmers

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Jackson Davies

Jackson Davies

Punkhub

Punkhub

Palookaville

Palookaville

Our host venues…

Canute's Palace

Canute's Palace

Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers

Gallery Grounds

Gallery Grounds

Marlands Shopping Centre

Marlands Shopping Centre

Town Quay Park

Town Quay Park

The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary

Overdraft

Overdraft

Castle Vault

Castle Vault

Southampton Uni Freshers Stage

Southampton Uni Freshers Stage

Bottle & Stoat

Bottle & Stoat

All Bar One Southampton

All Bar One Southampton

The Social

The Social

Retro Cafe

Retro Cafe

Southampton Masonic Hall

Southampton Masonic Hall

HMV Southampton

HMV Southampton

Arundel Gardens

Arundel Gardens

The Joiners

The Joiners

Lankester’s Vault

Lankester’s Vault

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

94 High Street Vault

94 High Street Vault

St Michael the Archangel

St Michael the Archangel

The London Hotel

The London Hotel

Funky Flamingo

Funky Flamingo

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Holyrood Church

Holyrood Church

Medieval Merchant's House

Medieval Merchant's House

Bandstand (Palmerston Park)

Bandstand (Palmerston Park)

John Hansard Gallery

John Hansard Gallery

Cafe Nautical Mile

Cafe Nautical Mile

O'Neill's Southampton

O'Neill's Southampton

Toys R Us wasteland

Toys R Us wasteland

Raven & Bine

Raven & Bine

God's House Tower

God's House Tower

room2

room2

The Loft

The Loft

The Undercroft

The Undercroft

IO

IO

Barraquito

Barraquito

The Piano

The Piano

Mamacita's

Mamacita's

London Road Brew House

London Road Brew House

Weigh House

Weigh House

John Lewis

John Lewis

St Joseph's Church

St Joseph's Church

St Michael's Vault

St Michael's Vault

God's House Tower, Crawford Room

God's House Tower, Crawford Room

The Platform Tavern

The Platform Tavern

Planet Sounds

Planet Sounds

Holyrood  DJ's

Holyrood DJ's

Dancing Man Brewery

Dancing Man Brewery

Vinilo Record Store

Vinilo Record Store

King John’s Palace

King John’s Palace

Duke of Wellington

Duke of Wellington

The White Star Tavern

The White Star Tavern

Weigh Vault

Weigh Vault

Dirty Barrel

Dirty Barrel

Quilter's Vault

Quilter's Vault

Orange Rooms

Orange Rooms

Slug and Lettuce Southampton

Slug and Lettuce Southampton

XOXO

XOXO

St Michael's Square

St Michael's Square

The Alexandra

The Alexandra

HUUUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS…

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.”

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

“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. ”

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

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

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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?... 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.”

“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.”

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

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

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

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

“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.”

“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!”

“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?... opportunity to visit new venues and areas of the city, especially the Vaults. Variety of music. Music and joy everywhere. ”

“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.”

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

“Loved the audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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!”

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

We do so much more than just our annual festival!

Latest news

28 June 2026

Bedford Place Festival Success

Good times were had by all at the Bedford Place Festival that took place in...

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...

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

God's House Tower

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

Planet Sounds

Planet Sounds Rehearsal and recording studio has been a well-loved and highly regarded space for local musicians since opening in 2004. This intimate, 50 capacity space with a bar, has exceptional live sound and a lounge area for relaxing.
40 Terminus Terrace, Southampton

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

Music fans will remember the Alex for providing many years of live music and the new management (2026) aim to keep that tradition alive. Food is a big thing at the new Alex and you will love the open plan kitchen and dining areas. The beer garden has had a refurb too and has already become a favourite haunt of Ibizan DJs!
6 Bellevue Rd, Southampton

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…

The Drop

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

Vinilo Record Store

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

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!

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.

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.

Our 2026 Partners & Supporters

We are supported by and working with GO! Southampton, the city centre Business Improvement District

Southampton’s unique community coworking & events space, situated on Southampton Common

Multi-Award Winning Rehearsal Studios, PA Hire and Music Lessons for Musicians, Bands and Performers

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