2026 multi venue festival date:

Saturday 12th September 2026

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Sign ups so far…

Venues on the list so far for the 2026 festival…

Canute's Palace

Canute's Palace

Gallery Grounds

Gallery Grounds

Weigh House & Vault

Weigh House & Vault

All Bar One Southampton

All Bar One Southampton

O'Neill's Southampton

O'Neill's Southampton

Castle Bailey Wall

Castle Bailey Wall

John Hansard Gallery

John Hansard Gallery

Southampton City Art Gallery

Southampton City Art Gallery

God's House Tower

God's House Tower

The Loft

The Loft

The Watergate Ruin

The Watergate Ruin

The Cricketers Arms

The Cricketers Arms

HMV Southampton

HMV Southampton

Quilter's Vault

Quilter's Vault

The Social

The Social

Retro Cafe

Retro Cafe

St Michael's Square

St Michael's Square

Holyrood Church

Holyrood Church

room2

room2

King John’s Palace

King John’s Palace

Belgium and Blues

Belgium and Blues

Barraquito

Barraquito

St Michael's Vault

St Michael's Vault

Raven & Bine

Raven & Bine

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Medieval Merchant's House

Medieval Merchant's House

Southampton Masonic Hall

Southampton Masonic Hall

Town Quay Park

Town Quay Park

St Joseph's Church

St Joseph's Church

Arundel Gardens

Arundel Gardens

Vinilo Record Store

Vinilo Record Store

Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers

Castle Hall

Castle Hall

The London Hotel

The London Hotel

St Michael the Archangel

St Michael the Archangel

94 High Street Vault

94 High Street Vault

Lankester’s Vault

Lankester’s Vault

Dancing Man Brewery

Dancing Man Brewery

Castle Vault

Castle Vault

The Undercroft

The Undercroft

Our 2026 Partners & Supporters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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 audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”

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

“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 ❤️”

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

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

“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 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?... 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 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?... a get together of all genres of music dedicated to highlighting raw talent. ”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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