Promoting the great range of music in and around Southampton, celebrating its unique heritage, and uniting everyone through music at a multi-venue festival in September

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

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

“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.”

“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.”

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

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

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

“Loved the audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

“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.”

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

“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. ”

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

“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 👏👏.”

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

“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.”

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

O'Neill's

O'Neill's

Carlton Place Market

Carlton Place Market

John Lewis

John Lewis

The Rockstone

The Rockstone

God's House Tower

God's House Tower

St Michael's Square

St Michael's Square

King John’s Palace

King John’s Palace

Weigh House & Vault

Weigh House & Vault

Holyrood Church

Holyrood Church

Arundel Gardens

Arundel Gardens

Castle Vault

Castle Vault

Canute's Palace

Canute's Palace

Belgium and Blues

Belgium and Blues

The Dell

The Dell

The Platform Tavern

The Platform Tavern

Lankester’s Vault

Lankester’s Vault

John Hansard Gallery

John Hansard Gallery

St Michael's Vault

St Michael's Vault

The Undercroft

The Undercroft

The Grumpy Monkey

The Grumpy Monkey

The King Canute

The King Canute

The Grapes

The Grapes

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

Beards & Boards

Beards & Boards

St Michael’s Church

St Michael’s Church

Papillon

Papillon

Bottle & Stoat

Bottle & Stoat

94 High Street Vault

94 High Street Vault

Dancing Man Brewery

Dancing Man Brewery

The Cricketers Arms

The Cricketers Arms

The 1865

The 1865

Duke of Wellington

Duke of Wellington

Castle Bailey Wall

Castle Bailey Wall

XOXO

XOXO

Raven & Bine

Raven & Bine

HMV Southampton

HMV Southampton

Holyrood  DJ's

Holyrood DJ's

The London Hotel

The London Hotel

All Bar One

All Bar One

London Road Brew House

London Road Brew House

Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers

St Joseph's Church

St Joseph's Church

St Michael's  DJ's

St Michael's DJ's

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Quilter's Vault

Quilter's Vault

The Joiners

The Joiners

Medieval Merchant's House

Medieval Merchant's House

Brewdog Southampton

Brewdog Southampton

Mettricks Guildhall

Mettricks Guildhall

Unity Brewing Co

Unity Brewing Co

Orange Rooms

Orange Rooms

Overdraft

Overdraft

The Social

The Social

The Loft

The Loft

MUSIC IN THE CITY 2025

took place on the weekend of 13/14 September 2025

361

Acts

1,770

Musicians

42

Genres

54

Venues

Love the music? Please donate to keep it playing

Our funding is super tight and running costs are high, if you could pay a little something it will make a massive difference to us and to the future of Music in the City.

PLEASE DONATE

Suggested donation: £3

2025 Playlist

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Our 2025 Partners & Supporters

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

Southampton football club partner with Music in the City as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting local culture and community events

Multi-Award Winning Rehearsal Studios, PA Hire and Music tuition, delivering professional sounds to Music in the City