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:

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

“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.”

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

“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!”

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

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

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

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

“Loved the audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

“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?... it highlights what an amazing music scene we have in Southampton. ”

“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.”

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

“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?... 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?... the variety of music making and the opportunities it afforded everyone - also the sense of community.”

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

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