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…

Psychedelic Skies

Psychedelic Skies

Mike Lemin Band

Mike Lemin Band

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Emerson

Emerson

Alfie Ingram

Alfie Ingram

Lucy Smith

Lucy Smith

Velickaite Sisters

Velickaite Sisters

KSJM

KSJM

High Mileage

High Mileage

Arboresque

Arboresque

Zen Juddhism

Zen Juddhism

Houdini’s Hand

Houdini’s Hand

Roger James Shephard

Roger James Shephard

Eternal Gloom

Eternal Gloom

Waldo Salt

Waldo Salt

Arji  Manuelpillai

Arji Manuelpillai

Jax Leonard

Jax Leonard

Giles Halski

Giles Halski

Puddleglum

Puddleglum

Sebastian Horton

Sebastian Horton

According to Brian

According to Brian

Sean Bertram

Sean Bertram

Pacuk Band

Pacuk Band

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

Jonathan Klein

Jonathan Klein

Riverside Blues Band

Riverside Blues Band

Ukofonics

Ukofonics

Aoife Scully

Aoife Scully

Westingway

Westingway

D'vonti

D'vonti

My Black Poison

My Black Poison

Jim Bryant

Jim Bryant

NoteWorthy

NoteWorthy

The Hinton  Cleeves Conspiracy

The Hinton Cleeves Conspiracy

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

RENEGADE ROSE

RENEGADE ROSE

Doc Martin & the Mayhem

Doc Martin & the Mayhem

Adventure State

Adventure State

Halibut Jackson  & The Fishy Faces

Halibut Jackson & The Fishy Faces

DJ Drive

DJ Drive

Kinesis 4

Kinesis 4

Bisola

Bisola

Purple Grace

Purple Grace

Dawn of Dystopia

Dawn of Dystopia

Andy Tudor and the Usual Suspects

Andy Tudor and the Usual Suspects

Rosie jay

Rosie jay

Big man with Small guitar

Big man with Small guitar

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

Ignitez

Ignitez

3's a Crowd

3's a Crowd

Shiversa

Shiversa

Michael Devaux

Michael Devaux

Kindred Found

Kindred Found

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

SKAM

SKAM

Batala Portsmouth

Batala Portsmouth

CHIMAN 101

CHIMAN 101

Eat Your Greens

Eat Your Greens

Uke Box Glory

Uke Box Glory

The Sky at Night

The Sky at Night

The Alternates

The Alternates

DJ_MAJOR

DJ_MAJOR

The Picton Readers Club

The Picton Readers Club

Godless Suns

Godless Suns

Lachlan Horne

Lachlan Horne

Ibz & Da Goats

Ibz & Da Goats

Wire -JD

Wire -JD

Industry Plant

Industry Plant

He Fired First

He Fired First

Vacant Shores

Vacant Shores

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

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

Cat Elliott

Cat Elliott

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

Jack Walker

Jack Walker

Address soundsystem

Address soundsystem

Arlo Star

Arlo Star

Dompap

Dompap

Nia Nicholls

Nia Nicholls

Ollie Owen Jones

Ollie Owen Jones

Freya Golding

Freya Golding

JJCornick

JJCornick

The Bob Squad

The Bob Squad

NIKHITA

NIKHITA

Southampton's Music History

Southampton's Music History

Accrington Stanley

Accrington Stanley

The Dark Poet

The Dark Poet

The Red Stars

The Red Stars

this occasional society

this occasional society

Silvermon

Silvermon

St Andrews Pipe Band

St Andrews Pipe Band

Bamboo and Bow

Bamboo and Bow

Charmtype

Charmtype

Ian Kimber

Ian Kimber

Olivia Marsha

Olivia Marsha

Innovator

Innovator

The Howlin' Blackouts

The Howlin' Blackouts

Alexander Bithell

Alexander Bithell

Suncliffe

Suncliffe

The Postmen

The Postmen

Achoiring Voices

Achoiring Voices

Margarita Sleepover

Margarita Sleepover

NJT

NJT

Madison Square

Madison Square

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs

The Duskers

The Duskers

Romsey Shanty Crew

Romsey Shanty Crew

Arzenic

Arzenic

Gaz Parker

Gaz Parker

Haeze

Haeze

Ekowe (Acoustic)

Ekowe (Acoustic)

Steve Weston

Steve Weston

Totton Ukulele Band

Totton Ukulele Band

Beardos and Weirdos

Beardos and Weirdos

Ajay Sahota

Ajay Sahota

H.AZ

H.AZ

Silent Disco with Club Bad DJ's

Silent Disco with Club Bad DJ's

Fragile Lucy

Fragile Lucy

Sam Solace

Sam Solace

Stereo Swan

Stereo Swan

Elie Pembrey

Elie Pembrey

International Jet Set

International Jet Set

Southampton Grad Band

Southampton Grad Band

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

You

You

Love Is Enough

Love Is Enough

Eric Walker & Sarah Rose

Eric Walker & Sarah Rose

Hük

Hük

Ken Wood and the Mixers

Ken Wood and the Mixers

Jon Yale

Jon Yale

James K. Barker

James K. Barker

The Surge

The Surge

Fiesta FM

Fiesta FM

Hobb Lane

Hobb Lane

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

The Zone

The Zone

Zombie’ites

Zombie’ites

Angling For Farthings

Angling For Farthings

Far Solar

Far Solar

Adam Kammerling

Adam Kammerling

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

The Slack 5

The Slack 5

Earth Propellor

Earth Propellor

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

Xionic

Xionic

Ronk Torp

Ronk Torp

WooHabs

WooHabs

The Salamanders

The Salamanders

Roxy's Revenge

Roxy's Revenge

Canis Arboris

Canis Arboris

The Outsiders

The Outsiders

Betterphor

Betterphor

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

Q Shaq

Q Shaq

Echo Union

Echo Union

Rosie Hollins

Rosie Hollins

Eva Nicole

Eva Nicole

Elemci

Elemci

Harry Ryan

Harry Ryan

Tired Less

Tired Less

Kase the Myth

Kase the Myth

Lyla Skyrim

Lyla Skyrim

ItsPetre

ItsPetre

WAPPADUSA Sound System

WAPPADUSA Sound System

Riverside Concert Wind Band

Riverside Concert Wind Band

Slap the Willow

Slap the Willow

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

Benana Student Showcase

Benana Student Showcase

October Some When

October Some When

Gig Night

Gig Night

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

Karl V

Karl V

9 Lives

9 Lives

Maerefolk

Maerefolk

Sculpt

Sculpt

Malcolm Carlo

Malcolm Carlo

Jaquie Daniels

Jaquie Daniels

Hydeout

Hydeout

Tony Arthur

Tony Arthur

Kalopsia

Kalopsia

JACKPUDDING

JACKPUDDING

Laurie Bolger

Laurie Bolger

City of Southampton Orchestra

City of Southampton Orchestra

Amy Fox

Amy Fox

Ryan Watts

Ryan Watts

EVXN

EVXN

The Halliwells

The Halliwells

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

Freestone

Freestone

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Mahoosive

Mahoosive

Dj Sarah Nash

Dj Sarah Nash

Flipside

Flipside

Saxofony

Saxofony

The Long Shorts

The Long Shorts

Dusky Moon

Dusky Moon

Milkin' It

Milkin' It

Felis Leo

Felis Leo

Stuart Evans

Stuart Evans

Reverence Sound

Reverence Sound

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

71chain

71chain

Ocean Harmony

Ocean Harmony

Theresa Lola

Theresa Lola

Roger Chantler

Roger Chantler

Vermin

Vermin

Naty Giachino

Naty Giachino

GABRIELA

GABRIELA

Good-will

Good-will

RELLiX

RELLiX

Lottie Marie

Lottie Marie

PB Squared

PB Squared

Kalopsia (duo)

Kalopsia (duo)

Angel Jones

Angel Jones

McGriff

McGriff

The Monday Grooves

The Monday Grooves

Mick Gough

Mick Gough

Days of Speed

Days of Speed

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

Moakz

Moakz

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Cosmic Sisters

Cosmic Sisters

Continental Liaison

Continental Liaison

Vexmantra

Vexmantra

Sofia Gillani

Sofia Gillani

FREESPIRITS

FREESPIRITS

Ribble

Ribble

Igloo Hearts

Igloo Hearts

Echo Mask

Echo Mask

Spindrift

Spindrift

Citizen Perez

Citizen Perez

Mad Simple

Mad Simple

Amie Lou Shaw

Amie Lou Shaw

Munro

Munro

Room 18

Room 18

Mike and the Mojitos

Mike and the Mojitos

desperateBeauty

desperateBeauty

One foot in the rave

One foot in the rave

Watching the Buzzards

Watching the Buzzards

Scarlett

Scarlett

OCB & Adam Turner

OCB & Adam Turner

Halliwell

Halliwell

Carl Zed

Carl Zed

Sugar Bang

Sugar Bang

Woodfalls band

Woodfalls band

Mai

Mai

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

Jess Breame

Jess Breame

The Ben Poore Project

The Ben Poore Project

Greenish

Greenish

Andrew Buchanan

Andrew Buchanan

Space Ace Robot

Space Ace Robot

Mr. Buoyant

Mr. Buoyant

GaYeon Lee

GaYeon Lee

Jim Pearson

Jim Pearson

Laura Klima

Laura Klima

Lounge Room Lizards

Lounge Room Lizards

Club Bad

Club Bad

DJ Alex

DJ Alex

Voice FM

Voice FM

Bad Alchemy

Bad Alchemy

The Cali Cartel from Hell

The Cali Cartel from Hell

The Wildcards

The Wildcards

Way Down South

Way Down South

MoniQ

MoniQ

Ekoweko

Ekoweko

James B / James  F

James B / James F

The Slow Cooked Bears

The Slow Cooked Bears

SO Sound Choir

SO Sound Choir

Andy White Poetry

Andy White Poetry

Bragging Rights

Bragging Rights

Diffy Dames

Diffy Dames

Hail

Hail

Xènia Páez

Xènia Páez

OC Thomas

OC Thomas

Hampshire Guitar Club

Hampshire Guitar Club

Geoff Williams

Geoff Williams

5 Degrees North

5 Degrees North

Dan James

Dan James

Lucy RS Must c

Lucy RS Must c

Brian Hooper

Brian Hooper

Helicopter Pirates

Helicopter Pirates

G-MAN 777

G-MAN 777

The Sound Crew

The Sound Crew

The Daytonas

The Daytonas

Mariano Korman

Mariano Korman

RUBY

RUBY

Will Walton

Will Walton

Hanna Gibbons

Hanna Gibbons

Kat Hutchings Yoga

Kat Hutchings Yoga

Broken Links

Broken Links

Mosaic

Mosaic

Pianoman Justie

Pianoman Justie

Oddball Savage

Oddball Savage

The  Restless Coast

The Restless Coast

Southampton Ukulele Jam

Southampton Ukulele Jam

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

Simply Sax  - Kenny Garrick

Simply Sax - Kenny Garrick

Bella Cameron

Bella Cameron

Under The Attic

Under The Attic

CJOHNSON

CJOHNSON

160

160

The Pop Tarts

The Pop Tarts

The Slowdown

The Slowdown

Royston Black

Royston Black

Steam Machine

Steam Machine

Cella

Cella

The Can Can Club.

The Can Can Club.

South Central

South Central

Exhilaro

Exhilaro

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Rachel Jeffcoat

Rachel Jeffcoat

Days of closure

Days of closure

Craig Chalmers

Craig Chalmers

Loose Change

Loose Change

Sonne

Sonne

The Dandelion Chain

The Dandelion Chain

Anita Foxall Poetry

Anita Foxall Poetry

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

Nick Haynes

Nick Haynes

Paul Levi

Paul Levi

Lost Post

Lost Post

Matt Sanger

Matt Sanger

Dara Blaxx

Dara Blaxx

New Tide

New Tide

Belle Saint

Belle Saint

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Stephanio

Stephanio

The Bex quartet

The Bex quartet

Amelia Simpson

Amelia Simpson

Lula Gold

Lula Gold

Gimme a Break DJs

Gimme a Break DJs

Reverb (Hampshire)

Reverb (Hampshire)

Jubilee

Jubilee

Millie Woodrow

Millie Woodrow

Punkhub

Punkhub

Ricco Sakona

Ricco Sakona

Mart Ward Talks

Mart Ward Talks

Frontline

Frontline

dj junk

dj junk

Palookaville

Palookaville

Marsupial

Marsupial

Jimmy b and the death rattles

Jimmy b and the death rattles

MJs Whipround Extravaganza

MJs Whipround Extravaganza

Dean Antony

Dean Antony

The Soulcatchers

The Soulcatchers

Nick JT

Nick JT

Changing Melody

Changing Melody

Autorora

Autorora

Miriam

Miriam

DJ

DJ

Groove Bakers

Groove Bakers

Lee Huxtable

Lee Huxtable

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

DJ / Open Mic

DJ / Open Mic

Darren Vernall (Clapton Unplugged)

Darren Vernall (Clapton Unplugged)

Funky Business

Funky Business

SOS PRESENTS

SOS PRESENTS

Sea Ranch

Sea Ranch

The Elderlys

The Elderlys

Jackson Davies

Jackson Davies

Guillotine Union Boys

Guillotine Union Boys

TBC

TBC

Elephants With Shotguns

Elephants With Shotguns

Ruth Johnson & Simon Grant

Ruth Johnson & Simon Grant

Tesoro Duo

Tesoro Duo

FancyWall

FancyWall

Deepest Sense

Deepest Sense

gaz909

gaz909

Zakk Paules

Zakk Paules

Footless Kicks

Footless Kicks

Chimney and I K 8OY

Chimney and I K 8OY

The Shantywomen

The Shantywomen

Jay Munday

Jay Munday

Michael, Stuart,  Steve & Charlie

Michael, Stuart, Steve & Charlie

Katy Halliwell

Katy Halliwell

James & Phil

James & Phil

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

Shaun Shears & The Locals

Shaun Shears & The Locals

Red Light Spies

Red Light Spies

Lamelle Shaw

Lamelle Shaw

Our host venues…

Raven & Bine

Raven & Bine

God's House Tower

God's House Tower

John Hansard Gallery

John Hansard Gallery

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Castle Vault

Castle Vault

Gallery Grounds

Gallery Grounds

St Michael the Archangel

St Michael the Archangel

Bandstand (Palmerston Park)

Bandstand (Palmerston Park)

Retro Cafe

Retro Cafe

Weigh House

Weigh House

Marlands Shopping Centre

Marlands Shopping Centre

Mamacita's

Mamacita's

The Loft

The Loft

XOXO

XOXO

Lankester’s Vault

Lankester’s Vault

All Bar One Southampton

All Bar One Southampton

O'Neill's Southampton

O'Neill's Southampton

IO

IO

The Platform Tavern

The Platform Tavern

Southampton Uni Freshers Stage

Southampton Uni Freshers Stage

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

Duke of Wellington

Duke of Wellington

Cafe Nautical Mile

Cafe Nautical Mile

The White Star Tavern

The White Star Tavern

94 High Street Vault

94 High Street Vault

Toys R Us wasteland

Toys R Us wasteland

Vinilo Record Store

Vinilo Record Store

Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers

Funky Flamingo

Funky Flamingo

Holyrood Church

Holyrood Church

God's House Tower, Crawford Room

God's House Tower, Crawford Room

Slug and Lettuce Southampton

Slug and Lettuce Southampton

St Michael's Vault

St Michael's Vault

The Piano

The Piano

Dirty Barrel

Dirty Barrel

Holyrood  DJ's

Holyrood DJ's

Weigh Vault

Weigh Vault

Southampton Masonic Hall

Southampton Masonic Hall

Town Quay Park

Town Quay Park

The Joiners

The Joiners

St Michael's Square

St Michael's Square

The London Hotel

The London Hotel

Medieval Merchant's House

Medieval Merchant's House

The Alexandra

The Alexandra

HMV Southampton

HMV Southampton

Barraquito

Barraquito

Arundel Gardens

Arundel Gardens

Orange Rooms

Orange Rooms

St Joseph's Church

St Joseph's Church

King John’s Palace

King John’s Palace

London Road Brew House

London Road Brew House

The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary

Quilter's Vault

Quilter's Vault

Bottle & Stoat

Bottle & Stoat

The Undercroft

The Undercroft

John Lewis

John Lewis

Planet Sounds

Planet Sounds

room2

room2

Dancing Man Brewery

Dancing Man Brewery

The Social

The Social

Overdraft

Overdraft

Canute's Palace

Canute's Palace

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.

“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 audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”

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

“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.”

“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 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!!!”

“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 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. ”

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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 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 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 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.”

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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