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 took 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…

The Wildcards

The Wildcards

Psychedelic Skies

Psychedelic Skies

Michael Devaux

Michael Devaux

Ken Wood and the Mixers

Ken Wood and the Mixers

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Poetry from the Forward Prizes

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

D'vonti

D'vonti

Angel Jones

Angel Jones

NoteWorthy

NoteWorthy

Hail

Hail

Dara Blaxx

Dara Blaxx

Ekoweko

Ekoweko

The Sky at Night

The Sky at Night

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

Simon Maggs & People Like Us

Address soundsystem

Address soundsystem

Betterphor

Betterphor

G-MAN 777

G-MAN 777

Eric Walker & Sarah Rose

Eric Walker & Sarah Rose

Paul Levi

Paul Levi

Pacuk Band

Pacuk Band

5 Degrees North

5 Degrees North

Purple Grace

Purple Grace

The Red Stars

The Red Stars

Mick Gough

Mick Gough

The Surge

The Surge

Bella Cameron

Bella Cameron

NX Panther

NX Panther

Igloo Hearts

Igloo Hearts

Riverside Concert Wind Band

Riverside Concert Wind Band

Laura Klima

Laura Klima

Echo Union

Echo Union

Zombie’ites

Zombie’ites

The Salamanders

The Salamanders

Kinesis 4

Kinesis 4

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs

Beardos and Weirdos

Beardos and Weirdos

Helicopter Pirates

Helicopter Pirates

Kase the Myth

Kase the Myth

Vexmantra

Vexmantra

The Cali Cartel from Hell

The Cali Cartel from Hell

Diffy Dames

Diffy Dames

Suncliffe

Suncliffe

The Outsiders

The Outsiders

Simply Sax  - Kenny Garrick

Simply Sax - Kenny Garrick

Houdini’s Hand

Houdini’s Hand

Kalopsia

Kalopsia

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

Kev Ellis and the Space Cadets

The Pop Tarts

The Pop Tarts

Hampshire Guitar Club

Hampshire Guitar Club

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

Creative Sparks: Poetry Workshop

Riverside Blues Band

Riverside Blues Band

Vinyl Phillips

Vinyl Phillips

Echo Mask

Echo Mask

Flipside

Flipside

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

Mountbatten Hampshire Community Choir

Punkhub

Punkhub

Ribble

Ribble

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

Strictly Sweetness (y worry cottage)

Theresa Lola

Theresa Lola

The Alternates

The Alternates

Tired Less

Tired Less

Jax Leonard

Jax Leonard

Mosaic

Mosaic

Geoff Williams

Geoff Williams

RELLiX

RELLiX

Ekowe (Acoustic)

Ekowe (Acoustic)

DJ Drive

DJ Drive

Steve Weston

Steve Weston

The  Restless Coast

The Restless Coast

Mike and the Mojitos

Mike and the Mojitos

JJCornick

JJCornick

Days of Speed

Days of Speed

WAPPADUSA Sound System

WAPPADUSA Sound System

Benana Student Showcase

Benana Student Showcase

The Slow Cooked Bears

The Slow Cooked Bears

Lucy RS Must c

Lucy RS Must c

Halibut Jackson  & The Fishy Faces

Halibut Jackson & The Fishy Faces

The Long Shorts

The Long Shorts

Elie Pembrey

Elie Pembrey

3's a Crowd

3's a Crowd

The Zone

The Zone

Bragging Rights

Bragging Rights

Flossie James

Flossie James

Karl V

Karl V

Westingway

Westingway

Jon Yale

Jon Yale

Continental Liaison

Continental Liaison

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

New Forest Community Tango Orchestra

Silent Disco with Club Bad DJ's

Silent Disco with Club Bad DJ's

Jonathan Klein

Jonathan Klein

High Mileage

High Mileage

Waldo Salt

Waldo Salt

Roger James Shephard

Roger James Shephard

The Dark Poet

The Dark Poet

Will Walton

Will Walton

Sugar Bang

Sugar Bang

CHIMAN 101

CHIMAN 101

Andy Tudor and the Usual Suspects

Andy Tudor and the Usual Suspects

Mike Lemin Band

Mike Lemin Band

Vacant Shores

Vacant Shores

Arboresque

Arboresque

Dj Sarah Nash

Dj Sarah Nash

The Picton Readers Club

The Picton Readers Club

Giles Halski

Giles Halski

H.AZ

H.AZ

Angling For Farthings

Angling For Farthings

Amy Fox

Amy Fox

WooHabs

WooHabs

MoniQ

MoniQ

Jaquie Daniels

Jaquie Daniels

Emerson

Emerson

Andy White Poetry

Andy White Poetry

Dawn of Dystopia

Dawn of Dystopia

JACKPUDDING

JACKPUDDING

Ryan Watts

Ryan Watts

Ukofonics

Ukofonics

Big man with Small guitar

Big man with Small guitar

The Ben Poore Project

The Ben Poore Project

James B / James  F

James B / James F

Bad Alchemy

Bad Alchemy

Zen Juddhism

Zen Juddhism

Ollie Owen Jones

Ollie Owen Jones

Arzenic

Arzenic

Sean Bertram

Sean Bertram

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band

International Jet Set

International Jet Set

Munro

Munro

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

City of Southampton (Albion) Band

Slap the Willow

Slap the Willow

Southampton's Music History

Southampton's Music History

Dan James

Dan James

Velickaite Sisters

Velickaite Sisters

Charmtype

Charmtype

McGriff

McGriff

160

160

Ian Kimber

Ian Kimber

Innovator

Innovator

Hanna Gibbons

Hanna Gibbons

Mariano Korman

Mariano Korman

Olivia Marsha

Olivia Marsha

Lottie Marie

Lottie Marie

Pianoman Justie

Pianoman Justie

ItsPetre

ItsPetre

Greenish

Greenish

Jess Breame

Jess Breame

The Hinton  Cleeves Conspiracy

The Hinton Cleeves Conspiracy

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Brian Hooper

Brian Hooper

Southampton Ukulele Jam

Southampton Ukulele Jam

DJ Alex

DJ Alex

You

You

NIKHITA

NIKHITA

desperateBeauty

desperateBeauty

Vermin

Vermin

9 Lives

9 Lives

The Bob Squad

The Bob Squad

NJT

NJT

Roxy's Revenge

Roxy's Revenge

Ignitez

Ignitez

Broken Links

Broken Links

Kat Hutchings Yoga

Kat Hutchings Yoga

Freestone

Freestone

Godless Suns

Godless Suns

The Sound Crew

The Sound Crew

Jack Walker

Jack Walker

Stereo Swan

Stereo Swan

CJOHNSON

CJOHNSON

Canis Arboris

Canis Arboris

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Savoury Tooth Tiger

Eva Nicole

Eva Nicole

Kalopsia (duo)

Kalopsia (duo)

EVXN

EVXN

OCB & Adam Turner

OCB & Adam Turner

Arji  Manuelpillai

Arji Manuelpillai

The Halliwells

The Halliwells

Way Down South

Way Down South

Ronk Torp

Ronk Torp

Hydeout

Hydeout

Mahoosive

Mahoosive

PB Squared

PB Squared

Sam Solace

Sam Solace

RUBY

RUBY

Bisola

Bisola

Batala Portsmouth

Batala Portsmouth

Eternal Gloom

Eternal Gloom

this occasional society

this occasional society

Fragile Lucy

Fragile Lucy

Roger Chantler

Roger Chantler

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

DJ Stevie-C & Kayleigh Strachan Official

Nia Nicholls

Nia Nicholls

Scarlett

Scarlett

Moakz

Moakz

Love Is Enough

Love Is Enough

City of Southampton Orchestra

City of Southampton Orchestra

Harry Ryan

Harry Ryan

GaYeon Lee

GaYeon Lee

Woodfalls band

Woodfalls band

Space Ace Robot

Space Ace Robot

Q Shaq

Q Shaq

Andrew Buchanan

Andrew Buchanan

He Fired First

He Fired First

Shiversa

Shiversa

OC Thomas

OC Thomas

Accrington Stanley

Accrington Stanley

SO Sound Choir

SO Sound Choir

Jim Bryant

Jim Bryant

Ajay Sahota

Ajay Sahota

Southampton Grad Band

Southampton Grad Band

Kindred Found

Kindred Found

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

MAKA FOUNDATION SOUND SYSTEM

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music Rising Stars

Xènia Páez

Xènia Páez

Good-will

Good-will

Achoiring Voices

Achoiring Voices

Felis Leo

Felis Leo

Hobb Lane

Hobb Lane

One foot in the rave

One foot in the rave

Sofia Gillani

Sofia Gillani

Tony Arthur

Tony Arthur

Under The Attic

Under The Attic

Mai

Mai

Mad Simple

Mad Simple

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

Southampton and Romsey Rock Choir

According to Brian

According to Brian

Citizen Perez

Citizen Perez

Lachlan Horne

Lachlan Horne

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

Gods House Tower Poetry Group

Halliwell

Halliwell

SKAM

SKAM

Mr. Buoyant

Mr. Buoyant

Industry Plant

Industry Plant

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

Southside Rhythm & Blues Band

Saxofony

Saxofony

Totton Ukulele Band

Totton Ukulele Band

Gaz Parker

Gaz Parker

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

Southampton Salty Sea Dogs

Puddleglum

Puddleglum

Maerefolk

Maerefolk

DJ_MAJOR

DJ_MAJOR

FREESPIRITS

FREESPIRITS

Lyla Skyrim

Lyla Skyrim

Stuart Evans

Stuart Evans

The Duskers

The Duskers

The Howlin' Blackouts

The Howlin' Blackouts

Gig Night

Gig Night

Malcolm Carlo

Malcolm Carlo

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

Herleen Kaur Khalsa

Oddball Savage

Oddball Savage

Reverence Sound

Reverence Sound

Dusky Moon

Dusky Moon

Xionic

Xionic

Doc Martin & the Mayhem

Doc Martin & the Mayhem

Amie Lou Shaw

Amie Lou Shaw

Lucy Smith

Lucy Smith

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

Mr Moonbeam (Conrad Barr)

Voice FM

Voice FM

James K. Barker

James K. Barker

Silvermon

Silvermon

October Some When

October Some When

Fiesta FM

Fiesta FM

Ocean Harmony

Ocean Harmony

Sculpt

Sculpt

Club Bad

Club Bad

Carl Zed

Carl Zed

Romsey Shanty Crew

Romsey Shanty Crew

Alexander Bithell

Alexander Bithell

Eat Your Greens

Eat Your Greens

The Monday Grooves

The Monday Grooves

Freya Golding

Freya Golding

The Slack 5

The Slack 5

Far Solar

Far Solar

Bamboo and Bow

Bamboo and Bow

The Soulcatchers

The Soulcatchers

Watching the Buzzards

Watching the Buzzards

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

Simon Maggs & People Like Us (Acoustic)

Cosmic Sisters

Cosmic Sisters

Aoife Scully

Aoife Scully

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

KSJM

KSJM

Laurie Bolger

Laurie Bolger

Sebastian Horton

Sebastian Horton

The Postmen

The Postmen

Spindrift

Spindrift

Wire -JD

Wire -JD

Elemci

Elemci

Naty Giachino

Naty Giachino

Mostly Harmless

Mostly Harmless

Room 18

Room 18

Adventure State

Adventure State

Adam Kammerling

Adam Kammerling

Earth Propellor

Earth Propellor

Footless Kicks

Footless Kicks

DJ / Open Mic

DJ / Open Mic

The Bex quartet

The Bex quartet

Groove Bakers

Groove Bakers

Lost Post

Lost Post

Intoxication

Intoxication

Days of closure

Days of closure

Jake Tilley

Jake Tilley

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Steam Town Shanty Crew

Guillotine Union Boys

Guillotine Union Boys

Lamelle Shaw

Lamelle Shaw

Dean Antony

Dean Antony

Red Light Spies

Red Light Spies

Chimney and I K 8OY

Chimney and I K 8OY

DJ

DJ

The Elderlys

The Elderlys

Haeze - Andrew Cummings Tribute

Haeze - Andrew Cummings Tribute

Michael, Stuart,  Steve & Charlie

Michael, Stuart, Steve & Charlie

The Shantywomen

The Shantywomen

Marsupial

Marsupial

Steam Machine

Steam Machine

James & Phil

James & Phil

Serendipity

Serendipity

New Tide

New Tide

Frontline

Frontline

Elephants With Shotguns

Elephants With Shotguns

Belle Saint

Belle Saint

Lula Gold

Lula Gold

Swan Samba

Swan Samba

Lee Huxtable

Lee Huxtable

Jay Munday

Jay Munday

The Dandelion Chain

The Dandelion Chain

Crushcrushcrush

Crushcrushcrush

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

Amie Lou Shaw (Classical)

Mongoose (BaB Collective)

Mongoose (BaB Collective)

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Bitterne Park Primary and Nursery School

Reverb (Hampshire)

Reverb (Hampshire)

Gimme a Break DJs

Gimme a Break DJs

Jackson Davies

Jackson Davies

Jimmy b and the death rattles

Jimmy b and the death rattles

FancyWall

FancyWall

Ruth Johnson & Simon Grant

Ruth Johnson & Simon Grant

gaz909

gaz909

Rachel Jeffcoat

Rachel Jeffcoat

Funky Business

Funky Business

Millie Woodrow

Millie Woodrow

Craig Chalmers

Craig Chalmers

Matt Sanger

Matt Sanger

SOS PRESENTS

SOS PRESENTS

Palookaville

Palookaville

Sea Ranch

Sea Ranch

Amelia Simpson

Amelia Simpson

MJs Whipround Extravaganza

MJs Whipround Extravaganza

Cella

Cella

Stephanio

Stephanio

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

Jo Fisher/Verse in the Vault

Dreamseeker

Dreamseeker

Sonne

Sonne

Shaun Shears & The Locals

Shaun Shears & The Locals

Miriam

Miriam

Changing Melody

Changing Melody

Reverence Crew

Reverence Crew

Nick Haynes

Nick Haynes

Exhilaro

Exhilaro

Loose Change

Loose Change

Nick JT

Nick JT

Ben Highness

Ben Highness

Anita Foxall Poetry

Anita Foxall Poetry

Autorora

Autorora

Royston Black

Royston Black

Darren Vernall (Clapton Unplugged)

Darren Vernall (Clapton Unplugged)

Solace

Solace

Deepest Sense

Deepest Sense

Slaughterhouse Clive

Slaughterhouse Clive

The Slowdown

The Slowdown

Mart Ward Talks

Mart Ward Talks

Zakk Paules

Zakk Paules

Hannah in the Groove

Hannah in the Groove

Ricco Sakona

Ricco Sakona

dj junk

dj junk

The Can Can Club.

The Can Can Club.

Our host venues…

All Bar One Southampton

All Bar One Southampton

HMV Southampton

HMV Southampton

Southampton Uni Freshers Stage

Southampton Uni Freshers Stage

The Alexandra

The Alexandra

Holyrood Church

Holyrood Church

Overdraft

Overdraft

Town Quay Park

Town Quay Park

Toys R Us Car Park

Toys R Us Car Park

Marlands Shopping Centre

Marlands Shopping Centre

The Platform Tavern

The Platform Tavern

Planet Sounds

Planet Sounds

Mamacita's

Mamacita's

The Piano

The Piano

Dirty Barrel

Dirty Barrel

King John’s Palace

King John’s Palace

John Lewis

John Lewis

Second Nature (room2)

Second Nature (room2)

God's House Tower

God's House Tower

Bottle & Stoat

Bottle & Stoat

Medieval Merchant's House

Medieval Merchant's House

Barraquito

Barraquito

Arundel Gardens

Arundel Gardens

Weigh Vault

Weigh Vault

Vinilo Record Store

Vinilo Record Store

God's House Tower, Crawford Room

God's House Tower, Crawford Room

Dancing Man Brewery

Dancing Man Brewery

St Michael the Archangel

St Michael the Archangel

John Hansard Gallery

John Hansard Gallery

The Undercroft

The Undercroft

The White Star Tavern

The White Star Tavern

The Joiners

The Joiners

Southampton Masonic Hall

Southampton Masonic Hall

Weigh House

Weigh House

St Joseph's Church

St Joseph's Church

Duke of Wellington

Duke of Wellington

St Michael's Square

St Michael's Square

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Kwackers Restaurant & Sports Bar

Quilter's Vault

Quilter's Vault

Heartbreakers

Heartbreakers

Slug and Lettuce

Slug and Lettuce

XOXO

XOXO

St Michael's Vault

St Michael's Vault

Holyrood  DJ's

Holyrood DJ's

Lankester’s Vault

Lankester’s Vault

Raven & Bine

Raven & Bine

Cafe Nautical Mile

Cafe Nautical Mile

Retro Cafe

Retro Cafe

The London Hotel

The London Hotel

The Social

The Social

Funky Flamingo

Funky Flamingo

Castle Vault

Castle Vault

The Loft

The Loft

Canute's Palace

Canute's Palace

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

The Titanic Pub and Kitchen

94 High Street Vault

94 High Street Vault

O'Neill's Southampton

O'Neill's Southampton

London Road Brew House

London Road Brew House

Andrew Cummings Stage (The Bandstand)

Andrew Cummings Stage (The Bandstand)

IO

IO

Orange Rooms

Orange Rooms

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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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?... 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!!!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Loved the audiences - really good crowds everywhere.”

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

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

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

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

“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!”

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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