28th October 2025
Old Town Businesses Invited to Be Part of Southampton’s Projection Trail, City Reflections in Feb 2026
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We are Southampton Forward
Working in partnership on projects rooted in culture and creativity
Southampton Forward are a charity working in partnership across culture, festivals, events, tourism and cultural regeneration. Striving to transform Southampton through citywide and regional collaboration.
In image: street artist ELNO
CULTURE
CREATIVITY
COMMUNITY
CULTURE
CREATIVITY
COMMUNITY
Press release
City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories
Experience Southampton’s rich past through a six-location projection trail, illuminating the stories etched into its buildings and streets.
City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories is a four-night projection trail taking place in February 2026. Six of Southampton’s most iconic heritage buildings in the Old Town and city centre will be brought to life with light, sound and storytelling, drawing on rarely seen items from the city’s Art, Maritime and Archaeology Collections. At its heart is a process of community co-curation, with six Community Curators working closely with the creative team to shape the stories shared at each location.
Latest news
Past Projects
A selection of highlights from our past projects is shown below. To view all of our past and current projects, please follow the link.
Tapestry Festival
TAPESTRY was part of Southampton’s Jane Austen 250 celebrations, marking the anniversary of one of the city’s most iconic former residents, and takes inspiration from her passion for folk music. With a contemporary twist, TAPESTRY reimagined the kind of music Austen might be drawn to today — music that is inventive, expressive, and rooted in storytelling.
Set against the backdrop of the city’s medieval walls and with free entry, TAPESTRY was a vibrant celebration of Southampton’s cultural identity.
The Story of Pub Cultures
Step inside Southampton’s pubs and meet the communities, artists and landlords behind nine powerful new artworks.
This special film goes behind the scenes of Pub Cultures, capturing the creative journey from first conversation to final reveal.
Home Theatre Southampton
Watch the Making Of Home Theatre Southampton film here and discover how people’s stories were transformed into unique pieces of theatre
Multi-Stories Chapter 3
Watch some behind the scenes interviews with some of the artists involved in this year’s Multi-Stories.
Meet Our Local Connectors
Local Connectors are trusted and well-known individuals who bring people together, support local solutions, and share our belief in the power of culture to address everyday challenges. Anjali, co-founder of the Hampshire Indian Community, is one of our amazing connectors—championing community events and cultural projects across Southampton.
Southampton Forward 2024 Highlights
Here’s a glimpse of the remarkable projects and events we’ve brought to life in 2024, made possible by the passion and support of our partners, communities, and supporters. Southampton’s creativity and diversity continue to inspire us, making 2024 a year to remember.
Testimonials
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I was born and raised in Southampton and this place means a lot to me. I’m so glad to be part of something really relevant to people.
Anna,
Director , Home Theatre
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The most rewarding part for me was being part of something that gives back to the community and celebrating the things that the community does.
Holly,
Photographer , City Reflections
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Not only is the event itself an opportunity, but you meet other artists, you get connected to like a network, which before was sort of missing.
Edgar Lashaju,
Artist, Multi-Stories
Founding City Partners
