25th September 2025
Shining a Light on Stories: Community Curator Ri Baroche
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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
About Us
We are a charity with ambitious plans to put Southampton on the map, working across culture, festivals, events, tourism and cultural regeneration. Through our partnerships across the city and with communities, we strive to showcase the city’s potential and acheive long-lasting change.
Belonging Film Commission
We’re commissioning a short documentary film as part of our Belonging strand – a cultural programme exploring what it means to be Sotonian. The film will weave together footage from projects across the city, celebrating communities, creativity, and connection. Filmmakers and production teams are invited to apply by 2 October 2025
Southampton’s Jazz Story
Saturday 18 October
A one-night-only celebration of Southampton’s rich jazz heritage – and the social history it reflects. Featuring a 12-piece band, guest vocalists, rare archive footage and powerful storytelling, this live show takes audiences on a musical journey from the 1920s the decades.
From New Orleans swing to soul-jazz and bebop, discover how jazz shaped – and was shaped by – the city’s evolving identity as a global port. A must-see for music lovers, history fans and anyone connected to Southampton.
With 7 standout vocalists including Claire Martin, David McAlmont and Zara McFarlane and a specially assembled 12-piece band inlcuding Jay Phelps on trumpet and J Fashole-Luke on piano. Hosted and narrated by by Grammy Award-winning writer, producer and academic, Mykaell S. Riley.
Ignite: A New Leadership Journey for Southampton
Ignite is a six-month programme (Sept 2025 – Mar 2026) for emerging community leaders who want to grow their confidence, skills and impact.
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.
Tapestry
TAPESTRY, brand-new open-air festival of music and culture, took place on Southampton’s Westquay Esplanade on 19–20 July 2025. Inspired by the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, the event reimagined her connection to folk music with a fresh, global twist – featuring an eclectic mix of acclaimed artists and rising talent.
Set against the backdrop of the city’s medieval walls and with free entry, TAPESTRY offered a vibrant celebration of Southampton’s cultural identit
Find out more about the festival and the full lineup at TapestryFestival.co.uk.
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.
Multi-Stories Chapter 3
Watch some behind the scenes interviews with some of the artists involved in this year’s Multi-Stories.
CULTURE
CREATIVITY
COMMUNITY
CULTURE
CREATIVITY
COMMUNITY
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.
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
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.
“
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
