14th July 2025
Sara Scott: The Last Rose of Summer is a fresh new exploration of Jane Austen and her work
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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 Carleen de Sözer
In image: street artist ELNO
Read the latest festival bulletin with full line-up and timings now live!
TAPESTRY, a brand-new FREE festival of world-class music and culture is coming to Westquay Esplanade on 19 and 20 July. Inspired by the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, the festival reimagines her love of folk music with a contemporary, global twist – bringing together a diverse lineup of acclaimed musicians in an eclectic showcase of genres and influences.
With free entry and an open-air setting against Southampton’s historic medieval walls, TAPESTRY brings together world-class artists, rising stars, and exclusive collaborations for a vibrant celebration of Southampton’s rich cultural landscape and its unique connection to Jane Austen in 2025.
Tapestry is proudly sponsored by Westquay, the host venue, and supported by Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Southampton Forward’s Founding City Partners.
Find out more about the festival and the full lineup at TapestryFestival.co.uk.
Ignite is a new six-month programme for emerging community leaders in Southampton, launching this September. It’s for people already making a difference in their local areas — whether through organising, connecting, or quietly leading change. Built on the belief that leadership is a mindset, not a job title, Ignite offers space to grow confidence, skills and impact in a way that feels true to you.
Want to find out more? Join us on 22 July for an informal info session →
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 to now.
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.
Watch Now: Pub Cultures – Behind the Scenes
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.
Watch some behind the scenes interviews with some of the artists involved in this year’s Multi-Stories.
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.
Watch the Making Of Home Theatre Southampton film here and discover how people’s stories were transformed into unique pieces of theatre