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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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 Carleen de Sözer
In image: street artist ELNO
Full Tapestry Line-Up
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.
Join us for an Ignite: Information Session
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 →
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 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.
The Story of Pub Cultures
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.
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
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.
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
Latest news
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.
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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
