13th June 2025
Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday your way – there’s so much to see and do
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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
Introducing TAPESTRY – A New Festival of Music & Culture in Southampton
On 19 and 20 July 2025, Southampton Forward presents TAPESTRY, a brand-new festival celebrating world-class music and culture at Westquay Esplanade. 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.
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.
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
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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
