TAPESTRY
A festival of world-class music and culture in Southampton
Final headline act announced
Penguin Café
Saturday 19 July
Westquay, Southampton
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025
*Alice Zawadzki * Goblin Band * Kathryn Tickell* Muireann Bradley * Penguin Café * Sam Lee * Seckou Keita *Soumik Datta*
Tapestry, the vibrant free festival set on England’s south coast at Westquay in Southampton, is excited to announce its final headline act: Penguin Café, who will perform against the stunning backdrop of the city’s medieval walls on Saturday 19th July. They join the previously announced line-up of world-class, critically acclaimed musicians from around the globe, reflecting Southampton’s rich and ever-evolving cultural landscape.
For this special performance, Penguin Café brings back to life the music of the legendary Penguin Café Orchestra, the avant-pop ensemble formed by the late Simon Jeffes in 1970. Revived by his son Arthur Jeffes a decade after his father’s untimely passing in 1997, Penguin Café assembles a talented and diverse group of musicians with backgrounds in bands such as Suede, Gorillaz, and Razorlight. Together, they perform a distinctive blend of melodic instrumental pop infused with folk, jazz, minimalism, and global influences creating a sound that is both unique and evocative. The performance will feature classic compositions that have captivated audiences for decades, delivered with the ensemble’s signature warmth and inventiveness, guided by the spellbinding philosophy that was at the heart of The Penguin Café Orchestra.
The Penguin Café join a vibrant programme that draws on musical traditions from across the UK and beyond. Elsewhere on the bill is the sensational, rousing ‘queer folk’ music of the Goblin Band, the Northumbrian pipes of Kathryn Tickell, the boundary-pushing sounds of Indian sarod virtuoso Soumik Datta and Senegalese kora virtuoso Seckou Keita. Tapestry presents a stunning range of talent, from leading figures to rising stars. From vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Alice Zawadzki who delivers her spellbinding songs fresh from her Jazz FM Vocalist Of The Year Award to the celebrated, distinctive voice of singer, writer and conservationist Sam Lee, one of folk’s most renowned musicians, plus the emerging brilliance of Irish guitarist Muireann Bradley whose country blues fingerpicking is capturing widespread attention. Selected performances will be recorded by BBC Radio 3’s Music Planet for broadcast in August 2025 and the weekend hosted by Music Planet presenter, Lopa Kothari.
Alongside this inspiring mix of world-class artists, Tapestry presents a programme of exceptional Southampton talent and family-friendly workshops that include African drumming and ceilidh dancing – promising a fun and vibrant summer experience.
Click HERE for full press release and to hear music from performing artists
Whether you’re into folk, Indian classical music or African rhythms, Tapestry offers a spectacular array of world-class performances that reflect Southampton’s diverse, creative and vibrant cultural tapestry.
As the lead sponsor, Westquay is proud to host Tapestry on The Esplanade, supporting an event that brings communities together through the power of music.
For more information visit TapestryFestival.co.uk
Click HERE for Press Kits; images, press releases, music.
Tapestry takes place at Westquay in Southampton on Saturday 19th July & Sunday 20th July 2025. Performances are from 2pm – 8pm and entry is free and un-ticketed.
Festivalgoers can enjoy a range of food and drink options throughout the weekend, with offerings from local vendors and Westquay’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Westquay is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Southampton Central train station with regular trains from London taking approximately 1hr20 mins.
Produced by Southampton Forward and sponsored by Westquay.
Programmed by David Jones, with input from event partners Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub.
Supported by Arts Council England, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Southampton Forward’s city partners: Southampton City Council, University of Southampton, Solent University, GO! Southampton, Paris Smith LLP and Mayflower.
Media partners include Songlines Magazine. Selected performances will be recorded for scheduled broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s Music Planet in August 2025.
Southampton Forward work in partnership across culture, festivals, events, tourism and cultural regeneration on projects rooted in creativity and community. They strive to transform Southampton through citywide and regional collaboration.
For press enquiries please contact Riotsquad Publicity:
Julie Allison 07940 597018/ Julie@riotsquadpublicity.com
Siân Williams 07769 176 669 / sian@riotsquadpublicity.com
Sponsored by
Tapestry Media Partner
Event Partner
Supported by:
Founding City Partners
