Old Town Businesses Invited to Be Part of Southampton’s Spectacular Light Trail, City Reflections

Southampton Forward is inviting Old Town and city centre businesses to get involved in City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories – an unmissable light projection trail that will transform the city centre and Old Town across four enchanting evenings, Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 February 2026, from 6pm to 8pm.

Created in partnership with Southampton City Council, the event will bring thousands of visitors into the heart of the city at a quieter time of year, illuminating Southampton’s stunning Old Town with a six-point projection trail. Each stop will feature large-scale visuals, immersive soundscapes and storytelling inspired by the city’s remarkable Art, Maritime and Archaeology collections.

“We’re inviting Old Town businesses to join in and be part of this celebration of Southampton,” said Gabby Hyman, Marketing & Communications Manager at Southampton Forward. “Businesses can act as trail map pick-up points, display posters, and offer special promotions or discounts to visitors who complete the trail – helping create a buzz across the Old Town while attracting new customers.”

Participating businesses will be featured on the official City Reflections website and highlighted through Southampton Forward’s marketing campaign, gaining extra visibility and connecting with the thousands of visitors exploring the area during the event.

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Southampton Forward on this inspiring project. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase Southampton’s world-class collections and heritage ahead of the City Art Gallery’s reopening, while shining a light on our local businesses and communities.”

Stephen Manion, Executive Director of GO! Southampton, added:

“This project will bring Southampton’s Old Town to life. It’s a fantastic chance for local businesses to get involved with an event that will draw people in and highlight one of the city’s most beautiful and historic areas.”

Businesses interested in signing up can do so here:

ENDS

You can find out more about the City Reflections trail here:

City Reflections is presented by Southampton Forward in partnership with Southampton City Council and creative partners Light Up Trails and Double Take Projections

Supported by funding from Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Also supported by Southampton Forward’s founding city partners: Southampton City Council, University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University, GO! Southampton, Paris Smith LLP and Mayflower Theatre

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Supported by:

Founding City Partners