Southampton Forward collaborates with SoCo Music Project on Emerge Festival 2026
The following press release has been provided by SoCo Music Project. Southampton Forward is pleased to be collaborating with SoCo Music Project on Emerge 2026.
SoCo Music Project are delivering and hosting Emerge 2026 at Planet Sounds, with support from Southampton Forward.
Youth-Led Music Festival Returns to Southampton at Planet Sounds
EMERGE Festival – 7 March 2026 | 12-8pm | Planet Sounds, Southampton
A vibrant, youth-led music festival is set to return to Southampton this spring, as SoCo Music Project announces a two-day celebration of local talent, creativity and community at Planet Sounds on 7th March 2026.
Building on the success of the Emerge Festival 2024, the 2026 event has been co-designed, developed and delivered in partnership with young people, placing their voices, ideas and leadership at the heart of the programme. Over the course of the day, Planet Sounds will come alive with live performances from local bands and artists, alongside creative stalls, workshops and interactive activities.
The festival will provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for young people, celebrating the breadth of emerging talent in Southampton while offering meaningful opportunities to perform, learn new skills and connect with peers. The event reflects SoCo Music Project’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, creative development and wellbeing through music.
The Emerge Festival 2024 demonstrated the power of youth-led cultural activity, with evaluation highlighting strong outcomes around confidence, skills development, community pride and positive representation of young people in the city. The 2026 festival builds on this legacy, expanding opportunities for young artists and reinforcing Southampton’s growing grassroots music scene.
The festival is delivered by SoCo Music Project, with support from Southampton Forward and Southampton City Council, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Matt Salvage, CEO of SoCo Music Project, said:
“This festival is about young people leading the way — shaping the culture they want to see in their city. Planet Sounds is a space where creativity, safety and opportunity come together, and this event is a celebration of Southampton’s next generation of artists, producers and creatives.”
The festival will take place at Planet Sounds, SoCo Music Project’s dedicated community music venue in the heart of the city.
Further details, including the full line-up and workshop programme, will be announced in early 2026.
ENDS
For press enquiries:
SoCo Music Project
📧 matt@socomusicproject.org.uk
Socials (Instagram)
@emergefestival
@socomusic
Share this post