City Reflections
From 14th – 23rd February 2025, Southampton’s medieval city walls were transformed into a stunning projection showcase at The Esplanade at Westquay, celebrating some of the incredible Community Legends who make our city shine.
A Celebration of Community
City Reflections was made possible thanks to the generous support of Westquay, our lead sponsor. Their commitment to the community enabled this project to come to life, ensuring that the voices and stories of Southampton’s unsung heroes could be celebrated in such a spectacular way.
This project was by the community and for the community – from the hundreds of people who nominated their Community Legends to the creative talents of Solent University students who helped capture these stories, and the thousands who came to see the final film projected over February half-term.
The main event location was The Esplanade at Westquay and throughout the week the film was also brought out of the city centre to community pop-ups at Mansel Park Pavilion in Millbrook, the 29th Southampton Scouts Hut in Portswood, Highpoint Venue in Thornhill, Chamberlayne Leisure Centre in Weston, and St Mary’s Stadium in Northam.
While the lights may have dimmed, the stories of our Community Legends will continue to shine.
Meet Our Nominees
Images from City Reflections
The Esplanade, Westquay
Photo credit: Pete Doherty
Team Photos
Photo credit: Ryan Stannik Photography
The final night at Westquay with some of Southampton’s Community Legends
Photo credit: Solent News and Photo Agency – Simon Czapp
Contact: Gabby Hyman,
for Southampton Forward.
gabbyh@southamptonforward.org.uk
Community Pop Up Events
Photo credit: Ryan Stanikk Photography
About City Reflections
Celebrating Southampton’s Community Legends
This February half-term, Southampton’s medieval city walls will come alive with City Reflections, a new projection showcase celebrating the people who make our city shine. From 14th – 23rd February, the projection will light up The Esplanade at Westquay to celebrate many local legends — everyday heroes whose stories reflect the heart and soul of Southampton.
Co-created by the community
Each featured legend was nominated by the people of Southampton during our August to September 2024 campaign, which asked, “Who’s your community legend?” The overwhelming response highlighted the kindness, dedication and diversity that define our city. This project is a celebration of these inspiring individuals and their contributions. The content for the installation was captured by talented students from Solent University, adding a unique and creative perspective to the stories. While the installation highlights many stories, it also acknowledges countless others making a difference every day.
More than a light show
The centerpiece projection and soundscape on The Esplanade will run on a loop from 6-9pm nightly throughout the February half-term. Additional light shows at local community hubs—including the MP3 Building, Mansel Park Pavilion in Milbrook, the 29th Southampton Scouts Hut in Portswood, Highpoint Venue in Thornhill and St Mary’s Stadium in Northam – bring this celebration in the neighbourhoods of the people featured and the communities who nominated them.
This February, experience Southampton’s stories through light and sound. City Reflections is a reminder that our city’s greatest treasure is its people. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Free and open to all
City Reflections is a free outdoor event, making it accessible to everyone. Please note that an open-air installation is subject to weather conditions. We recommend dressing appropriately for the winter weather and bringing an umbrella or waterproofs, just in case. Rain or shine, the light and sound displays promise to be a memorable experience.
Sponsored by
Supported by
City Partners:
