City Reflections 2025 has been announced

Call for ‘Community Legend’ nominations

An innovative light festival will show Southampton in a new light next February, and Southampton Forward is calling for nominations for local people from communities across the city to be featured, shining a light on the people who make Southampton.

City Reflections will celebrate local people and highlight the diverse stories, culture and heritage of Southampton’s communities. Hundreds of images and video clips featuring local people will be projected onto walls and buildings to shine a light on the difference – either big and small – made by Sotonians to their city.

Westquay are lead sponsor for the event, which is also supported by funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council England.

Andy Jackson, Destination Director at Westquay said: “Collaborating with local artists and creatives is just one of the ways we are evolving Westquay from a place where people come only to shop, to a destination which connects the community through an exciting mix of uses including culture. City Reflections is a celebration of the unsung heroes who have shaped Southampton, and we are proud to sponsor this exciting event which will pay them homage.”

The trail will shine a light on the city’s Community Legends – those often-hidden people who make a material difference to the life of the city. Through photography and projection, this trail will light up key sites across Southampton, supported by an online trail map providing the opportunity for people to engage with their city and its people in a new and different way.

“This event is a unique opportunity for Southampton’s vibrant communities to showcase their rich cultural heritage and celebrate the individuals who make our city truly special,” said Cllr Christie Lambert, Cabinet Member for Communities at Southampton City Council.

“Working cross-sector with multiple partners including the universities, schools, community groups, charities, and businesses, City Reflections will undoubtedly create a truly memorable event that reflects the vast diversity and vibrant spirit of Southampton.”

Shaped by local people and their nominations, City Reflections will illuminate and animate the Southampton cityscape during the darker months of the year. Starting on 15^th February 2025, the event will run over nine days, including both weekends of the February half term to make it accessible to families and visitors.

“We’re so looking forward to launching this fantastic event,” said Jasmine Taylor, Community Engagement Manager at Southampton Forward, “and we’re now asking people to come forward and nominate their Community Legends – those people who brighten the lives of those around them – whether they’re a local hero who gives up their free time to volunteer in community projects, a friendly neighbour always there to help, or a quiet force for good, we want City Reflections to show how much people make Southampton”.