Festival fans looking for affordable entertainment this summer will find plenty to enjoy at Turner Sims’ Summer Festival from 28 – 30 June.
Live music, food stalls and free family activities will spill out of the venue and across the gardens of the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus.
Incredible local musicians including Lucy Kitchen and Pegasuses will join extraordinary acts from further afield. From Baby Panna to Penguin Cafe, expect an eclectic line-up spanning everything from Jazz Rap to Indie and Classical. All foyer and outdoor performances will be free, with ticketed events in the hall starting from £5.
Jessica Santer, Head of Engagement and Participation at Turner Sims, said: “The Summer Festival celebrates and welcomes local people as decision-makers and performers. Our new Vibe Collective of 18-25-year-olds have programmed free gigs that will transform our foyer into a relaxed Vibe Lounge on Saturday and Sunday nights. Pupils from Bassett Green Primary School have helped us design a family friendly Sunday that children will love. We’ll be showcasing incredible local musicians and dancers throughout the weekend, alongside some of the UK’s top talent.”
The festival begins on Friday night with the first of two free Vibe Lounge events, featuring Portsmouth jazz rapper Baby Panna (main image). His track Moonlight went viral on TikTok, earning him millions of Spotify streams and a global following.
Headlining Friday night will be Turner Sims’ new local associates Pegasuses. The Indie-Folk duo is a regular act on the Southampton music circuit. Supported through the Turn It Up local associates programme, they’ll be premiering new material with a full band.
Frontline and Ni Maxine kick off Saturday indoors with a lunchtime double bill celebrating a new generation of women at the forefront of UK jazz. The music continues outside with a full afternoon of free entertainment from Emily May and Southampton bands Interesting Wallpaper, Violet Road, and Chateau Bateau.
The ever-popular Penguin Cafe headline Saturday night with music from their album Rain Before Seven… alongside classic Penguin Cafe Orchestra repertoire.
On Sunday families will have the chance to take part in a Big Bug Hunt, Crafts, Samba drumming, Percussion workshops, and Face Painting.
The festival closes with an extraordinary multi-media performance by Orchestra of the Swan, Folk singer Jackie Oates and jazz composer and musician David Gordon. Marking the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Earthcycle responds to nature and the seasons with powerful music paired with stunning film footage and lighting.
The Summer Festival is presented by Turner Sims, part of the University of Southampton, with support from Arts Council England.
For more information, visit: turnersims.co.uk/news/turner-sims-summer-festival-2024
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