by Charlie Hislop. Christmas has come early to Southampton and the Solent region apparently, with the final approval by the Government of the Solent Freeport proposal. That is according to Government Minister Dehenna Davison who was in the region to make the announcement. “This Freeport is going to give...
All-Aboard the River Itchen
by Charlie Hislop. For a city on the coast, split by rivers, not much celebration happens on the water in Southampton. Then last weekend (September 3) along came the All-Aboard Festival, making the most of the River Itchen on a summer’s day with entertainment on the water and along...
Still-Moving DJs – Family festival at The Brook this weekend
Southampton’s Still Moving DJs and The Uplifter are hosting their very own all-day festival at the Brook this Saturday, the 26th June, with a programme for all the family. In the afternoon there is family friendly fun, with Hand to Mouth Theatre, vintage games, face-painting and dinosaurs – outside...
Book review: Secret New Forest
by Charlie Hislop. ‘And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul’ is the inscription at the front of Martin Brisland’s new book ‘Secret New Forest’. I go to the New Forest sometimes, cycle about, have a walk, stop for a beer, or show...
Southampton plays for Ukraine
by Charlie Hislop. From 28th March to the 3nd April Southampton will be buzzing with music in support of Ukrainian refugees. A wide variety of venues in the city and beyond are hosting gigs and performances under the banner Southampton plays for Ukraine. Music in the City’s Martin Perry,...
Getting Wolk with Grant Sharkey
by Charlie Hislop. It’s Christmas time, and on Saturday (December 11) Southampton’s own travelling Santa is dropping into the Cricketers on Bedford Place bearing gifts. Well, not exactly Santa themself – but Grant Sharkey. And the gifts? – a whole set of topical tunes, some great laughs, and this...
Communibakes charity project in Southampton: eat cake – tackle loneliness!
Eat cake – tackle loneliness. What is not to like ? Last month saw the launch of a project in Southampton to do just that. Communibakes is a baker’s shop and community hub in Shirley set up by a local charity. The profits from the bakery and shop will...
SO: Let’s talk about music
On Tuesday 30th November, everyone involved in the music community in Southampton is being invited to take part in SO: Let’s talk about music, organised by Southampton Festivals at the SPARK Building, Solent University. The FREE event is to bring together all types of musicians, DJ’s, producers, promotors, venues...
Preview: Great women at MAST this month
The MAST Studio Theatre is premiering a new musical this month. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is based on the popular and wonderfully illustrated award-winning book by Kate Pankhurst, and is kicking off in Southampton before heading out on a national tour. In it, the heroine Jade...
Suburban Safari: Testwood Lakes
by Katie Isham Just off an industrial estate in the western corner of Southampton, there’s an entrance to a beautiful magical kingdom. Not where you’d expect to find some magic, but believe me, it’s there. Tucked away past the plumbing merchants and self-storage, you’ll find a safari worthy of...