By Lewis Maclean. Echobelly are a big deal to me because they are the first ever band I saw live. My first ever gig was Echobelly at Southampton Guildhall 26th February 1996 and it remains one of my most treasured memories. I remember them being loud, confident and sleek...
Review: Nutcracker – English National Ballet, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
By Nick Mabey. The English National Ballet have been producing versions of this much-loved Christmas-themed ballet every year since 1950 and I’d be surprised if any of the previous 73 versions of Tchaikovsky’s Nutracker outdo the visual spectacle we were treated to at the Mayflower Theatre last night (29/11/24). ...
Experienced live music booker joins Lighthouse team
Lighthouse Poole has announced the appointment of John Blakeley as Music Programmer, working as part of their programming team. John started his career in Bristol promoting gigs at various venues including Thekla, The Canteen and The Wardrobe Theatre before establishing his own concert promotions company, Ear Trumpet Music. He...
Review: Light Up Trail, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey
By Sally Churchward. Twinkly lights brightening up the winter darkness have long since been a feature of Christmas. But in recent years there’s been a growth of specific light-based seasonal attractions. And on Thursday (28/11/24), the Light Up Trail opened at Hillier Gardens in Romsey, Hampshire. If you’ve never...
Blue Apple Singers to perform at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Blue Apple Theatre’s Singers will be spreading festive cheer with a performance of seasonal songs at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market on Monday 2 December at 5pm. The Blue Apple Singers are known for their heartfelt performances. The performance promises to add to the magic of the market, showcasing...
Southampton gig guide – December
By Vicky Greer. I had planned to write an introduction to this gig guide about how things were, as usual, wrapping up for Christmas in the live music world. Still, the Southampton scene has again proven me wrong with a long list of gigs to go to this month...
Free Southampton Christmas Tree of Light switch-on events for charity
All are invited to two Christmas Tree of Light switch-on events organised by the befriending charity Communicare this weekend (November 30 and December 1, 2024). The Good Neighbours organisation’s free light-up events will take place in Woolston Millennium Garden this Saturday, November 30 and at St. Mark’s Church, Archers...
Bradley Simpson comes to Southampton in May
Having performed in front of millions of fans around the world and selling out headline shows, Bradley Simpson is now channelling that his efforts into his debut solo album, ‘The Panic Years’. Set to be released on February 28th 2024, the record is set to help him establish himself as one of the...
The show WILL go on as £80,000 of cabling stolen from Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas
Teams of designers and technicians worked through the night to make sure the show will go on after cables worth £80,000 were stolen during Storm Bert from the award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas. The popular Romsey visitor experience will open as planned tomorrow (Thursday 28th...
Hawkwind come to Bournemouth in April
Legendary space rock pioneers Hawkwind will return to UK stages in Spring 2025, touring in support of their current studio album ‘Stories From Time And Space‘ out on Cherry Red Records. Their 36th studio album stands as an outstanding progression to the space-age, trademark Hawkwind sound and a superb addition to their varied and celebrated...