To celebrate the release of ‘City of Stolen Magic’ by Southampton’s own Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, independent book store October Books is organising apay it forward book scheme to gift copies of the book to local school children. An organiser of the scheme explained: “We’re super excited here at October...
Review: Arctic Monkeys, Ageas Bowl, Southampton – June 14
by Nick Mabey. On Tuesday at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, Arctic Monkeys were in town bringing sun, great music, and Alex Turner’s iconic Sheffield strut. Crowds arrived early and in massive numbers to enjoy everything the evening had to offer. The food may have been a little overpriced but...
Southampton listings 13-19 June
Image by Confetti Coast Photography. It’s a big week for music in Southampton this week, with the mighty Arctic Monkeys coming to the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday and this weekend it’s just a short hop across the water for the Isle of Wight Festival, featuring the likes of George...
Preview: The Isle of Wight Festival
by Lewis Maclean. Image: George Ezra by Adam Scarborough. The legendary Isle of Wight festival is returning to grace our presence this weekend (June 15th-18th) at Seaclose Park, Newport. The usual star-studded line up all weekend and a chance to ease into the festivities with a Groove Armada DJ...
Black History Month South & SS Shieldhall are bringing a special Windrush 75th anniversary event
A momentous occasion is on the horizon as the SS Shieldhall sets sail from Southampton on 24th June as part of the Windrush 75 celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury on 22nd June 1948. The event will be...
Heritage: the story behind the pineapple at Southampton’s Royal Pier
by Martin Brisland. Have you ever wondered why there is a pineapple at the top of the gatehouse to the Royal Pier? A golden pineapple sits on top of Southampton’s ornate Royal Pier entrance building. In fact, once you start noticing them you will see them on street railings,...
Review: Wish you were Dead, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, June 6
by Nick Mabey. Shaun Mckenna’s adaptation of Peter James’ latest DCI Grace novel is an enjoyable romp in the French countryside. Our protagonist takes his young family and their friend/nanny on a much needed holiday, only to find themselves stuck in a dark, almost gothic chambre-d’hote, whose owners are...
Would you like to be a trustee for Winchester Poetry Festival?
Winchester Poetry Festival, now working towards its fifth biennial festival in October 2023, wishes to recruit additional trustees. Founded in 2013, Winchester Poetry Festival is looking to maintain the success and sustainability of the organisation and is seeking new trustees with relevant experience and skill, and with a commitment...
Southampton listings 6-12 June
It’s summer, so it’s festival season. Last weekend we had Party in the Park. This weekend, there’s the All Aboard Festival near Cobden Bridge and the Unwrapped Festival in Eastleigh and Hedge End, while the Wilder Southampton festival continues throughout the month. There’s family fun on stage with The...
Photos: People’s Pride Party in the Park, Southampton, June 2023
photos by Mike Daish. words by Sally Churchward. Thousands of people flooded to Southampton’s Palmerston Park over the weekend to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride at the second annual Party in the Park. The two-day family friendly, inclusive festival featured a parade, entertainment, stalls and more. Performers included Hunting Hearts, Maybe...