by Charlie Hislop. Today (February 1) saw the largest strike day in this country for many years, and certainly in the recent wave of unrest over pay, the cost of living, the condition of the country’s public services, and the government’s clampdown on the rights of workers to take...
Local Heroes
Opinion: How I learnt to stop worrying about The X Factor
by Lewis MacLean. Recent English Eurovision contender and runner up Sam Ryder needs no introduction. He will go down in history as the closest we got (since Bucks Fizz) to winning what England generally condisers the most biased and contentious global competition of all. However, enthusiastic Sotonites who turned...
Southampton’s Interesting Wallpaper release debut EP
by Anita Foxall. March 2020 was certainly unforgettable for us all. But this is also the date that marked the beginning of Interesting Wallpaper, a Southampton based band who have now released their first EP. Pete Harvey, the lead singer and song writer, explained they started as a trio,...
Chair Emeritus of Hampshire’s Blue Apple, theatre company honoured
Georgiana Robertson, Chair Emeritus of Hampshire charity Blue Apple, has been awarded an honorary fellowship by the University of Winchester in recognition of her enormous contribution to Blue Apple and the wider impact of her work in supporting people with learning disabilities. Georgiana (pictured top) was chair of Winchester’s...
Alt rock LGBTQ+ band Hunting Hearts bring a ‘Queer Prom’ to Hampshire
On November 4th at The Edge of the Wedge in Southsea, Hunting Hearts – alt rock LGBTQ+ band from Southampton – are hosting “Queer Prom”, featuring a diverse line-up of queer artists and band from across Hampshire, including Wyse from Portsmouth, Velour from Bournemouth and another Southampton based band,...
Southampton musician Amy Da Silva wins Youth Music award in national competition
Southampton musician Amy da Silva has won the Youth Music Best Original Track Award (Solo) sponsored by TikTok with her her track Think Twice. She has featured on both Sounds of Southampton Vol 1 and Vol2 albums,made by SoCo Music Project, a not-for-profit music organisation that provides inclusive music-making...
Review: Craig David at The 1865, Southampton
words and pictures by Rob Davis. “They’re likely to sell out quickly” said the In Common article and Twitter announcement about tickets to see Craig David perform at Southampton’s The 1865 on 1 October as an ‘outstore’ event from record store Vinilo. That was motivation enough for me to...
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...
Hampshire’s International Brigaders remembered in new book
by Alan Lloyd. Southampton author Alan Lloyd shares the background and some of the findings in his new book, Hampshire Heroes, which celebrates International Brigaders who fought in the Spanish Civil War with connections to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Fifteen years ago, I bought a copy of...
Tribute: remembering a friend to many, Jim O’Sullivan
by Lew. Last Sunday, Southampton lost a dear son as Jim O’Sullivan passed away unexpectedly. He was a familiar and beloved person in and around Southampton, particular within the music and arts community. His dedication to local music was also proven by his meticulously woven alternative music podcasts. As...