What's on in and around the city over the next fortnight? From International Women's Day to International Fitness Week, and from big student nights out to reggae specials, here's Cherry Pullinger's pick of the best Southampton happenings.
On Friday, March 4th, Southampton celebrates Red & White Appeal day. There are lots of fundraising activities going on across the city to help Southampton Hospital Charity's Ł2.2 million Red & White Appeal. The hospital is aiming to create a specialist treatment centre for patients with blood cancers. Local businesses are taking part with themed dress down days and cake sales while community groups and schools are hosting coffee mornings, lunches, red and white themed fancy dress and fundraising raffles. Everyone can get involved so make sure you do your bit!
To kick off the weekend, head to Shirley High Street on Saturday, March 5th, to take part in all of the activities celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight . You can create collages, decorate some Fairtrade bunting, taste some Fairtrade goodies and find out more about Fairtrade Fortnight. The event is for everyone and kicks off at 11am. More info here.
If you fancy checking out some new music on Saturday night, head to The Joiners, St Marys Street to hear Leeds-based rock band Dinosaur Pile-Up, who headline the Rocksound Exposure tour alongside Japanese Voyeurs and The Xcerts. Tickets are Ł9 on the door which is well worth it. The show kicks of a 7:30pm.
After a relaxing Sunday, on the 6th March you can always ‘do it your way’ and take part in Karaoke at Bitterne Park Hotel from 8pm. The best part is it's completely free!
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On Monday, March 7th, celebrate International Women’s Day centenary at Southampton University Students’ Union, which is running a ‘Ladies’ Night Event’ from 7pm. The Union will be transformed into a vibrant exhibition and market place, and specially commissioned artwork from Winchester School of Art and photography from the archives at the Hartley Library that relates to the women’s movement in and around Southampton and the University will be on display. Three inspirational women will speak in The Bridge Café-Bar, where a selection of food and drink will be available from 7pm. The film The Colour Purple will also be shown in the Union Cinema at 5pm. 
This next one is solely for party animals: head to The Hobbit pub, on Bevois Valley Road, on Tuesday, March 8th, to enjoy 'Jager Rock Fest.' Entry is free, you can down some tasty Jager Bombs for only Ł1.50, and dance the night away to a variety of rock DJs; it’s the perfect alternative student night out.
For a relaxing evening on Wednesday, March 9th, it’s off to St Deny's Community Centre for a soothing evening of Yoga with Sandra’s Yoga & Pilates Classes — perhaps the perfect way to relax and unwind after a hard day. Cost: Ł3.50 per session.
Or, if you fancy something much louder, check out electro duo Chase and Status, playing at Southampton Guildhall. Tickets are priced at Ł15.32 and the gig starts at 7pm.
On Thursday, March 10th, Macmillan Cancer Charity's celebrations for their 100th birthday take place in the city centre. The charity will be holding a special fire walk for people daring enough to take part to raise money for the charity. If you'd like to enter, it will cost Ł20 to register and you will have to attend a one-hour training session first. If you just fancy being a spectator, the event commences at 6:30pm.
For a great night out on Friday, March 11th, check out the Orange Rooms and Radio 1 DJ Jaguar Skills with the biggest and best student night around. Playing new and old hip hop, electro, club classics, mash up, dubstep & DnB, the night gets underway at 9pm, and draws to a close at 2am. Don't expect to be getting up for Uni the next day after attending this event!
Roxy Magic take to The Talking Heads' stage on Saturday, March 12th. This Roxy Music tribute band will be playing hits from four decades, with a quality look and sound-a-like Brian Ferry! Tickets are Ł10 on the door.
On the very same evening, catch The Soul Catchers at the Bitterne Park Hotel, on Cobden Avenue, for a free night of soul and jazz music. This Southampton-based soul band has a huge back catalogue, and musical experience and talent spanning decades.
For nature lovers everywhere, join the Wildflower Walk on Sunday, March 13th with the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery. Starting at 2pm, you'll be able to walk around the Victorian site on Southampton Common, spotting many different species of wildflowers. It's also a great dog-walking route!
For a more relaxing Sunday evening, take a trip to Romsey and join the Romsey Comrades Club's quiz night. A bit of fun and a little brain work out will do you good and it only costs Ł2 a person with a team maximum of six. Read all about it here.
Monday, March 14th sees the beginning of International Fitness Week, so if you’d like to get your New Year’s resolution back on track, now’s your chance to get into shape. Fitness First clubs all over the UK are issuing free passes for a week in a bid to get people active. There will be fitness tips and nutrition advice from expert personal trainers, so there's really no excuse not to get fit!
In the spirit of keeping fit, 16-19 year olds can enjoy football sessions atBitterne Leisure Centre on March 14th from 4.30-5.30pm. Costs: 50p per session.
On Tuesday, March 15th, head to the Soul Cellar from 6:30pm to enjoy the city's original open mic night. You can expect to hear poetry, performance, music and comedy throughout the night, and you can even stay for dinner at the Soul Bowl Cafe.
On Wednesday, March 16th, take off to The Hobbit pub once again, for their special reggae night. 'Reggae Explosion' takes place on every third Wednesday of the month from 9pm — 1am, with great drinks deals as well. You'll be able to enjoy a night of reggae music from DJ Stickee.
If reggae’s not your thing, you can catch rapper and singer Example take to the Guildhall stage, performing his hits such as 'Won't Go Quietly' and 'Last Ones Standing.' The gig kicks off from 7pm, with tickets costing Ł14.
Book enthusiasts may like to head for The Civic Centre on Thursday, March 17th from 7pm to hear a special talk from local author Penny Legg. Her new book ‘Haunted Southampton’ is about to be published. She’ll be talking about how she researches her books, how she organises and writes them and how she eventually gets them published. Who knows, you might pick up some handy writing tips along the way!
Finally, or all the fashion fans out there, head to the De Vere Grand Harbour on Friday, March 18th for the LK Bennett Spring fashion show. The evening starts at 7pm, when guests will be given a welcome drink and the chance to browse a selection of stalls before being presented with a three-course meal. As well as the LK Bennett fashion show, guests can enjoy a magician and DJ included in the Ł45 ticket price. The night is set to be a great event and will raise money towards the Ł5 million that is needed to keep Naomi House - which provides support to children and young adults with life-limiting conditions, and their families - well and truly open.
Great cause; great event!
at Until next time
Cherry Pullinger
Pics: Cherry Pullinger / bitternepark.info.
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All details believed to be correct at the time of writing. We strongly suggest you confirm details with individual venues before making a special journey. We cannot be held responsible for errors or inaccuracies however caused.