Compton’s Garden Party at the Triangle in June will feature a road closure, large stage and a programme of acts running from the afternoon into the evening, organisers have announced.
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Organisers say the Garden Party is a belated celebration for the opening of Compton’s cocktail bar, Little Hair Co’s seventh birthday, and the launch of Pink Olive cafe, where the “final touches” are currently taking place.
William Smith, left, and Tommy Compton
William Smith from Compton’s and Little Hair explained that Compton’s hadn’t held a launch party because it had opened just before the ‘Christmas in the Triangle’ event.
Plans were therefore made to book the June 20 for a road closure to hold a celebration.
This fitted neatly for the team with the opening of the Pink Olive in the former Songbird cafe premises
“It has tied in pretty perfectly into the event that we had already got planned,” said William.
“And the fact that we’re going into summer as well, it’s the perfect time to actually launch,” added Tommy Compton.
“We want things to happen in the area - we want to make it a destination for people to come to, so if we can … put stuff on which everyone can enjoy, and everyone will benefit from, why not?”
Compton's cocktail bar at Bitterne Park Triangle
The stage will be bigger than that used for Christmas in the Triangle, there will be more acts, and it will run for longer – from noon until 11pm.
Live music from local performers, outside bars, food stalls, face painting and kids’ games with Carly Devon and a caricature portrait artist and magician are scheduled. To help visitors ‘get festival ready’ a flower crown stall will also be operational.
Drag queen Aura Jay, who performs at The London Hotel and is the main host of Southampton Pride, will compere.
Here’s what’s planned for the main stage:
Southampton Ukulele Jam – opening from 12pm
Eve Inglasias - appeared on Britain’s and Spain’s Got Talent
Issy Somers
TJ Quinn
Kieron Cox
Adriana Sabotinova
DJ Bad – until close at 11pm
“There’s a lot of acts who are very well known in the Southampton area, and in the pubs, and we’re actually bringing them into our community, which is great,” said Tommy.
Hot food will be supplied by Miss Ellie’s and The Pink Olive, which will include a street food, a BBQ, Mr Whippy ice creams and soft drinks. There will also be outside bars from Compton’s.
“We want everyone to come and experience what we’re looking to do, because this isn’t going to be just a ‘one and done’ thing: we’re looking to do this a little bit more often,” said Will.
“It benefits everyone long term,” added Tommy. “That community vibe will come back.
“Over the years, obviously shops close and change, and it’s bringing that back together again – bringing everyone together, and actually having a hub and a community.”
• Compton’s Garden Party, Saturday, June 20 from noon until 11pm at Bitterne Park Triangle