SO:FEST, a free concert come festival which organisers say showcases the strength of Southampton’s pop culture and local music scene, returns to Guildhall Square on Saturday (Sept 21) for its second year, headlined by local songwriter, performer and producer Ben Goddard and his band.
Spoken word 'sound of the city to celebrate'
"I’m really excited to be headlining an open air gig in Southampton right before I go off on tour,” said Ben. “There’s a great music scene in Southampton, and recognition and support here is a big deal."
Goddard, left, is supported on the main stage by the Lost Souls Club, Davy Jones’ Locker, and Welcome Pariah, while among others Brother Goose and legendary John Peel favourites Accrington Stanley will also play.
This year SO:FEST runs across three stages, and the entertainment continues into the evening in and around the square.
Chatterbox & Steptone stages
The Frog and Parrot Chatterbox Stage focuses on acoustic music and spoken word, with headliner Hollie McNish (right), along with Matt West, Pete the Temp, Lucy Kitchen and Big Fin. And the Cellar Steptone Stage features funk, soul reggae and future dub sounds playing through the Steptone Sound System.
When the main stage programme finishes at 9pm, there are various events in venues around the square, including Black Kat Boppers at Mango In Above Bar Street, a comedy night at the Arthouse Café, and Grizzley and the Grasshoppers and a line-up of support acts at Goblets.
Great local talent
“It will be a wonderful day,” said Charlie Hislop of Southampton Festivals. “We’ve got a great line-up on all three stages - that shows what great talent we have locally, and how Southampton is really making a name for itself in the strength of both its music and spoken word scenes. With the local bars and the evenings, food, the arts market, and kids’ stuff, it’s a real festival.”
Details
SO:FEST is in Guildhall Square from 12pm-9pm Saturday, Sept 21. Free entry.
Run by Southampton Festivals in partnership with Southampton City Council, SO:FEST receives sponsorship support from CAPITA.