Events

The city is set to come alive this September as Music in the City (MITC) returns for its 18th year. The multi-venue music festival unites Southampton’s communities and artists with free performances at restaurants, pubs, shops, historic vaults, cultural sites and outdoor spaces – making it one of the largest free multi-venue festivals in the UK. Read more on this here.

As a proud sponsor of this year’s event, BID members can host music in their venues for free. More details provided below.

Date: Saturday 12 September

Location: Southampton City Centre (citywide)

Updates: Get the latest MITC news here.

Want to get involved?

GO! Southampton is a sponsor of Music in the City 2026. BID members can register their business for free to host artists by completing this registration form.

GO! Southampton will also host a visitor information stand on the day. This stand will feature relevant BID member leaflets alongside wider visitor information for the city centre. If you are a visitor-facing business and would like to provide us with printed materials, please contact marketing@gosouthampton.co.uk.

Looking to host your own event?

You could be eligible to receive up to £6,000 in grant funding. Our 2026 Event Sponsorship scheme enables businesses and organisers to help get their event off the ground without facing major barriers or extensive grant writing.

To be eligible, your event must be free to attend and take place within the BID area. Applications for our third round of funding closes on 23 September, followed by our third round on 28 September. To find out, including eligibility and application links go here.