14 July 2026
GO! Southampton is proud to be showing its support for an exciting line-up of summer events coming to Southampton this year.
The city’s Business Improvement District is committed to championing Southampton’s cultural and creative offer and will be sponsoring four standout events taking place across July and August. Through their annual Event Sponsorship Scheme the BID has awarded grants to the following events:
Southampton Mela Festival returns on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, bringing a two-day cultural celebration back to Hoglands Park. The 2026 programme will feature global performers, international food, family activities, interactive workshops, and a dedicated arts bazaar showcasing regional creativity.
Scribble, a new interactive public art project, will launch this summer. Set to transform Southampton’s Guildhall Square, it will combine large-scale interactive sculptures with a programme of free creative events running throughout August.
Push & Play will celebrate the opening of the new skatepark in Hoglands Park on Sunday 23 August, offering eventgoers the chance to enjoy skate jams, as well as live music, art activities, and more.
Southampton Pride will be marking its 10th year in the city on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August in Guildhall Square. One of the South Coast’s standout Pride events, the vibrant annual festival will feature parades, live music and community stalls.
Executive Director at GO! Southampton Stephen Manion said: “Southampton has such a great programme of events on offer to the city’s residents and visitors this summer. It’s fantastic to see local organisations bringing communities together for activities, entertainment and celebration. We know each of these events will bring a brilliant buzz to the city, and we’re proud to be a part of that.”
Julianne Watling-McCarthy, founder and CEO of Southampton Pride, said: Southampton Pride Trust is delighted to be supported by the GO! Southampton grant, which means that we are able to deliver a safe and accessible event for the city. Without the support of Go! and all of our other Partners, Southampton Pride could not have a free weekend festival in the heart of Southampton. We are in extremely challenging times, both financially and politically, and Pride events are as important now as they have ever been. 2026 marks our 10-Year Anniversary and Southampton will be hosting UK Pride in 2027 – where a spotlight will be shone on our wonderful city. We are #SOproud to be partnering with GO! Southampton again this year.”
The ever-popular Music in the City event returns for another year on 12 September as the much-loved 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.
Last year, more than 360 music acts spanning 42 genres performed across 54 of the city’ most popular venues, with many from under-represented backgrounds. Artists range from established local acts to emerging musicians in the early stages of their careers.
These are just a few of the events taking place over the Summer. To plan your summer in the city, go to: www.visitsouthampton.co.uk/summer
The third and final round of the Event Sponsorship Scheme closes in September. For more information on how to apply, go to www.gosouthampton.co.uk/event-sponsorship.