30 September 2026
The city’s Business Improvement District (BID) has provided over £100,000 in grants to events across Southampton.
GO! Southampton has been supporting a diverse programme of events as part of its Event Sponsorship scheme, which has provided over £110,000 in grants to 35+ events organised by 20 local groups and organisations over the last five years.
As GO! Southampton prepares to go to ballot this October, levy-paying businesses in Southampton were asked what their priorities were for economic growth and prosperity and improving the city centre.
Almost 60% of respondents said increasing footfall/dwell time was one of their top three priorities as well as around a quarter that said supporting events in the city centre was also a key focus point.
With over £100,000 invested in events, it’s clear to see GO! Southampton’s commitment to businesses in the city centre – and with successful results.
Anjali Mavi, Founder of the Hampshire Indian Community, welcomes the BID’s Event Sponsorship Scheme which has supported their Holi Hungama event. Anjali said: “GO! Southampton has played a vital role in supporting our journey, particularly in bringing the Holi festival to the city. When we introduced this new initiative, they believed in our vision and supported us both financially and strategically.
Over the past two years, the event has grown to welcome more than 3,000 people annually, bringing together not just the Indian community but a truly diverse audience from across Southampton. It has now become an important cultural celebration that people look forward to each year.
GO! Southampton has been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact, and we strongly support its continuation. Without them, many initiatives like ours would struggle to grow and thrive. I would absolutely encourage BID members to vote YES for the next five years.”
Music in the City festival organiser, Chris Orr, echoed that sentiment, saying the annual celebration of local talent brings together people together to make live music accessible to all – but it wouldn’t be the same without the BID’s support.
Chris said: “GO! Southampton’s support has played a key role in helping our event grow over the last two years. Not only has it provided vital funding through its member businesses, but it has also helped us strengthen relationships with the local business community. As a result, we’re now working with organisations across the city to develop our offering to ensure the festival can continue. We look forward to working with the BID again in 2027 and building on this success.”
GO! Southampton’s ballot will determine whether it continues its investment in the city for the next five-year term, and Stephen Manion, Executive Director of GO! Southampton said: “Events attract residents, visitors and tourists into the city centre, increasing spending in local businesses, while showcasing the city’s unique character and strengths.
“By supporting events throughout the year, we aim to create a vibrant atmosphere, encourage repeat visits, strengthen community pride, and ensure Southampton remains an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest.”
The BID’s ballot will take place from 30 October – 26 November 2026, giving BID levy payers the opportunity to vote on whether they want GO! Southampton to continue delivering services and improvements for another five‑year term.
Businesses can read the full plan and find ballot information here.