MUSIC IN THE CITY 2014

THE ECHO-backed Music in the City

festival takes place this weekend
with organisers promising some-
thing for everyone...and its free!
Back for its sixth year, the citys
longest running music festival will
once again see Southampton come
to life with music in unusual venues
from the steam ship SS Shieldhall at
Dockgate 4 to the 800- year- old
vaults, stretching up as far as
Guildhall Square.
And with music ranging from
Reggae to Jazz, Classical to Punk
Rock and Bebop to Blues, music
lovers of all tastes are in for a treat.
Last year almost 10,000 people
passed through the temporary ven-
ues many steeped with history, but
bumper crowds are expected once
again as a record 15 venues open
their doors.
The event promises to be huge
with 120 acts over 1,000 artists
taking part!
The SS Shieldhall is set to be a
highlight. It is the oldest working
steamboat in the country and has
space to hold live events and even
boasts a fully licensed bar.
The vaults which are rarely open,
are particularly unique and the
acoustics are rather special too
given the enclosed space which
enhances all sound, suitably engag-
ing people in the music of today,
whilst linking them with the history of
the city.
Also new for 2014 is the addition of
the Platform Tavern and the
Mettricks Tea and Coffee House:
both venues are no strangers to put-
ting on live music but will also pro-
vide festival goers with a place to
find refreshments as they make their
way through the city.
With open air spaces such as
Holyrood Church and Guildhall
Square to the small, underground
medieval vaults that are rarely open
to the public, Music in the City
proudly boasts possibly the most
unique temporary venues a music
festival could wish for.
Musician, Perry Flatt, who has
played the festival for the past three
years will this year play twice at The
Weigh House in French Street, with
his bands The Flying Alexanders and
Johnny Boxcars. He said: Music in
the City is one of the highlights of
the year. A very well organised and
well attended event that allows
Sotonians a unique musical
experience whilst getting to know
their history and geographical
background. The sound in these
locations is awesome. The
Beatles only had one Cavern yet
Southampton has many.
New for this year, free vintage
Southampton buses are being laid
on to provide festival goers with
transport between the venues, pro-
viding another unique opportunity to
see a part of Southamptons her-
itage. The buses will run between
Guildhall Square and the SS
Shieldhall, with stops at St Michaels
Square and the Platform Tavern.
Festival founder, Cllr Linda Norris
said, Music in the City has estab-
lished itself as the leading music
event in Southampton,
with around 10,000 people passing
through our doors last year. Im so
excited for this years event, with
more venues than ever and once
again a fantastic line up of talented
musicians. Its clichd to say there
will be something for everybody, but
with every genre covered from clas-
sical music to punk rock, we think
weve got it covered!
Music in the City takes place
across Southampton tomorrow
(Saturday, October 4) with an extra
event at the citys Art Gallery on
Sunday. Entrance to all venues is
free and music starts from 1pm and
runs until 9pm.
dailyecho.co.uk/music
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