Summer Festival is nearly here!
We catch up with our Programming Team ahead of Summer Festival 2026 and find out what they're really looking forward to...
From trailblazing saxophonist Jess Gillam to six-piece folk band The John Martyn Project, from emerging local bands to an evening with Southampton University Symphony Orchestra (SUSO), we are ready to light up your summer with a special weekend of incredible music from Friday 12 – Sunday 14 June. And don’t forget our brilliant Summer Family Day, packed with events, activities and crafts for audiences of all ages!
As festival time draws near, we talked to Head of Programming, Polly Eldridge and Head of Programming (Engagement & Participation), Jessica Santer.
Polly Eldridge:
‘I’m really excited about the upcoming Summer Festival. This is our third year, and we love playing with the various spaces we have at Turner Sims.
This year we have handed over Saturday daytime to our Assistant Producers to create a festival vibe – pun intended! The Vibe Sessions sees seven up-and-coming bands perform in the main hall and foyer on a rolling programme over 6 hours, 1pm – 7pm. The doors will be open onto our beautiful garden, and for the £5 (advance) wrist band, folk are invited to move inside and out, and dip into whichever band takes their fancy.
We’re really thrilled that Skate Date Vintage clothing will be there, and also Eric’s Records so people can browse between bands.
The artists were selected by our Assistant Producers from an open call to students across the University. The styles range from jazz and neo-soul through to folk rock – and brilliantly take us into the headline gig in the main hall that night, the super talented alt folk band, The John Martyn Project.’
The John Martyn Project: Saturday 13 June
'One Day Without You' - live at Bert Jansch Studio
Jessica Santer:
‘Summer Family Day is always a highlight of our year at Turner Sims. We love to see our venue and the gardens buzzing with children and families having fun together. This year we are welcoming back David Gibb, always a favourite with our family audiences, for his show ‘Young McDonald Wants a Farm’. Expect catchy songs, farmyard animals, and a little bit of chaos when Young MacDonald is left in charge of the farm! Filskit Theatre will be performing at Turner Sims for the first time, with their performance for 0-5 year olds – ‘Wonder Gigs’. Parents, carers and little ones will enjoy this 45 minute show sat on stage with the musician. Enjoy well known pop, rock and folk tunes performed live, with props and puppets for the smallest audience members. Join us in the foyer for craft workshops with our friends from John Hansard Gallery and face painting.
The fun continues outside with ‘Bin Rat’, a puppetry show for all ages, and percussion workshops in the marquee with World Music Workshops.
Bring a picnic and stay all day to enjoy live performances, music making and crafts. We can’t wait to see you there!’
'Young MacDonald Wants a Farm' with David Gibb
