Young people in a band playing outside to a watching audience

Turner Sims Summer Festival 2025 – Call for Performers!

Turner Sims Summer Festival, 27 – 29 June 2025

Turner Sims Summer Festival is an exciting outdoor celebration of live music, bringing together diverse artists and audiences for an unforgettable summer experience. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Turner Sims, at University of Southampton Highfield Campus, this festival showcases vibrant performances across a range of music styles, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere for music lovers of all kinds.

February 24, 2025

Are you a local music artist or band based in Southampton?

We’re inviting applications from both emerging and established acts and artists to perform on our outdoor stage. Whether you’re a solo artist, duo, full band or group. We welcome a diverse mix of genres – including jazz, folk, indie, soul, classical crossover, and more! The key is great live energy and a sound that fits an outdoor festival vibe.

This opportunity is open to both amateur and professional musicians. If you’re passionate about performing live and ready to bring your music to new audiences, we’d love to hear from you!

Each act will be given a dedicated time slot on our outdoor stage, creating a dynamic and engaging lineup of talent.

What will Turner Sims provide?

• This is a paid opportunity. All selected performers will receive a performance fee, with details provided upon booking
• Full technical support, including PA system and on-site sound engineers
• Marketing and promotion, with featured artist profiles across our website, social media, and festival materials
• A vibrant festival atmosphere with an engaged audience, providing excellent exposure for your music

What will performers need to provide?

• Your own instruments and any specialist equipment beyond our standard festival backline
• Transport and accommodation costs (unfortunately we are unable to provide these)
• A professional attitude and enthusiasm for making this festival a success!

How to get involved

Apply now and be part of a summer of live music at Turner Sims! Please complete this application form by 24 March.
Send in your application even if you’re less experienced! We are open to anyone from bands to dance to experimental performances. Our audience loves innovation, and we want to encourage the Southampton scene to flourish.

If you have questions before you apply please contact info@turnersims.co.uk / 023 8059 5151

If you would like to apply in a non-written format (for example voice recording or video) please email info@turnersims.co.uk or phone 023 8059 5151.

A young girl playing the piano

From Hardanger to Harmonium: A Folk-Tastic Journey with FAYE

On the 28th of September, 2024, working in partnership with Turner Sims, FAYE (the FolkActive Youth Ensemble) took part in a workshop with Norwegian musicians Nils Økland and Sigbjørn Apeland. Ffion Richardson, member of the FolkActive Youth Ensemble, reflects on the inspiring experience.

January 24, 2025

The duo craft a mesmerising soundscape that beautifully marries the rich heritage of Norwegian folk music with the contemporary. Their latest album, ‘Glimmer’, showcases the beauty of the Hardanger fiddle, which Nils plays with haunting grace. The instrument’s unique resonating strings create a shimmering tapestry woven with threads of emotion. Complementing this, Sigbjørn breathes new life into the harmonium. Drawing from his classical background, he integrates innovative elements into his arrangements while honouring traditional roots. This musical style is starkly different from the traditional English folk music FAYE typically play and through the concert and workshop created new paths for them to follow on their musical journey.

Within the workshop, FAYE were taught two Norwegian folk tunes. The first was a hymn called ‘O du min Immanuel’ (‘O You My Emmanuel’) which featured gentle, flowing phrases that allowed room for interpretation. To further the youth group’s understanding of their style of playing, Nils and Sigbjørn discussed the decisions behind their arrangement of the hymn and explained their method of improvisation around the melody. The second tune they taught was a dance tune called ‘Springen’ and Nils explained the different bowing techniques he had learned from various teachers. The duo then took the stage to perform for the FAYE members, followed by a Q&A. The ensemble expressed interest in the historic instruments, the hardanger and harmonium, and were given the opportunity to play them. This inspired a few members to start a ‘Harmonium Wish List’ for Christmas – because who wouldn’t want this magical instrument to get them through the holidays?

As a fellow musician, I found their innovative approach to arrangement truly inspiring, leading me to learn my first Norwegian tunes, which has sparked a desire to explore more Scandinavian folk music. Fern, another member of FAYE, said: ‘we learnt two very new and contrasting tunes. Nils recommended, when you’re learning a new tune, to look at someone else’s bow which was really useful.’ Marnie, also from FAYE, added, ‘the tunes were very fun to learn, and I found the harmonium and hardanger very interesting’.

We would like to give a huge thank you to Kevin Appleby and Turner Sims for funding and hosting the workshop. This opportunity ignited a passion for Scandinavian folk traditions that will resonate in FAYE’s future performances, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the shared joy of music, and ensuring that the spirit of folk traditions continues to thrive in contemporary settings.

Find out more about FAYE

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Man and woman standing singing into microphones with drummer and keyboard players also singing in the background

Local musicians invited to Turn It Up 2025!

Turner Sims is launching the second edition of Turn It Up, a development opportunity for local musicians. Turn up the volume on your project and prepare to perform at our summer festival.

January 9, 2025

Do you have a project idea you want to develop and present to new audiences live? Are you ready to develop your craft and boost your professional career? We will help you develop your project and provide a national platform for you to perform it.

About Us

Turner Sims has big ambitions to build an inclusive world through the joy of live music. We’re developing from a respected concert hall into a dynamic and creative music hub. Nurturing new talent and connecting with diverse communities are central to our plans.  

Turn It Up artists will join a wide range of musicians as part of our year-round programme of exceptional live music.  In 2024 indie-folk duo Pegasuses were selected as the first Turn It Up artists and premiered their new music live at the Turner Sims Summer Festival. 

The Opportunity

We will select one Turn It Up artist from this open call. The successful artist will receive a Research and Development (R&D) and Production budget of up to £3,000 to create and deliver a project across five months. The R&D phase (March to June 2025) will culminate in a live performance at Turner Sims’ Summer Festival on Friday 27 June 2025.  

The selected artist will receive a tailored package to support their development and performance. This includes: 

  • rehearsal space at Turner Sims 
  • recording support 
  • performance opportunities 
  • marketing and PR 
  • industry mentoring with access to knowledge and networks 

Who is it for?

We are looking to support individual artists/musicians who: 

  • live or work in Southampton or an SO postcode 
  • have 5-10 years of professional experience 
  • work in jazz, sound, folk, global, classical and/or electronic music or any point in-between 
  • have an ambitious project they want to develop and present live and on a national platform 
  • are passionate about engaging diverse audiences through music 
  • want to hone their craft and build their professional career 
  • want support in navigating the music industry 

We are keen to receive applications from artists with a wide range of lived experiences to create events that are exciting and relevant for diverse audiences from different communities in Southampton. This includes individuals from the Global Majority and/or LGBTQIA+ communities, or those who are disabled, D/deaf, neurodiverse, experience mental illness or are care experienced. 

Access support 

We are committed to removing barriers that would prevent people from participating in this opportunity. For individuals who require access support, we will work with you to understand your needs and agree a package of support to enable you to fully benefit from the opportunity.  

What will we support?

We are looking for projects that: 

  • demonstrate ambition and high quality 
  • develop your practice 
  • seek to engage diverse audiences in the joy of live music 

How will Turn It Up 2025 work?

The selected artist will begin with a one-to-one consultation with us to clarify your project idea and R&D needs.  

Together we will plan how best to spend the £3,000 budget. The funds will need to cover each artist’s own time and any costs to create their idea and proposal e.g. rehearsal and performance time, hiring equipment, accessing other expertise to test a work in progress, or go on site visits. As the final performance will take place within an established event set up we anticipate that some ‘on the day’ production costs may be covered. 

The consultation will also help you identify further support needs and decide what pathway will be most beneficial for you. This may include support with collaboration, industry advice, technical support, or rehearsal/studio time – most likely, a combination of all of these.

The Outcome

During the R&D period, you will have prepared a new show ready to be showcased live at the Turner Sims Summer Festival on Friday 27 June 2025. You will be supported to promote the event and develop content for marketing before and after. This will support you to explore further opportunities for performance, touring, producing etc. 

Join an online briefing session – 21 January 

We will be holding two online information sessions on Tuesday 21 January 2025 to introduce the scheme and answer any questions you may have.  The sessions will take place on the following date and times: 

  • Tuesday 21 January 10-10.30am 
  • Tuesday 21 January 7-7.30pm 

Email us to book a space for one of the sessions with ‘Online briefing session’ in the subject header stating which session you wish to attend. The content for both sessions will be the same so there is no need to attend both. It is not a requirement to attend one of the sessions in order to apply. 

How to apply

Complete the online form or submit a video/audio application by email to info@turnersims.co.uk  

Please download the application guidance below for a full list of questions.

Deadline to apply: Sunday 2 February 2025 

Interviews with shortlisted artists: week commencing Monday 24 February 2025 

We will contact all applicants with the award decision by Monday 10 March 2025 

 Proposals will be considered against the following criteria: 

  • Artist eligibility (e.g. SO postcode and 5-10 years of professional experience) 
  • Artistic vision and musical quality 
  • Track record of artist for creating and delivering original material 
  • Diversity of artists 
  • Diversity of music and creative styles 
  • Diversity of intended audiences for the project 

 If you have any questions about this opportunity, access support or need this brief or further information in a different format, please email info@turnersims.co.uk 

Download application guidance

Download PDF Document 179 KB

Download application guidance

Download Word Document (DOCX) 27 KB
Through Turn It Up we were able to play an incredible venue we’d dreamt of playing at for some time and also made it across the finish line with Sea of Joy, our debut album.
Lamb and Dave, Pegasuses

Pegasuses Turned It Up 2024

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Pegasuses c. Nosa Malcolm
Looking to a band performing from the crowd, with other crowd members in front.

Applications for the 2024-25 Vibe Collective are now open!

Calling music lovers aged 18-25! We are looking for 10 Southampton-based 18-25-year-olds to create music events for young people at Turner Sims, one of the city's top music venues.

November 4, 2024

Our 10 recruits will form The Vibe Collective. This group will work with industry professionals to plan and present gigs and events for young people at Turner Sims, the music venue at University of Southampton. We are looking for people with a range of musical tastes who are passionate about the music scene in Southampton. You’ll gain incredible experience of working in the music industry along the way.

The Vibe has definitely changed how I see arts and culture in the city. Turner Sims saying you guys aged 18-25, you are going to shape the next 20 years in the city and we value your opinions - that was really special.
Josh, The Vibe Collective 2023-24

How to apply

Interested? Apply by Monday 25 November at 12pm by completing this simple form.

If you would prefer to have this information in a non-written format please email Frankie McCormick.

There is also an opportunity to apply in a non-written format. You could create a video or voice note application (5-8 mins), or submit your application in any form that you choose. There is more information about this on the application form.

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Young girl stood on steps looking down at Turner Sims stage with rainbow lights highlighting the brickwork and audience sat either side

Intern Insights: Summer Family Day Recap

Our intern Megan gives us a recap of her experience during Summer Family Day 2024.

July 31, 2024

Summer Family Day 2024 was an absolute hit with both kids and parents alike! In anticipation of upcoming family events like Winter Family Day (Sunday 24 November), our Concert Promotions Intern, Megan Harrison takes a look back to July to show you what amazing family events are held here at Turner Sims…

On Sunday 30 June I got the amazing opportunity to help out on Summer Family Day and see the event first hand! Turner Sims and the nearby outside areas of Highfield campus were full of liveliness, music, and delicious food stalls. The day was filled with fun activities, music and performances that, together, created a day of musical family fun!

Throughout the day, the Turner Sims foyer was busy with face painting and crafts. Paper artist Nathan Ward ran an all-day drop-in workshop where children could create their own unique bugs. The face painting and crafts were extremely popular, and I saw lots of happy children with uniquely painted faces and others carrying around the paper bugs they had made.

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The first event of the day was the David Gibb Big Band, which filled the morning with lots of noise in the main concert hall. I heard it was a really imaginative show! Soon after, there was a Big Bug Hunt in the gardens, where kids and families looked for all sorts of different insects on Highfield campus. The children were particularly keen on the stickers they got as a reward for finding all the bugs!

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At the Community Stage, many local performers came to put on amazing shows. There was a great variety of people – we had a dance group and a local youth orchestra give fantastic performances. It was great to see Turner Sims and the community supporting these local artists.

Jham! was extremely popular, with the fusion of classical Indian dancing and more modern styles of music creating an exhilarating outdoor show. The audience was thrilled by the dancing and lots of people stood up and got involved in the dancing themselves!

In the afternoon, another show in the concert hall called JUMP was on. Following the creepy-crawly theme of this Family Day, JUMP, composed by Karen Wimhurst, combined field recordings of insects and amphibians with clarinet music.

The Puppetry and Conducting Workshop was held under the marquee. The workshop began with the puppet Pythagoras conducting for an accordion player, showing how his movements influenced her playing. After this, newspaper and tape were held out and the kids and grown-ups created their own puppets to conduct with! As someone who’s taken conducting classes, I think this was a really clever and engaging way of introducing conducting to children.

The final event of the day was Creative Beats Workshop, which ended summer Family Day on a high note. Led by Yetta and Emma, members of YES! Creative Beats from the Isle of Wight, kids and grownups played boom-whackers and hand percussion in time with recorded tunes. The energy from Yetta and Emma was amazing and kept everyone engaged, so much so that even the Arts at University of Southampton Student Ambassadors were joining in!

There was lovely positive audience feedback and families had an amazing time. The atmosphere the entire day was so vibrant and cheerful that I couldn’t help but enjoy myself!

Check out some of these amazing photos taken on the day by Nosa Malcolm…

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Four young men wearing casual clothes, sat in the front row of Turner Sims' hall

The Future Producers: a Turner Sims and UoS Music Partnership Project

Learn more about the 2024 Future Producers team, the FRAZ Collective!

June 12, 2024

Future Producers is a partnership project between Turner Sims and the University of Southampton Department of Music, giving a unique opportunity to a group of music students to programme concerts at Turner Sims and community venues. These students get the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals to learn new skills and gain experience planning, producing and delivering live music events.

Who are we?

Our 2024 team of Future Producers are the FRAZ Collective – Frankie, Ralph, Angelo and Zephyr. Brought together by a shared passion for music and experimentation, we are a team of four first year music students looking to bring new ideas and styles of music to Turner Sims. With a shared love for electronic and jazz music, we are hoping to bring a vibrant, youthful audience to Turner Sims with two upcoming concerts.

What are our aims?

We want Turner Sims to be at the forefront of an engaging music scene in Southampton and entice a new demographic of young people to discover the progressive and experimental musicians that Turner Sims showcases. One of our most important aims is to serve the community in Southampton – which is why one of our two concerts is in collaboration with Friends of St James’ Park’s Summer Festival on the 15 June. Turner Sims will have a one hour takeover at this event with the seven piece jazz and funk band Side Eye and alternative rock band Zero Saints bringing amazing live music to the community.

How will we achieve this?

In both of our concerts, we will be booking what we believe to be on trend and current. By putting on interesting and engaging musical performances that stand out from the crowd, we hope to create a buzz around what we are showcasing. We’ve got some amazing music in store that we’re thrilled to share, so stay tuned and watch this space!

Frankie, Ralph, Angelo, Zephyr (FRAZ Collective)

A group of 12 young people stood on stage at Turner Sims

Introducing The Vibe Collective: A New Wave of Music Events at Turner Sims

Hey there music enthusiasts and curious souls!

April 23, 2024

We’re excited to share the buzz about our latest adventure – The Vibe Collective. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Southampton, we, a dynamic team of fourteen young creatives, are on a mission to shake things up at Turner Sims and bring you a fresh wave of live music experiences like never before.

Setting the Stage: The Vision and Mission

Before we dive into the beats and melodies, let’s sync up with the grand vision of Turner Sims – connecting communities locally and globally through the sheer joy of live music. Our mission? To share that joy by delivering extraordinary experiences within and beyond the walls of our favourite music venue.

The Vibe Collective’s Mission – Let the Music Speak!

Our mission, should you choose to accept it (and trust us, you want to), involves planning, programming, and delivering mind-blowing live music events at Turner Sims, aptly named ‘The Vibe.’ Picture this: unforgettable events this spring and summer that are set to sizzle. But wait, there’s more! We’re not just bringing you the same old tunes; we’re scouting talent from across the country and celebrating the homegrown gems right here in Southampton. Turner Sims is about to become the go-to venue for an eclectic mix of musical styles that will tickle every auditory fancy.

Where the Magic Happens: The Turner Sims Foyer Transformation

Ever wished the Turner Sims foyer felt a bit more like your kind of space? Well, buckle up! We’re playfully experimenting with transforming the foyer into a haven for young souls. Imagine a space that invites you in, teases your creativity, and sets the stage for unforgettable moments.

A Bold Identity and Fresh Vibes: On and Off the Stage

The Vibe Collective isn’t just about the music; it’s about crafting a bold identity. We’re the consultants on a mission – developing an identity that screams ‘The Vibe’ and makes waves on websites, marketing materials, and social media. Get ready to spot The Vibe from a mile away!

Calling All Young People: A New Audience Unveiled

Are you between 18 and 25 and seeking a new musical haven? Look no further! The Vibe Collective is here to devise innovative ways to attract you, build trust, and make Turner Sims your go-to spot. Your feedback will be our compass as we navigate this exciting journey together.

In Closing: A Symphony of Collaboration, Learning, and Ambition

As we embark on this thrilling venture, collaboration is our anthem. The Vibe Collective is not just a team; it’s a family, working hand-in-hand with the incredible Turner Sims staff. Recognising diverse skills, embracing learning, and daring to experiment are our guiding principles. Turner Sims has set the bar high for live music experiences, and The Vibe Collective is rising to the challenge. We’re fuelled by ambition – the ambition to deliver nothing short of exceptional, to present amazing artists, and to gift you, our audience, with extraordinary experiences. Get ready to catch The Vibe, Southampton! We’re turning up the volume, breaking the mold, and ushering in a new era of live music magic.

 

Stay tuned for the rhythm of The Vibe Collective!

Woman stood against a brick wall with a man sat in front of her with a guitar

Southampton musicians invited to Turn It Up

Southampton Folk act Pegasuses has been named Turner Sims’ first Turn It Up local associate.

April 12, 2024

Turn It Up is a new development opportunity for musicians from Southampton and SO postcodes. It was launched by University of Southampton music venue, Turner Sims, earlier this year in association with SoCo Music Project.

Supported by funding from Arts Council England, the programme aims to help local musicians turn up the volume on their creative projects.

Pegasuses blew the selection panel away with an acoustic performance to secure their place as this year’s Turn It Up artists.

The Indie-Folk duo will benefit from industry mentoring, funding, and a headline slot at Turner Sims’ Summer Festival in June.

Being awarded the Turn It Up grant means so much – it’s a huge validation for us. It confirms there is a place for our music, and that others are not only interested in what we have to say, but that they want to support us in our development as artists. Having expert advice and guidance will help us better understand an industry that can so often feel inaccessible.
Laura, Vocalist

Through Turn It Up, Pegasuses are scaling up their usual duo to a full band featuring fellow Sotonians, including Russell Marsden (Band of Skulls), who they have spent the past two years recording their debut album with in his Southampton studio. The band will perform the album in full for the first time at Turner Sims’ Summer Festival on Friday 28 June 2024 before embarking on a small tour, which will take them beyond their usual Southampton stomping ground.

This opportunity presents a real chance for us to develop as musicians. It means we can dedicate more time and resources to our practice and build on what we’ve spent the past few years refining.
Laura, Vocalist

Pegasuses describe their music as folk-based with various influences from folk, Americana and alternative genres.

Pegasuses’ passion and readiness to take the next step in their music career stood out. They had a clear idea of where they wanted to get to and it was evident how our support and contacts could help them reach a national platform. When they performed one of their original songs for us, we knew we’d found our first Turn It Up artists.
Kevin Appleby, Turner Sims
A high view of a group of people performing on a stage

The Ripple Effect Lookback

Thursday 30 March saw the fantastic finish to our project with Orchestras Live and The Third Orchestra, The Ripple Effect.

May 3, 2023

Our Southampton musicians, oboist Anna Durance, poet Issa Loyaan Farrah-Kelly and electronic musician Matt Brombley, premiered a new work, Coastal, co-created and performed with The Third Orchestra, as part of the programme. They played to a packed house of very excited and appreciative children from local schools in the afternoon, followed by an inspired audience for the triumphant evening concert.

It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages enjoying the creative results of The Ripple Effect. Our mission at Turner Sims is to share live music that connects, moves and inspires people through extraordinary experiences – and today’s concerts are a perfect example of how we achieve that.
Kevin Appleby Turner Sims Concert Hall Manager

Our chosen artists joined co-composition and creation days in London and Southampton under the guidance of highly experienced composer and music leader, Peter Wiegold, for cross-genre creative conversations with The Third Orchestra.

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This was a seminal project for us, creating and playing in a wonderful venue, alongside three especially talented Southampton artists, Issa, Anna and Matt. Together with them we created a new piece ‘Coastal’, and then, delighted by this, also invited them to integrate into the orchestra for the whole show.
Peter Wiegold The Third Orchestra
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Honestly one of the most uplifting performance days I’ve ever experienced. I don’t think it could have been better. I loved how we could hear our ideas for Coastal rippling through the orchestra and coming out/being interpreted in different ways.
Anna Durance
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… an uplifting and unforgettable concert. Last night was a tremendous and re-affirming musical collaboration, the essence of what I believe we each aspire to as musical souls.
Iain Ballamy saxophonist
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The whole experience, start to finish, has been just wonderful!
Matt Brombley
All images © Nosa Malcolm
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The Ripple Effect: The Third Orchestra is presented by Turner Sims in association with Orchestras Live

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