We’re still buzzing from this year’s annual Summer Festival (12 – 14 June). We welcomed over 2000 people, of all ages, for a joyful weekend of live music and family-friendly activities across the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus.

We kicked off on Friday evening with an incredible performance from the Jess Gillam Trio – and a house so full, we’re not sure we could have squeezed even one more seat in! A vibrant, sunny Saturday afternoon followed with The Vibe Sessions. Curated by our Assistant Producers, it featured a rolling programme of folk, bluegrass, jazz and singer-songwriters, showcasing the considerable talents of young, emerging bands. Between sets, audiences could shop for vinyl with a stall from Boo Hoo Records or find their favourite new outfit out in the gardens with Skate Date Vintage and PrelovedReloved. The evening saw another packed house for the brilliant John Martyn Project – a perfect, harmony-filled close to day two.

Sunday’s Summer Family Day filled our building and gardens with babies and children – and their families – for a wonderful day of craft with our friends from the John Hansard Gallery, events and music-making workshops. From a light-filled, sensory show for our smallest audiences with Wonder Gigs, to laughter and fun on Young MacDonald‘s chaotic farm with David Gibb, to learning all about recycling with the cheeky Bin Rat, it was thrilling to see so many people of all ages enjoying the fun!

The festival closed with a performance from the Southampton University Symphony Orchestra, who presented a stunning programme of Bernstein, Liszt, Coates and the premiere of Tezni Williams’ ‘An Orchestras’ Journey’.

Everyone at Turner Sims extends a big thank you to our brilliant Assistant Producers, volunteer ushers, team and crew for making it all happen. If you were there, we hope you had a fantastic experience!

There’s so much more in store at Turner Sims this year. Check out our exciting new season of classical, jazz, film, folk, global and family events here

With a particular interest in marketing and communications, Freya spent the week learning more about digital content creation, copywriting, social media and press releases.  

One of her first tasks at Turner Sims was to create our brand-new September–December season Spotify playlist, selecting favourite tracks from some of the brilliant artists appearing in our upcoming programme. 

Naturally, once the playlist was complete, we asked Freya to choose her own top three tracks and tell us what stood out to her. Over to Freya… 

Turner Sims Assistant Producers are young creatives aged 18 – 25, based in Southampton. Bringing together University of Southampton students and young people across the city, Assistant Producers are part of our year-round programme to support young people into careers into the music industry and to centre Youth Voice in our programming and workforce.

For the past six months the Assistant Producers have been working closely with the teams at Turner Sims (TS) and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) to develop a very special concert.

‘BSO After Dark featuring Baby Panna’ (13 March 2026) was themed around the idea of journeys. This musical experience opened with the first half being an exploration of journeys within the self: self-discovery, aging, adventure, resilience, reflection and nostalgia. The second half explored journeys beyond our planet: a search for meaning amid the cosmos.

An immersive concert, with atmospheric lighting, allowed space for reflection and imagination. A combination of classical repertoire, film music and spoken word, this concert revisited what classical music can be, exploring how music and words, used together can create a tapestry of human experience and wonder.

Ever wanted to put on your own music event? Aiming for a career in the music industry?

Join us at Turner Sims – the University of Southampton’s music venue – for a series of free practical workshops introducing careers and skills in live music venues. Learn from industry professionals about how gigs are booked, how live events are run, concerts promoted, and get hands on experience in technical production.

Workshops are booked individually so you can mix and match the ones that interest you. If you take part in at least one workshop you will have the opportunity to apply for a paid role supporting events at Turner Sims.

You get BSO After Dark, a one-night-only immersive concert designed to hit differently, with mixtape energy, late-night thoughts, and music that takes you somewhere else entirely.

Enjoy an evening built around the idea of journeys, not just across galaxies and imaginary worlds, but inward too. An ensemble from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will perform music you might recognise from film and contemporary classical artists, including Hans Zimmer, Max Richter, Arvo Pärt, and ‘Bundle of Joy’ from ‘Inside Out’.

Turner Sims Summer Festival is a vibrant weekend celebrating music across genres.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Highfield Campus, the festival showcases performances across a range of music styles, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere for music lovers of all kinds.

We’re inviting applications from University of Southampton students – solo artist, duo, or group – to perform on our nationally renowned stage on Saturday 13 June 1- 3pm (30 minute set each).

We welcome applications from a diverse mix of genres and particularly jazz, folk, soul, classical, and singer-songwriter.

Combining their skills and expertise, as well as a passion for learning, a team of young creatives aged 18 – 25 are working together to plan and host live music events called the Vibe Lounge.

With a focus on showcasing exciting young artists, that are programmed by young people for young people, the Vibe Collective meet regularly to talk all things production, marketing, artist liaison and how to work in a professional music venue environment with experienced staff. Unique to this project, this group are both employees and learners, supporting young people early in their career to experience the full range of activities and tasks involved in this side of the industry.

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.

I was part of the first Vibe Collective, recruited from the student body of the University of Southampton and 18-25 year olds living in Southampton. I was working on my Master’s Degree in Maritime Archaeology at the time, new to the city and new to the country. When I saw the advertisement for the Vibe Collective, I remembered my past working as a bartender for musical events and hosting radio shows in my free time and decided to apply. The interview was group based, and we were challenged to create a marshmallow and pasta stick tower, whilst my future bosses took notes on our collaborative skills. Fortunately, I was chosen.

Our task as employees was to create our own unique event, given a budget and very few other constraints. We needed to focus on what would engage other young people in the community and on the campus. This was a crazy opportunity to innovate in a beautiful space located in the middle of the University of Southampton, but disconnected from the students walking around it every day. Thus, the Vibe Lounge came into being.

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