Sunday 3 May travel information

Sunday is the day of the ABP Marathon 2026. Temporary road closures will be in place across Southampton on race day to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. For full details, maps and resident information, visit the official event website

If you’re planning to come and join the fun on Sunday at Turner Sims Folk Weekend (and we hope you will!) please allow extra time and check routes in advance.

 

Two vocalists, one female and one male, sing in front of a Christmas tree surrounded by musicians playing different instruments.

Swing Into Christmas with Down for the Count Orchestra

Date: Saturday 19 December 2026 14:30 & 19:30
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Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes including interval
Checking availabilty

Celebrate the festive season in style with the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra, as they return to Turner Sims for their much-loved annual show.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the 30-piece Down for the Count Swing Orchestra returns with its much-loved annual seasonal treat. Gather your loved ones for a joyful set of festive and non-festive classics as you’ve never experienced them before.

This is a Christmas spectacular like no other – the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is one of the largest swing bands currently touring the UK. Directed by conductor and compère Mike Paul-Smith and featuring some of the UK’s top vocalists and instrumentalists, the acclaimed “big band with strings” recreates the sounds of Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland in a unique extravaganza of music, stories and on-stage camaraderie which has endeared the ensemble to audiences up and down the country year after year.

Audiences of all ages will be captivated by fresh arrangements of iconic songs such as Let It Snow, This Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and New York, New York alongside many other favourites – all performed in authentic big-band-with-strings style.

The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is one of the UK’s most highly-regarded vintage ensembles, having sold out numerous shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The London Jazz Festival, Cadogan Hall and more.

It may be cold outside, but a night with the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is guaranteed to leave you in the warm glow of the holiday spirit.

A sonic sleigh ride back to the sounds of Capitol Studios in the 1950s.'
Downbeat Magazine

Discover the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra

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Need to know

Tickets £48

£33 Students
£23 under 18s

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This event is not eligible for a ticket exchange or credit.