Turner Sims Summer Festival 2026
Our music-packed summer festival is back!
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) – one of the UK’s leading student orchestras, we are ready to light up your summer with a special weekend of incredible music. And don’t forget our brilliant Summer Family Day, packed with events, activities and crafts for audiences of all ages!
Jess Gillam Trio / Friday 12 June / 8pm
The trailblazing saxophonist and broadcaster brings a thrilling mix of music, from jazz legends like Phil Woods, to baroque brilliance from Corelli.
Tickets from £12 (£10 students and under 18s)
Book here
The Vibe Sessions / Saturday 13 June / 1pm – 7pm
Join us for summer vibes with a rolling programme of solos, duos and bands covering classical, jazz, soul folk, and singer-songwriters.
Feel free to roam between foyer and auditorium and catch whatever is playing – or chill out on the grass in the gardens. Grab a drink, check out new talent and enjoy some great music through the afternoon.
Tickets £5
Book here
The John Martyn Project / Saturday 13 June / 8pm
An incredible six-piece band of folk and leftfield musicians, drawn together by a shared love of the iconic Scottish musician. Born from a sold-out tribute at Camden’s Jazz Café, this collective has grown into a touring sensation.
John Martyn was one of the most prolific, gifted, original and enigmatic talents in British music. Expect heartfelt performances of classics and hidden gems, delivered with passion and respect for Martyn’s legacy.
Tickets from £10 (£10 students and under 18s)
Book here
Summer Family Day 2026 / Sunday 14 June / 11am – 4pm
Join us this summer for a day of magical musical activities and events for children and grown-ups of all ages.
Get the whole family involved with performances, workshops, music, dance – and of course the chance to make LOTS of noise. Bring your picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens, get your face painted – a perfect day out!
Wonder Gigs / 11am / Find out more and book here
Bin Rat / 11.30am & 1.30pm / Free – find out more
Music Making Workshop / 12.30pm & 2.30pm / Free – just come along!
Young MacDonald Wants a Farm / 2.30pm / Find out more and book here
Drop-in Craft Workshop with our friends from John Hansard Gallery / 11am – 4pm / Free – just come along!
Face Painting with Snazzy Roo / 11am – 4pm / £4 per person – first come, first served
SUSO Summer Concert 2026 / Sunday 14 June 2026 / 7pm
The Southampton University Symphony Orchestra close our Summer Festival with their annual Summer Concert.
The evening begins with the vivid and nostalgic portrait of London with Eric Coates ‘London Suite: London Everyday’. They follow this with the Premiere of Tezni Williams’ ‘An Orchestras Journey’, a thrilling and comedic exploration of the musical journey between rehearsal and concert!
The concert comes to a stunning close with two powerful orchestral statements of intensity and character, Franz Liszt’s romantic Symphonic poem ‘Les Preludes’ and Bernstein’s dramatic Symphonic Suite from ‘On the Waterfront’. Experience a thrilling night of brilliant music, and a dynamic and enchanting programme from one of the UK’s leading student orchestras.
Tickets £12
Book here
