THOUSANDS of music lovers flocked to venues across Southampton at the weekend as the Daily Echo-backed Music in the City festival returned.

The event saw free gigs held in unusual venues, including God’s House Tower, the city’s medieval vaults and steam ship SS Shieldhall.

Back for the sixth year, audiences were treated to a host of acts performing a wide range of music, including blues, jazz, indie rock and reggae.

Local talent, including singer-songwriter Pammie Moore, Jimi Hendrix-inspired local rockers North Division and Hampshire punks Pond Life were among the 120 acts to wow the crowds at 15 venues across the city centre.

Last year almost 10,000 people enjoyed music at the temporary venues dotted around the city, and organisers hope that this year’s audiences topped that figure.

The festival was rounded off by a concert at the City Art Gallery yesterday, which featured the City of Southampton Orchestra, Southamp-ton Philharmonic Choir, Flautissimo and the Courtyard Quintet.

Festival founder and Sheriff of Southampton Linda Norris told the Daily Echo: “It’s been bigger and better than ever this year, with more venues, more musicians and most importantly more audience.

“We’re already planning next year and have a raft of musicians that have already said they want to be part of it.”

Next year’s Music in the City will take place on October 3-4.