A MONTH long programme of outdoor events is set to bring the city centre alive.

Designed to showcase Southampton’s best local acts as well as specially commissioned pieces from international artists Summer in the Square will open with a launch party featuring bands and djs.

There will be specially scheduled walking tours with new director of the John Hansard gallery Woodrow Kernohan, and the chance for art lovers to hear from the artists themselves with “in conversation” events.

The events in Guildhall Square are pqrt of the build-up to the opening of what is being billed as the ‘jewel in Southampton’s crown’.

The new £25 million Studio 144 arts complex is due to open later this year.

The family friendly music, art and theatre events will take place in a specially commissioned pavilion designed by Swedish artist Markus Bergström and built by Thornhill based builders Nolan Davis Contracting.

British artist and writer David Batchelor has created P-A-R-A-D-E for Southampton – a series of vibrant lamppost banners that run the length of Above Bar Street.

As previously reported Rhona Byrne’s “wearable art” Huddlehood is already open every day from 10am-6pm in a bright yellow geometric pod.

The ‘wearable art’ is made for people to get inside and interact with each other. It is designed to represent technology’s all-encompassing hold on society.

There will also be a family theatre day in the square on August 15.

Director of Southampton’s Cultural Trust James Gough, pictured, said: “The family theatre day will be especially good on August 15 with lots of local groups taking part.

“And with the John Hansard Gallery’s commissioning of the the Marcus Bergstrom Pavilion, Summer in the Square has created the opportunity for local music venues and musicians to platform their work at the heart of the city. It’s the mix of international commissioned art merging with local talent, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“This just a perfect reflection of what we hope the Cultural Quarter can and should be.”

But the programme couldn’t come soon enough for some Guildhall Square businesses.

As previously reported, at least two city centre restaurants have had to reduce their opening hours as a result of competition from Westquay. They blamed a failure by Southampton City Council to turn the area into a vibrant cultural quarter.

As well as the art events Guildhall Square will also be tghe central point for Southampton Pride 2017 on August 26.

Uniting all local communities into one family friendly event, with a wide range of food and drink, live music, parade, local acts, and entertainment, including performances by eighties icons Sinitta and Sonia. Also gracing the stage on the day will be 90s boy band 911, whose hits include 1999 chart topper A Little Bit More plus More Than a Woman, All I Want Is You and Private Number.

What’s On

  • August 4: 6pm Pavilion Launch Party
  • August 9: 1pm John Hansard Walking Tour
  • August 11: 6pm University Showcase
  • August 12: 6pm Saints Brass and Little Chief
  • August 13: 2pm Southampton Youth Jazz Orchestra
  • August 15: Theatre Family Fun Day
  • August 16: 1pm John Hansard Walking Tour
  • August 17: 6pm John Hansard Gallery Poetry Launch
  • August 19: 1pm Saturday Sounds
  • August 20: 2pm Joiners Present
  • August 21-25: Summer Film School
  • August 23: 1pm John Hansard Walking Tour
  • August 25: 6pm Club Psychedelia
  • August 26: Southampton Pride
  • August 27: 1pm Southampton Sampler
  • August 28: 2pm Playlist
  • September 1: 6pm Gold School