MUSIC in the City returns to Southampton next weekend in what promises to be its biggest year yet.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary the musical extravaganza will take place next Saturday and Sunday across 21 venues, featuring 170 acts and more than 1000 artists.

This year’s event will mark a decade of promoting the area’s best musicians and enabling them to play in unique and historical locations.

Linda Norris, founder, said: “Music in the City has established itself as the leading music event in Southampton. I’m so excited for this year which will be my last as the organiser.

“The thing I love about this event is that there is something for everybody.

“We have every type of music on offer and cater for families, young people and even pensioners like myself so I hope to see many of you there.”

Last year the festival attracted more than 25,000 venue visits and this year promises to be even bigger, with the addition of a new performance area in Oxford Street and new venues such as Orange Rooms in Bedford Place.

Other popular venues such as the stage at Esplanade Westquay, Guildhall Square, Dancing Man Brewery, Lankester Vault and Holyrood Church also return this year.

A Classical Concert will take place on Sunday afternoon with a performance by The City of Southampton Orchestra.

However, this year the concert will take place in the NST City’s (Nuffield Southampton Theatre) new theatre opposite Guildhall Square.

Music in the City is designed to be a free festival for all to enjoy.

All venues are free to enter and festival goers can utilise free heritage buses to transport them between venues.

Music in the City’s charity this year will be Rotary International and Patrons are asked to make a small contribution.