SOUTHAMPTON'S two universities have joined forces to help the city realise its ambition to become a music mecca.

Solent University and the University of Southampton have teamed up in a bid to ensure the historic port city is "the place to be" in terms of listening to live music.

They are staging SO:Music City, which aims to highlight the huge cultural, economic and social value of music.

Yesterday saw a free open air gig at the Guildhall Square featuring everything from the hip-hop vibes of Route2roots to the energy of techno act FireFarm, who played tracks from their new album Rave Against the Machine.

The festival comes to a close on Sunday with a drum clinic at NST City, featuring internationally renowned drummers showing off their skills.

Martin James, Professor of Creative and Cultural Industries at Solent University, said: “Music is nothing without people, and we want people to come to Southampton to experience the wonderful and diverse music on offer here."

Dan Mar-Molinero, Head of Jazz and Pop at the University of Southampton, added: “This initiative hopes to harness the plethora of talent and ambition within Southampton’s music industries.

"The university is proud to be part of a large and vibrant music community working together to reinvigorate the scene and put the city back in the spotlight nationally as a music city.”