AUDIENCES are due to be treated this weekend as music returns to Southampton’s parks and square.

Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, crowds are now allowed to gather for events and this weekend, musicians and organisers are making full use of that with three events planned across the city.

Just before midday today, Let’s Rock Southampton is being kicked off as the festival returns to the Common after postponements and cancellations due to the pandemic.

Opened by 80s pop princess, TOYAH, Let’s Rock will also welcome the likes of hitmakers Five Star, pop duo Go West and Live Aid legend Midge Ure’s band Electronica.

The show will come to an end with sets from Wet Wet Wet, followed by OMD.

Elsewhere in the city, communities are due to be brought together through music as a Love Music Hate Racism event comes to Riverside Park.

An array of local musicians are due to take to the stage alongside speakers on racism and equality at Trifest, which is hosted by Southampton Stand Up to Racism.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Music has the power to unite, to give strength and to affect positive social change.

“Racism, on the other hand, weakens us; it creates barriers and turns friends and neighbours against one another.”

Whilst in the city centre, shoppers will get the opportunity to watch a 100 musician strong, symphony orchestra as they play a selection of classics and family favourites at Guildhall Square.

Organised by Kevin Withell and supported by Southampton Music Hub, all musicians for the show either come from or have strong links to Southampton with ages ranging from 13, up to people in their 70s and 80s.

Kevin, a professional conductor, said: “It occurred to me that most orchestra’s haven’t had a chance to play at all for two years so I thought it would be nice to do something.

“Obviously Southampton is bidding to become the next city of culture and I thought it would be nice to push something and show that we’ve got a good music scene and plenty of musicians that are interested in playing.”

This is the first time an event of this type has been done according to Kevin who added: “You’re used to seeing street buskers and brass bands around Christmas, but I don’t think anyone has ever walked through Southampton and seen a full orchestra playing.”

The event is due to take place from 1 until 2pm today.