Westquay car park to host big art and music event

‘Multi stories’ will see areas of the multi-storey car park transformed by artists, with permanent art wall murals and frames painted live.

Musicians and DJs including Reubin X, Amy Willow, and Reshaine will be performing live to soundtrack the event.

Visitors will be able to watch live as artists, including Ricky Also from Paintshop Studio & Gallery, which helped curate the event, Bonzai and Remi Rough, create a series of large and small-scale murals.

A ‘pillars of the community’ installation represents collections of stories put together by Black History consultant Don John and celebrates Black Stories from Southampton.

The event has been organised by Westquay, in association with Southampton Forward, an independent charitable trust previously known as Southampton Culture Trust.

READ MORE: Southampton 2025 City of Culture bid – Was it worth it?

Bav Dhanda, Commercial & Marketing Director of Southampton Forward, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Westquay on this exciting project.

“Using culture to transform a multi-storey car park in the city is a fantastic way to share stories from Southampton’s communities and showcase local talent.”

Westquay General Manager, Laura Read said: “So often car parks are seen as one of life’s boring necessities so being able to breathe new life into our multi storey is an absolute joy.

“The reception from the city’s creative community has been fantastic and I’m sure that visitors will be amazed at what’s on offer.”

Skateboarding lessons will be on offer at Westquay car park (Image: RCM)

Brighton-based artist Mishfit said she’s excited to be painting at Multi Stories.

“It’s a really well curated project with some of the UK’s most respected street artists in attendance.

“It’s a chance for any young budding artists out there, and the general public alike, to witness the positive impact that street art can have on the community.

“Bringing art out of the gallery and onto the streets for everyone to enjoy.”

Artist Tech Moon from Bournemouth said Multi Stories “will make the car park much more interesting”.

“I’m pleased we won’t have to worry about the weather getting in the way as the walls seem to be inside.”

Along with the artists and music, skateboarding lessons from Skates Southampton will be on offer.

A spokesperson said: “Multi-stories is another great opportunity for us to celebrate skateboarding and give members of the public the opportunity to try it for themselves.

“We hope it is the first of many and are really looking forward to it.”

Multi-Stories will take place on Saturday September 9 and Sunday 10 from 12pm to 6pm.

Painting will take place on Levels 7 and 9, skateboarding tuition, ramps for skaters and music will be on level 7.

The car park will be open to vehicles on levels 1-5.