Southampton showcased some of its finest talent as Music in the City made a welcome return.

The free family-friendly festival saw 800 performers from 150 acts take to the stage at almost 30 interesting and unusual venues across the city centre.

The two-day spectacular celebrated the wonderful diversity of talent to be found in the Solent area.

Daily Echo: Batala Portsmouth at Holyrood ChurchBatala Portsmouth at Holyrood Church (Image: Newsquest.)

Most of the performances took place on Saturday, with professional and amateur musicians performing at historic hotspots including 13th century God's House Tower, King John's Palace, the 700-year-old Dancing Man Brewery, and some of the city's medieval vaults.

A special live music area was set up in Guildhall Square.

One of the most atmospheric settings was the shell of Holyrood Church, which was badly damaged by German bombs in 1940 and now serves as a memorial to merchant sailors.

Performers included Batala Portsmouth, a percussion band that plays Afro-Brazilian samba-reggae music. The historic church also played host to Southampton Salty Seadogs, who sang a rousing selection of sea shanties.

Similar songs were sung by Steam Town Shanty Crew, one of the acts who performed in front of the Guildhall.

Daily Echo: Southampton Salty Seadogs sing a rousing selection of sea shanties at Holyrood ChurchSouthampton Salty Seadogs sing a rousing selection of sea shanties at Holyrood Church (Image: Newsquest.)

God's House Tower hosted a variety of artists, including jazz singer Georgina Liliane, who works as a tattoo artist when not performing.

Members of the Heart & Voice Community Gospel Choir were among the musicians who performed at King John's Palace, which is next door to the Tudor House Museum.

Built around 1180, King John's Palace is now only a shell but is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the country.

Nearby venues included The Undercroft in Upper Bugle Street.

Constructed in the early 14th century, the vault was originally the ground floor of a medieval house, most of which has since been demolished.

Daily Echo: The Heart & Voice Community Gospel Choir at King John's PalaceThe Heart & Voice Community Gospel Choir at King John's Palace (Image: Newsquest.)

Several pubs and clubs in the Bedford Place area also took part in Music in the City including The Social in Lower Bannister Street, where folk and rock singer Mary Jane helped entertain the crowds.

The leader of the city council, Cllr Satvir Kaur, said: "Southampton is the place where something is always happening.

"Music in the City is a firm local favourite that showcases amazing talent while bringing thousands to the city to enjoy and explore some great Southampton venues and locations."

Organiser Martin Perry added: "It's a gift from the music community to Southampton. We love performing and the audience love the shows."