A new fundraiser has been launched to help secure the future of a free multi-venue community music festival that brings hundreds of free live music gigs to venues across Southampton.
Music in the City is back for 2026 and organisers are raising vital funds for the September event through a music themed raffle.
They hope it will raise enough to keep the celebrated festival free.
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With a collection of top prizes that have been specially selected for music fans, the the £5 raffle tickets will bring in much-needed funds.
Chris Orr, manager of Music in the City, said: “Music in the City is a unique festival for Southampton, in that is it delivered by the community, for the community.
"Our organisers and musicians are all volunteers, and together with the incredible music community in the city, they are the heart of it all. The camaraderie, the music and the community spirit; it’s a true team effort, and we’re asking our supporters to help keep the festival free by buying a raffle ticket."
In 2025, Music in the City saw an estimated 15,000 people gather for 380 live performances across 54 different venues.
It is due to return on Saturday September 12.
Raffle tickets, including prizes such as Southampton Summer Sessions, Let's Rock and Wanderlust tickets, as well as Mayflower Theatre vouchers and a record store goodie bag, are available until May 10 from musicinthecity.org/raffle
The event, supported by GO! Southampton, is also open to sponsorship from local businesses.
Music in the City is an opportunity for rising stars and seasoned artists to perform in front of new audiences and help the city celebrate its rich cultural spaces.
It started in 2008, initially backed and coordinated by Southampton City Council and featuring performances in some of the city's historic venues.
It has grown, under the leadership of Linda Norris, James Baillie and Martin Perry over the years, to encompass hundreds of musicians in dozens of locations.
In 2024, Chris Orr took over the running of the event and is evolving Music in the City into a year-round movement supporting local culture.
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