Smilefest needed to expand and help the local music scene, which is why we evolved into SO:Music City.
SO:Music City is the campaign to highlight how much music goes on in Southampton across all genres and to support the growth of a sustainable music industry for the city.
It’s important to highlight how much goes on in the city. It raises awareness to current non-gig-goers, it may help you find out about new scenes, nights and venues. It will help people realise we have as much music going on in this city as places like Brighton, Bristol and Liverpool, we just need to shine a light on it.
At a time when our music venues are closing and more music creatives than ever before are having to leave Southampton to make a living, it’s never been more urgent for us all to take a positive stand.
Music is central to Southampton culture – it’s time for all of Southampton’s musicians, music industries and music fans to step up, collaborate and shine. Help us build a music-positive city.