With nearly 200 acts playing all styles of music in 30 interesting and unusual venues around Southampton, Music in the City 2023 is just two weeks away. 

Organisers believe the 15th edition of the free family-friendly live music event, which takes place on Saturday September 23, could be the biggest ever. 

Celebrating the wonderful diversity of musical talent from the Solent area, audiences can expect everything from Rock to Jazz, Classical to Americana and Folk to Blues in various venues around the city.

Daily Echo: A Southampton Allstars Performance for Music in the City

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Professional and amateur musicians will perform in historic hotspots including 13th Century gatehouse God's House Tower, King John's Palace, 700-year-old Dancing Man Brewery, and some of the city's incredible vaults.

A special live music area will be set up in Guildhall Square and many of the city's top pubs and live music spots have also joined the list of venues on the Music in the City map.

Swish restaurant Papillon, housed in the former church opposite Mayflower Theatre, is new to the event and even the Black Axe Throwing Co in The Marlands has got in on the act. 

Daily Echo: Performance from Batala Portsmouth at a previous Music in the City

Acts will include the dozen strong ukelele act Lounge Room Lizards at Belgium & Blues, Cabin Crew Barbershop Quartet at Bistro Barista, fun singalong cover band Duvet Head with Chris Evans at the Duke of Wellington, and sea shanties from Southampton Salty Seadogs at the site of the ruins of Holyrood Church. 

Two further treats, from spectacular collective Southampton AllStars featuring some of the city's most successful performers and a classical programme, will round up the event, on Sunday September 24.

Daily Echo: A Southampton Allstars Performance for Music in the City

Organiser Martin Perry, who is putting the event together with James Baillie, told the Daily Echo: "What has been fantastic this year is how many people have pitched in. We've been really overwhelmed with the support we've been offered by the bands, the venues, and the fans. 

"This event is all about inclusivity in terms of abilities and experiences and levels of playing. It's about trying to knit our fragmented music community together.

"It's been a team effort - Team Southampton - and we can't wait for the event."

Daily Echo: Performing at a previous Music in the City