Southampton City Council

05/09/2026

Just one week to go until the sound of music fills every corner of Southampton 🎵

Music In The City is our largest, free, annual music festival! Expect over 400 performances across 60 of our most weird and wonderful venues. From pubs to heritage sites, you'll find music almost everywhere this Saturday 12 September.

Visit the website for more.

04/09/2026

Leader's Corner: Discovering Southampton's Medieval Story 🏰

This September, Heritage Open Days return to Southampton, offering residents and visitors a wonderful opportunity to explore the city's rich history and remarkable medieval heritage.

From Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September, some of Southampton's most fascinating historic sites will open their doors as part of England's largest celebration of history and culture. Whether you're stepping inside the iconic Bargate, exploring ancient vaults and towers, or walking alongside our medieval town walls, there will be plenty of free opportunities to discover the stories that have shaped Southampton over the centuries.

One of the things I love most about Southampton is how our history sits alongside our modern, vibrant city. Our medieval walls, historic buildings and hidden spaces connect us to generations of people who lived, worked and traded here, helping to establish Southampton as one of England's most important ports. Heritage Open Days gives us the chance to see these places from a fresh perspective and appreciate the unique heritage that surrounds us.

I am particularly pleased that this year's programme shines a spotlight on some of the lesser-known spaces within the Old Town, giving people the opportunity to step through doors that are not normally open to the public. Whether you are a lifelong resident or visiting Southampton for the first time, I encourage you to take the opportunity to explore and learn more about the city's extraordinary past.

Heritage can also be a source of inspiration for creativity. I am delighted to share that the Lord Mayor will soon be launching a new postcard competition inviting artists, illustrators, sketchers and creative enthusiasts to capture the beauty and character of Southampton's historic building interiors. Selected entries will be exhibited at Southampton City Art Gallery next year. More details will follow soon.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the teams involved in Southampton's Heritage Asset Repair Programme (HARP). Their hard work and dedication have helped ensure that important conservation and repair works have been completed in time for both Music in the City and Heritage Open Day events. Thanks to their efforts, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy these events and experience some of Southampton's most treasured historic sites with minimal disruption.

Heritage Open Days events are free to attend, although some activities may require advance booking. I hope you will take this opportunity to explore our city's remarkable history, uncover some hidden gems, and celebrate the heritage that makes Southampton such a special place.

Search ‘Southampton’ in the location tab on the Heritage Open Days webpage: https://orlo.uk/Tg406

04/09/2026

Water activities are a great way to get out and about, meet new people and have some fun. Here, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Leisure, Cllr Toqeer Kataria visited the Southern Water Activities Centre (SWAC), located under the Itchen Bridge.

The SWAC is now operated by Chieftain Training and offers a variety of water activities including canoeing, kayaking, sailing and much more for people of all ages. Check out what's on offer to see if there is something for you.

04/09/2026

Oh we're not done yet... 🌞

That's right, put the pumpkins down... Summer in The City is still here for another month of fun for everyone.

Plan your September on the Visit Southampton website.

03/09/2026

Safe to say the new Hoglands Skate Park is a HUGE success 🛹🛼

Have you given it a go yet?

03/09/2026

Southampton libraries are offering free blood pressure checks as part of Know Your Numbers! Week ✅

Residents can drop in for a free blood pressure and mini health checks at:

✅ Central Library: Tuesday 8 September, between 10.30am - 2pm
✅ Bitterne Library: Wednesday 9 September, between 10am - 2pm
✅ Lordshill Library: Thursday 10 September, between 10am – 2pm

No appointment is needed and the checks only take a few minutes, making it easy for people to find out more about their health and take action if needed.

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/e8mCn

03/09/2026

This morning we raised the Red Ensign to mark Merchant Navy Day, to honour and remember the sacrifices of the hard-working UK Merchant Navy seafarers ❤️

03/09/2026

Children and pregnant women can now get their flu vaccines ahead of winter 👇

From today, children and pregnant women can get their flu vaccinations ahead of winter.

Children aged 2 and 3 can get vaccinated at their GP surgery, while most school-aged children will be offered the vaccine at school.

Pregnant women can speak to their maternity team, GP practice or community pharmacy about getting vaccinated.

Find out more ➡️ nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/

02/09/2026

Be a part of one of Southampton's oldest civic traditions, dating back to the 1500's! Court Leet is taking place on Tuesday 29 September. This gives people in Southampton the opportunity to raise matters of local concern directly through a formal process known as a Presentment.

Anyone wishing to make a Presentment is asked to submit it in writing, along with their name and address. They must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 28 September.

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/DZlgV

02/09/2026

It’s never been easier to get an HIV test and to get a result quickly.

You can test in person at:

✅ A sexual health clinic

✅ A HIV testing centre, including those run by HIV and sexual health community organisations

✅ A GP/family doctor.

If you test at a sexual health clinic, testing centre or a GP then your test will be free. If you test at a private clinic, you will have to pay.

You can also order a FREE HIV test kit online: https://orlo.uk/DZlSf

Find a sexual health clinic near you: https://orlo.uk/VomNZ