TAPESTRY Festival is a brand-new, free music festival taking place in the heart of Southampton on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the city’s medieval walls, the festival transforms Westquay Esplanade into a stage for outstanding live music, original commissions, and unforgettable performances.
Across two summer days, audiences can experience an inspiring mix of world-class artists and exceptional Southampton talent, brought together in a vibrant programme that draws on musical traditions from across the UK and beyond — echoing Southampton’s identity as a city shaped by movement, migration and exchange.
Alongside the music, visitors can enjoy food and drink from local vendors and explore everything the city centre has to offer – all just a short walk from Southampton Central Station.
Join us for TAPESTRY – a weekend of music that crosses borders, generations, and genres, right here in Southampton.
No tickets, no barriers – just great music.
Stay tuned for artist interviews, exclusive collaborations, and further announcements.
TAPESTRY is also part of Southampton’s Jane Austen 250 celebrations, marking the anniversary of one of the city’s most iconic former residents, and takes inspiration from her passion for folk music. With a contemporary twist, TAPESTRY reimagines the kind of music Austen might be drawn to today — music that is inventive, expressive, and rooted in storytelling.
TAPESTRY is hosted by BBC Radio 3’s Music Planet presenter Lopa Kothari.
Lopa is a curator for festivals all over the globe and has hosted on the main stage at various music festivals such as Glastonbury, EFG London Jazz Festival, Latitude, LIAF and the Darbar Festival of South Asian Classical Music.
TAPESTRY is produced by Southampton Forward and sponsored by event hosts Westquay.
SATURDAY 19 JULY
FAMILY WORKSHOPS:
AFRICAN DRUMMING – AFRICAN ACTIVITIES
CELIDH DANCING – FOLK ACTIVE
SUNDAY 20 JULY
FAMILY WORKSHOP:
MOVEMENT & PERCUSSION – YES! CREATIVE BEATS
SIGN UP
