All the things to look forward to in Southampton in 2024

Everyone from the world's greatest man band Take That to beloved ogre Shrek will also grace stages in the city, and Saints are perfectly poised for a possible return to the Premier League. 

Plans to build a £6 million 40-metre-tall monument in Mayflower Park to celebrate the birthplace of the Spitfire have moved closer with construction due to start in the autumn. 

A stainless steel rendering of the aircraft and its vapour trail within sight of the original Supermarine factory in Woolston should be unveiled by September 2025, in time for the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which saw the Spitfire play a decisive role in defending the United Kingdom against Nazi air forces in 1940.

Music icons including Tom Jones, Kaiser Chiefs, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Madness and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, will appear at the inaugural Southampton Summer Sessions festival, due to take place in Guildhall Square over several nights in June. 

Take That have announced a return to Southampton for two dates at St Mary's on their This Life tour, also in June. 

Saints fans should expect an exciting conclusion to the Championship season for Russell Martin's men. 

A play off spot - or even automatic promotion back to the big time - is not out of reach, thanks to a major turnaround in form and impressive unbeaten run. 

Among the shows set to grace the Mayflower Theatre stage in 2024 are beloved musical Shrek, Wicked, one of the most successful musicals of all time, and Hollywood's ultimate rom-com Pretty Woman. Ashley Banjo and Diversity will return for panto season with Jack and the Beanstalk after box office busting success with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Other music picks for the coming year include indie kings The Libertines with an intimate show at Engine Rooms, and an 02 Guildhall homecoming show for Southampton's break out star and one to watch Caity Baser.