HERE'S how 1,000 performers, a cruise terminal, and two nights at Mayflower Theatre will tell an epic musical odyssey, 400 years in the making.

The theatre will play host to 1,000 performers, brought together by Southampton Music Hub, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower on March 5 and 6.

The Mayflower’s pioneering voyage 400 years ago created connections that changed the world. In response, these two momentous evenings will celebrate the incredible power of music to take people and communities on life-changing journeys.

Both nights will be presented by acclaimed saxophonist and MC, Soweto Kinch.

Both evenings will include performers from all across the city: including 800 young singers from city schools; 200 talented young musicians from community bands and orchestras; up to 80 young theatre performers; 50 community musicians and many more.

The two performances will be the result of 130 hours of workshops, rehearsals and performances over more than six months, including an epic rehearsal set for Saturday February 29 at ABP's Mayflower cruise terminal.

Kath Page, Manager at Southampton Music Hub, said: “Everybody is so excited to be part of these incredible musical celebrations. These two nights will be an opportunity for the whole community to come together and enjoy the power of music to connect people, to inspire people, and to help make Southampton an exciting city to live in.”

Performing on the Mayflower stage will be an unforgettable experience for every young musician involved, and each evening will see the debut of an exciting music project designed to inspire the next generation of music-makers.

The first night will see the debut of Big Sing: The Journey, as 550 young singers perform brand new pieces of music from new Mayflower Theatre musicals.

The second night will see the debut of Symphony 400: The Journey, a brand new piece of music from award-winning composer James Redwood. The piece of music started life as musical ideas from 100 primary school children, who will now get to see their ideas transformed and performed by the city’s most talented young musicians on the Mayflower stage.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or online at mayflower.org.uk.