Shirley Fringe will see brand-new music festival launch in Southampton

Shirley Fringe will be a free, three-day long festival from Friday, September 20, to Sunday, September 22.

Six venues on Shirley Road will host a variety of musical acts – including Southampton-based singers, Irish dancers, burlesque acts, and even a comedy poet.

Clockwork Bar, Santo Lounge, Cozy Seven, Overdraft, 329 Café & Lounge, and Craft 101 have all committed to hosting 40 acts between them, with the number expected to grow.

Organised in less than three weeks, the idea for the event came after Shirley was "overlooked" for hosting artists appearing at Music in the City, a live music festival in Southampton runing largely in the city centre, on September 28 and 29.

“We were disappointed that Shirley was overlooked,” said Mark Fay, owner of Clockwork Bar on Shirley Road.

“Though out of that has spawned this fantastic idea and it’s great to see so many businesses and acts get in touch and be involved.

“Shirley has so much to offer, and we hope we can showcase it as a place to see live music, have a great time, and open us up to the wider Southampton area.”

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All of the bars and cafés taking part in the scheme are located within walking distance of each other on Shirley Road, with it hoped that music fans can view everything that’s on offer at each venue.

Benana Music Studio – a privately run music and recording studio in Bitterne Park – is sponsoring the fringe festival, with profits going towards children’s charity, Safe Families.

Rebekka Webber, a volunteer at the charity said: “We feel really proud that Shirley Fringe wants to promote our charity and raise money for us.

“We support families by helping out in everyday tasks where we’re needed and ensure children are in a safe environment.

“We’ve helped 430 families in Southampton since 2016 and are really excited to be a part of Shirley Fringe and see people come together.”