From the best local music, to a German beer festival, moonwalking at the Mayflower and a dance competition for secondary schools, here's Cherry Pullinger's guide to what's on over the coming fortnight.
Beer and wine lovers will be delighted that the Southampton German Beer Festival takes place in Hoglands Park on Friday June 17 and Saturday June 18. From 4:30pm until 10:30pm you can enjoy delicious beers and wines as well as gorgeous food served to you by “traditionally-dressed mädchens”. Silver price tickets are £12 and include entry and entertainment. Gold price tickets cost £34.99 for entry and entertainment as well as house beer and wine.
Moonwalk your way to the Mayflower Theatre and celebrate the genius of Michael Jackson for Thriller live, which starts a five-day run on Monday June 20.
Local band showcase
On Wednesday June 22, the Joiners is hosting a special local band showcase featuring acoustic duo Forever Under Fire. The unsigned pair pride themselves on having fun and making music and the Joiners stage is the perfect platform for them to launch themselves onto the south's music scene. They'll be joined by Myriad and The Extended Version from 7:30pm. Tickets: £6 on the door.
For more music on Saturday June 25, you'll want to head to The Hobbit in Bevois Valley Road for an all day fundraiser in aid of the Wessex Cancer Trust. Featuring Oresteia, Jack & Nat, I Remember Tapes, Dirty Pavor, Give Me Pink!, The Gallery, Arp Attack and Halcoyn Heart, the day is bound to be musically fulfilling – and if that's not enough, Caribbean food will be available all day long. The event kicks off at 3pm and entry is just £1 until 10pm.
Dance competition
On Sunday June 26, Southampton will be throwing its first open air secondary schools dance competition. 'Dance Off Southampton' will see secondary school pupils performing dance routines from 11am at the Southampton Sports Centre. They'll also be joined by professional dance groups and local singers and the whole event will be hosted by Capital FM DJ, Zoe.
Funny night
Finally, on Thursday June 30, The Brook in Portswood will be holding its Foster's Funny night. The live comedy night features Rob Heeney, Stephen Grant, Pete Firman + MC Rob Beckett performing their comedy routines live on stage. In a town full of live band gigs, it's a great opportunity to have a night out with a difference and you'll be guaranteed a laugh! Doors open at 7:30pm and tickets on the door cost £10. The entrance fee includes a free pint of Fosters or a soft drink.
Cherry Pullinger
Thanks to Cherry for all her hard work on this column over the past few months. She's now moving on to pastures new, and we wish her the best of luck.
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All details believed to be correct at the time of writing. We strongly suggest you confirm details with individual venues before making a special journey. We cannot be held responsible for errors or inaccuracies however caused.
Pics: Cherry Pullinger / bitternepark.info / individual copyright holders