Celebrate 50 years of Nuffield and the City of Southampton with an eye-popping extravaganza of theatre, dance, film and music in a specially built venue at the Art at the Heart Festival from August 1 to 17. Rebecca Welton looks at what's on and when.

Showcasing a breath-taking array of art and fun this summer, the Art at the Heart Festival has something for everyone in the pop-up Nuffield Playing Field venue that's been constructed in Guildhall Square. The festival and venue are precursors to the opening of the new arts complex in 2016.

Here's a run down of Art at the Heart festival events:

The Saints
The world premiere of this play, about the emotional roller-coater ride of being a Southampton Football Club fan. Performed at the fantastic pop-up venue, Nuffield Playing Field, specially built to combine the exterior of a sports stadium and the interior of a Jacobean theatre.
When: 1-17 August, various times
Cost: £15

The Best Christmas Present in the World
Hampshire Youth Theatre present this short play by War Horse author, Michael Morpurgo, in commemoration of 100 years since the start of World War One.
When: 14-17 August, various time
Where: Nuffield Playing Field
Cost: £12.50

Stolen Wishes
Performed by local dance company ZoieLogic, this piece offers the breath-taking ability to rotate 360 degrees , giving the audience an ‘on the edge’ experience.
When: 11 August, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
Where: Nuffield Playing Field
Cost: £5

City Eye film screening series
Come along, with picnics, family and friends, to enjoy these specially screened films from the Playing Field pitch.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
3 August, 3pm

The King and the Mockingbird
10 August, 11am

Brazil
11 August, 9.30pm

Jaws
15 August, 9.30pm

Where: Nuffield Playing Field
Cost: £5

451, Apples and Snakes
Apples and Snakes regular poetry event comes to the Nuffield Playing Field, with heartfelt, exciting, challenging and entertaining performance poetry.
When: 11 August, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: Nuffield Playing Field
Cost: £5

Global Rhythms
Art Asia presents an eclectic array of music wonders featuring Indian Classical, Bhangra, Afghanistani, Afriacan, and Fusion.
When: 8 August, 12 noon
Where: Nuffield Playing Field
Cost: £5
 
For a full list of events, more information and to book, see the website here.

Compiled by Rebecca Welton