In September 2026, the University of Southampton will host The British Science Festival 2026. This annual event which moves around the country each year, will take place at the University of Southampton, Highfield Campus and in the city centre.

Turner Sims, the University of Southampton’s music venue, is collaborating with the Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute on a multi-faceted project based on the work of four researchers:

• Professor Clive Trueman: the study of fish otoliths (the inner ear of the fish) and how this records the age of a fish and events in its life

• Jacob Kleboe, PhD Researcher: micro-plastic in coral 

• Amy Feakes, PhD Researcher & DoctorJulie Mestre: the feeding patterns of whales in the Antarctic

• Professor Helen Farr: maritime movement of people in deep time (65,000 years ago)

Marine Remix on Friday 18 September 2026, 7.30–9.30pm at the Stage Door

Marine Remix will showcase the next generation of electronic music producers. Marine Remixed will be co-curated and promoted by Turner Sims’ Assistant Producers – a group of young people developing skills in programming, producing and promotion.

Young producers and future electronic performers have two exciting opportunities to take part:

The Southampton Youth Wind Band (SYWB) lit up Mayflower Studios on Monday night with a lively and uplifting performance of Windows of the World.

The young musicians—from across Southampton and beyond—played with the confidence and energy of a group far beyond their years, reminding everyone why they’re gaining such a strong national reputation.

Right from the opening piece, SYWB showed just how polished a youth ensemble can be. Under the steady and encouraging direction of John Hanchett, the band played with tight coordination and a warm, balanced sound. The highlight of the evening was definitely Peter Graham’s Windows of the World. It’s a big, colourful piece that shifts styles quickly, and the band handled every twist with real flair—from punchy Latin rhythms to softer, more atmospheric moments. The audience were clearly impressed, giving one of the biggest rounds of applause of the night.

Young Composers Get their Moment

One of the loveliest touches in the programme was the inclusion of original music written by band members themselves. It gave the concert a personal feel and showed just how much talent is being nurtured within the group. These student pieces sat comfortably alongside familiar music from films, popular wind band works, and other crowdpleasers.

By the end of the night, it was clear why SYWB are considered one of the top youth wind bands around. Their enthusiasm, musicality, and sheer enjoyment of performing made Windows of the World a feelgood, memorable event. It wasn’t just a concert—it was a wonderful celebration of local young talent and the thriving music scene in Southampton.

Councillor Barnes-Andrews commented:

‘What a tour de force! Southampton can be so proud of the young people who played this evening. They all performed superbly and the audience were stunned and delighted’.

View fullsize