Transforming urban space through play, art, and movement, Scribble comes to Southampton Guildhall Square (SO14 7DU) throughout August 2026. Created by artists Steve Bega and Rich Holland in collaboration with John Hansard Gallery and Skate Southampton, this interactive public art project features custom modular sculptures, free skateboarding lessons, open chalk workshops, and street photography sessions designed to bring the community together.
Event Schedule & Workshop Timetable
The Scribble public art installation features interactive modular sculptures in Guildhall Square alongside a series of free workshops meeting at John Hansard Gallery (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- 1st – 2nd August 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Free Skateboarding Lessons — Beginner-friendly group coaching hosted by WeSkate Soton and Get Up Skate School (ages 10+), offering dedicated marginalised gender (women, girls, non-binary) and mixed group sessions.
- 6th August 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Interactive Art Workshop — Open to all ages; join artist Steve Bega to decorate the modular sculptures using chalk and express your creative ideas directly in Guildhall Square.
- 13th August 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Street Photography Workshop — A guided photography walkshop exploring movement, urban architecture, and capturing public life around the Cultural Quarter.
- 20th August 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Zine Making Workshop — Creative print and self-publishing session transforming photos, sketches, and stories into DIY community zines.
- 18th – 20th September 2026: The Skate Equation (British Science Festival) — A special collaboration between Skate Southampton and John Hansard Gallery exploring the geometry, physics, and algebra behind landing tricks through live demos and interactive sculptures.
Project Highlights & Workshop Details
An innovative fusion of public art, urban design, and community movement:
- Modular Sculptures: Weathering steel and concrete structures designed collaboratively by Steve Bega and Rich Holland, providing open-ended use as seating, stages, or skateable features.
- Inclusive Movement: Beginner-friendly skate coaching with all equipment (boards and safety gear) provided upon request.
- Science Meets Skateboarding: “The Skate Equation” during the British Science Festival lets visitors witness maths in motion without needing prior skating or math experience.
- Community Ownership: Participants actively contribute to ongoing public art development through chalk drawings, zine creation, and public space surveys.
Ticket Prices & Booking Information
Participation across all Scribble workshops and events is completely free of charge:
- Admission: FREE (£0.00)
- August Workshops Booking: Free advance registration is required for August sessions via John Hansard Gallery or SkateSouthampton.com/scribble.
- British Science Festival (Sep 18–20): Drop-in event; no advance booking required.
How to Get to Guildhall Square
Guildhall Square is situated right in the Cultural Quarter of Southampton City Centre:
- By Car: Accessible via the M3 (A33) or M27, following city centre signs towards the Cultural Quarter / Civic Centre.
- By Train: Southampton Central Station is less than a 5-minute walk away via the Civic Centre Road exit.
- By Bus: Major bus routes (Bluestar, Unilink, First Bus) stop right adjacent to Guildhall Square along Commercial Road and Above Bar Street.
Parking Information
Convenient parking options surround Guildhall Square:
- Grosvenor Square Car Park: Multi-storey pay-and-display car park located just a 2-minute walk away (SO15 2UA).
- Civic Centre Forecourt / Westquay Parking: On-street pay-and-display spaces and multi-storey parking at Westquay are both within short walking distance.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theatre shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Scribble taking place in Guildhall Square?
- Scribble takes place throughout August 2026, with interactive sculptures accessible daily and scheduled workshops running on select dates.
- Where is Scribble located?
- The sculptures and workshops are located in Guildhall Square and John Hansard Gallery in Southampton (SO14 7DU).
- Do I need to pay for workshops or skate lessons?
- No, all workshops, skateboarding lessons, and interactive activities are completely FREE. Pre-booking online is recommended for structured skate sessions due to limited equipment and group sizes.
- Are the skateboarding lessons suitable for complete beginners?
- Yes! The sessions catered by Skate Southampton are designed specifically for total beginners as well as those looking to improve basic skills like pushing and turning.
- What age range is the Scribble project for?
- The public sculptures are interactive art for all ages, with structured skateboard lessons recommended for ages 10+.
- Where is the nearest parking to Guildhall Square?
- The nearest car parks are Grosvenor Square Multi-Storey Car Park (SO15 2UA) and Westquay Shopping Centre car parks, both located just a short walk away.