Shirley Fringe 2026

Get ready for a week of live music, comedy, dance, circus and local entertainment as Shirley Fringe 2026 takes over venues across Shirley and the wider Southampton area. Running from Tuesday 1st to Sunday 6th September 2026, this community-led charity event brings together a huge line-up of local performers across bars, community spaces and other venues.

With live bands, solo artists, stand-up comedy, poetry, DJs, circus performers, dance and family-friendly activities, Shirley Fringe offers something different throughout the six-day programme. Events are spread across venues including Clockwork Bar, The Stile Inn, Brass Monkey, The Dog and Duck, Santo Lounge, The Wellington Arms, Freemantle Lake Park and more.

Shirley Fringe 2026 Line-Up

The Shirley Fringe 2026 line-up features dozens of local performers across six days, with events taking place at venues throughout Shirley and Southampton.

Rather than listing every performer as a separate long section, the programme below groups the acts by day and venue, making it easier to find the performer, time and location you are looking for.

Tuesday 1st September 2026

• 5:30 PM–6:15 PM | Clockwork Bar: Kalopsia, Alt-Folk Music
• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Brass Monkey: Ryan Watts, Cover Artist
• 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | The Stile Inn: Friendly Fire Comedy, Stand-up Comedy
• 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Clockwork Bar: Jordan Russell, Indie/Folk
• 8:00 PM–9:00 PM | Clockwork Bar: Simon Maggs & People Like Us, Indie-Folk
• 9:00 PM–10:30 PM | Clockwork Bar: The Guillotine Union Boys, Folk, Blues & Rockabilly

Wednesday 2nd September 2026

• 1:00 PM–3:00 PM | Brass Monkey: The Russets, 60s/70s Covers
• 3:00 PM–5:00 PM | The Stile Inn: Under The Attic, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Pop, Indie & Rock
• 5:00 PM–6:00 PM | Clockwork Bar: One Man and his Sax, Smooth Sax Music
• 6:30 PM–7:15 PM | Clockwork Bar: Scarlett Grig, Singer-Songwriter
• 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | The Dog and Duck: James Marsh, Stand-up Comedy
• 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | Santo Lounge: Quiz Night, General Knowledge Quiz
• 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | Brass Monkey: Mad Fox Majora, Stand-up Comedy
• 7:15 PM–7:30 PM | Clockwork Bar: Andy White Poetry, Spoken Word / Poetry
• 7:30 PM–9:30 PM | Coop Craft Bar: Coop Stand Up Comedy, Comedy Night
• 7:45 PM–8:25 PM | Clockwork Bar: Wonderlux, Shoegaze, Dreampop & Alt-Rock
• 8:45 PM–9:25 PM | Clockwork Bar: Teenage Waitress, Indie Pop
• 9:25 PM–9:35 PM | Clockwork Bar: Write a Note Showcase, Poetry / Spoken Word
• 9:45 PM–10:30 PM | Clockwork Bar: Dan O’Farrell (solo) & The Difference Engine with band, Folky / Indie

Thursday 3rd September 2026

• 4:00 PM–5:30 PM | The Stile Inn: The Bob Squad, Acoustic Funk
• 5:00 PM–6:00 PM | Russo’s Cafe Lounge: Ryan Watts, Cover Artist
• 5:00 PM–5:45 PM | Clockwork Bar: Andrew Buchanan, Funk
• 6:00 PM–7:30 PM | Clockwork Bar: Hamilton Brown Big Band, Covers of Popular and Obscure Songs
• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Brass Monkey: RedBandit Acoustic, Acoustic Rock and Pop Covers
• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | The Stile Inn: Jem Hack, Acoustic Pop Covers
• 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | Russo’s Cafe Lounge: DJ Paul Mico, DJ
• 7:30 PM–10:00 PM | Clockwork Bar: PG Trips, Comedy, Spoken Word & Poetry
• 8:00 PM–9:30 PM | The Dog and Duck: 3’s a Crowd, Pop / Rock
• 8:30 PM–10:30 PM | The Wellington Arms: Welly Quiz, Quiz

Friday 4th September 2026

• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Utilita Energy Hub: One Man and his Sax, Smooth Sax Music
• 3:15 PM–4:00 PM | The Wellington Arms: Carl Zed, Acoustic / Indie Folk
• 4:00 PM–4:45 PM | Clockwork Bar: Charlie Smith, Acoustic Alternative
• 5:00 PM–6:30 PM | The Stile Inn: Mark R, Country, Folk, Irish & Rock ‘n’ Roll
• 5:00 PM–5:45 PM | The Wellington Arms: Jem Hack, Acoustic Pop Covers
• 5:00 PM–5:45 PM | Clockwork Bar: Ricky Tart, Songs, Loops, Beatbox & Uke
• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Russo’s Cafe Lounge: The Posse, Country Blues & Americana
• 6:00 PM–6:45 PM | Clockwork Bar: Steve Lowis, Acoustic Popular Covers
• 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | The Dog and Duck: Jax Leonard, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Pop
• 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Cozy Seven: Ryan Watts, Cover Artist
• 7:00 PM–7:45 PM | Clockwork Bar: STEAM TOWN SHANTY CREW, Sea Shanties
• 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | What a Pizza!: Dan O’Farrell (solo) & The Difference Engine with band, Folky / Indie
• 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | Santo Lounge: Friendly Fire Comedy, Stand-up Comedy
• 7:00 PM–7:45 PM | The Wellington Arms: Psychedelic Skies, Indie Grunge Rock
• 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Cozy Seven: Brian Hooper, Folk
• 8:00 PM–9:00 PM | Cozy Seven: The Bob Squad, Acoustic Funk
• 8:00 PM–11:00 PM | Brass Monkey: NPS ENTERTAINMENT, DJ / Karaoke Host
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Charly Armstrong, Stand-up Comedy
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: James Marsh, Stand-up Comedy
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | What a Pizza!: SO-Tech, House Music
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Rachel Sullivan, Stand-up Comedy
• 8:00 PM–9:00 PM | Clockwork Bar: LAUR, All the Hits and More
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Balaman, Comedy Character
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Leonard Horton, Stand-up Comedy Character
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Robert Stewart, Stand-up Comedy, Alt Surreal
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Laura Sharland, Stand-up Comedy
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Lew Mac, Parody
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Rory Applin, Stand-up Comedy
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Stewart Taylor, Comedy
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Sean Larsen, Stand-up Comedy
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Shirley: You Are Having A Laugh @ Maskers: Phil Burton, Stand-up Comedy
• 9:00 PM–10:00 PM | Cozy Seven: The Pop Tarts, Modern Folky Pop Covers
• 9:30 PM–10:30 PM | Clockwork Bar: Skaraman, Ska Reggae

Saturday 5th September 2026

Saturday is one of the busiest days of Shirley Fringe 2026, with live music, circus, dance, poetry, spoken word and family-friendly activities taking place across Shirley and Southampton.

• 10:30am–12:00pm | Freemantle and Shirley Community Centre: Shirley Community Singers – A Singing Workshop open to all, Singing for wellbeing.
• 11:00am–12:00pm | Utilita Energy Hub: Amy Fox – Singer-songwriter, Americana.
• 12:00pm–2:00pm | Utilita Energy Hub: Simon – Juggler, Circus.
• 1:30pm–2:15pm | Freemantle and Shirley Community Centre: Mini Maestros – Baby & Toddler Music Session, Singing Workshop.
• 1:30pm–2:15pm | Russo’s Cafe Lounge: Andrew Buchanan – Funk.
• 2:00pm–2:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Waldo Salt – Alt-Rock / Jangle Pop.
• 3:00pm–3:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Coosticks – Indie Pop, Classic Singalongs.
• 3:00pm–6:00pm | Clockwork Bar: Flowsha – Hula Hooping, Juggling, Dance.
• 3:00pm–6:00pm | Clockwork Bar: Simon – Juggler, Circus.
• 3:00pm–5:00pm | The Stile Inn: Steve Lowis – Acoustic Popular Covers.
• 3:00pm–4:00pm | Freemantle and Shirley Community Centre: Fiddler on the Hoof Ceilidh Band – 5-piece ceilidh band + caller.
• 3:00pm–3:45pm | The Wellington Arms: Beardos and Weirdos – Covers of Alternative/Rock.
• 4:00pm–5:00pm | Cozy Seven: David Dogwood (Country vs Cancer) – Country, Originals and Covers.
• 4:00pm–6:00pm | Santo Lounge: The Posse – Country Blues & Americana.
• 4:00pm–4:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Spindrift – Mostly Original, Folky Pop.
• 4:00pm–5:00pm | Maskers Theatre: Write a Note Showcase – Poetry / Spoken Word Showcase.
• 5:00pm–5:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Roger James Shephard – Singer/Songwriter, Acoustic Guitar.
• 5:15pm–5:45pm | Maskers Theatre: Rainbow Warrior Kyle – Poet, Singer, Songwriter.
• 5:30pm–6:30pm | Coop Craft Bar: David Dogwood (Country vs Cancer) – Country, Originals and Covers.
• 5:45pm–6:00pm | Maskers Theatre: Andrew ‘Roo’ Ovenden – Poetry.
• 6:00pm–7:00pm | What a Pizza!: The Reverend Sam – Roots Americana.
• 6:00pm–6:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Beardos and Weirdos – Covers of Alternative/Rock.
• 6:00pm–7:00pm | Maskers Theatre: Rich Lansley – Spoken Word / Comedy / Poetry Show.
• 7:00pm–8:00pm | Russo’s Cafe Lounge: The HeartStone Stories – Original Folky Bluesy Americana.
• 7:00pm–9:00pm | Santo Lounge: One Man and his Sax – Smooth Sax Music.
• 7:00pm–8:00pm | Cozy Seven: Shaun Shears & The Low Flying Onions – Original Songs & Covers.
• 7:00pm–7:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Fall-in-Lake – Acoustic Guitar.
• 7:00pm–8:00pm | What a Pizza!: David Dogwood (Country vs Cancer) – Country, Originals and Covers.
• 7:15pm–8:00pm | The Wellington Arms: Zakk Paules – Experimental Folk.
• 8:00pm–10:00pm | Brass Monkey: Jack Childs – Acoustic Singer.
• 8:00pm–9:00pm | Cozy Seven: Eva Nicole – A Whole Range of Genres.
• 8:00pm–9:00pm | What a Pizza!: Serene Groove Syndicate – Jazz & Swing.
• 8:00pm–8:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Ryan Watts – Cover Artist.
• 9:00pm–10:00pm | Cozy Seven: ALLEY the band – Mostly Indie Pop/Rock.
• 9:00pm–10:30pm | Clockwork Bar: Flying Hearts – Modern Rock.

Sunday 6th September 2026

The final day of Shirley Fringe 2026 features a full programme of live music, circus, dance, theatre, community performances and comedy, with Freemantle Lake Park hosting a large part of Sunday’s programme.

• 11:00am–4:00pm | Freemantle Lake Park: Simon – Juggler, Circus.
• 11:00am–11:30am | Freemantle Lake Park: The Reverend Sam – Roots Americana.
• 11:00am–4:00pm | Freemantle Lake Park: Flowsha – Hula Hooping, Juggling, Dance.
• 11:30am–12:00pm | Freemantle Lake Park: Keith Pugh – Indie Folk.
• 12:00pm–1:00pm | Russo’s Cafe Lounge: One Man and his Sax – Smooth Sax Music.
• 12:00pm–12:30pm | Freemantle Lake Park: Southampton Rock Choir – Choir, Classic Rock.
• 12:30pm–1:00pm | Freemantle Lake Park: MB Twirlstars – Baton Twirling Troupe.
• 1:00pm–1:30pm | Freemantle Lake Park: The Bob Squad – Acoustic Funk.
• 1:00pm–2:00pm | The Dog and Duck: Coosticks – Indie Pop, Classic Singalongs.
• 1:00pm–3:00pm | The Stile Inn: Ryan Watts – Cover Artist.
• 1:00pm–3:00pm | Brass Monkey: Gray – Acoustic Classics.
• 1:30pm–2:00pm | Freemantle Lake Park: FASATS – Theatre.
• 1:30pm–3:00pm | Freemantle and Shirley Community Centre: Shirley Community Singers – A Singing Workshop open to all, Singing for wellbeing.
• 2:00pm–2:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Eva Nicole – A Whole Range of Genres.
• 2:00pm–2:30pm | Freemantle Lake Park: Brian Hooper – Folk.
• 2:00pm–4:00pm | Santo Lounge: The Sound Crew – Soft Rock Covers.
• 2:30pm–3:00pm | Freemantle Lake Park: 3’s a Crowd – Pop / Rock.
• 3:00pm–3:45pm | The Wellington Arms: Bigman Small Guitar – Folk/Punk.
• 3:00pm–5:00pm | The Stile Inn: Dan O’Farrell (solo) (& The Difference Engine with band) – Folky / Indie.
• 3:00pm–3:30pm | Freemantle Lake Park: Kieran Snell – Folk.
• 3:00pm–3:45pm | Clockwork Bar: 5A FUSE – Alternative Rock.
• 3:00pm–5:00pm | The Dog and Duck: Mark R – Country, Folk, Irish, Rock & Roll.
• 3:30pm–4:00pm | Freemantle Lake Park: The Dah’s – Covers of Pop/Folk Songs.
• 4:00pm–6:00pm | Brass Monkey: Jordan Mills – Indie Pop & Folk.
• 4:00pm–4:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Jax Leonard – Singer/Songwriter, Folk Pop.
• 5:00pm–6:00pm | The Wellington Arms: Waldo Salt – Alt-Rock / Jangle Pop.
• 5:00pm–5:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Amy Fox – Singer-Songwriter, Americana.
• 6:00pm–6:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Jem Hack – Acoustic Pop Covers.
• 7:00pm–9:00pm | The Stile Inn: Vaudeville Comedy Club – Stand-up Comedy.
• 7:00pm–7:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Libby Bullivant-Holt – Covers of Alternative/Rock.
• 8:00pm–8:45pm | Clockwork Bar: Mary Jane – Celtic Folk.
• 9:00pm–10:30pm | Clockwork Bar: Serkha and the Bear – Soul, R&B, Acoustic.

Planning Your Visit to Shirley Fringe 2026

With events taking place across Shirley and Southampton, a little planning can help you fit more of the Shirley Fringe 2026 programme into your day.

• Check the venue: Events take place at pubs, cafés, community centres, parks, theatres and other local venues.
• Check the time: Many performances are short, while others run for several hours, so check the individual listing before setting off.
• Plan around overlapping acts: Popular performances at different venues can take place at the same time.
• Look out for Saturday and Sunday: The weekend features some of the largest selections of performances across the festival.
• Check individual event arrangements: Some activities may have their own booking or venue requirements.

Shirley Fringe Venues

The 2026 programme uses a wide range of venues, giving visitors plenty of options depending on the type of entertainment they want to see.

• Clockwork Bar
• The Stile Inn
• Brass Monkey
• The Dog and Duck
• Santo Lounge
• The Wellington Arms
• Cozy Seven
• Russo’s Cafe Lounge
• Freemantle and Shirley Community Centre
• Freemantle Lake Park
• Maskers Theatre
• What a Pizza!
• Coop Craft Bar
• Utilita Energy Hub

Shirley Fringe 2026 Highlights

With such a varied line-up, the festival offers plenty of opportunities to discover local musicians, performers and artists alongside established acts and community groups.

• Live Music: Folk, indie, rock, pop, Americana, jazz, blues, reggae, soul, R&B, country and acoustic performances.
• Comedy: Stand-up performances, comedy shows and the Vaudeville Comedy Club.
• Poetry & Spoken Word: Showcases and performances featuring local poets and spoken-word artists.
• Circus & Dance: Juggling, hula hooping, baton twirling and dance performances.
• Community Performances: Choirs, singing workshops, theatre and other community-led activities.

Shirley Fringe 2026 for Families

There are also several performances and activities that can appeal to families, particularly during the weekend programme.

• Mini Maestros: Baby and toddler music session.
• Shirley Community Singers: Singing workshops focused on wellbeing.
• Simon: Juggling and circus performances.
• Flowsha: Hula hooping, juggling and dance.
• MB Twirlstars: Baton twirling troupe.
• FASATS: Theatre performance.
• Southampton Rock Choir: Choir and classic rock performance.

Make the Most of Shirley Fringe

The easiest way to enjoy Shirley Fringe is to choose a few acts you particularly want to see, then build your day around their performance times and venues. Because several performances overlap, you may need to choose between acts rather than trying to see everything.

The programme also makes it possible to discover something completely different from what you originally planned, whether that is a local band, a comedy performance, a poetry showcase or a circus act.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Shirley Fringe 2026 taking place?

Shirley Fringe 2026 takes place from Tuesday 1st to Sunday 6th September 2026, with performances and activities across multiple venues in Shirley and Southampton.

Where is Shirley Fringe 2026 taking place?

The festival takes place across multiple local venues, including Clockwork Bar, The Stile Inn, Brass Monkey, The Dog and Duck, Santo Lounge, The Wellington Arms, Cozy Seven, Freemantle Lake Park and Maskers Theatre.

What is happening at Shirley Fringe 2026?

The programme includes live music, comedy, poetry, spoken word, circus, dance, theatre, quizzes, workshops and community performances.

Who is performing at Shirley Fringe 2026?

The line-up features a wide range of local musicians, bands, comedians, poets, performers and community groups, including Ryan Watts, One Man and his Sax, The Bob Squad, Amy Fox, David Dogwood, Coosticks, Eva Nicole, Simon, Flowsha, Shirley Community Singers and many more.

What is happening at Shirley Fringe on Saturday 5th September?

Saturday 5th September features a particularly large programme of live music, circus, poetry, spoken word, dance and community performances across venues including Clockwork Bar, Freemantle Lake Park, Maskers Theatre, The Stile Inn, Santo Lounge and The Wellington Arms.

What is happening at Shirley Fringe on Sunday 6th September?

The final day includes performances at Freemantle Lake Park alongside live music, comedy and other entertainment at venues across Shirley.

Is Shirley Fringe suitable for families?

Yes. The programme includes baby and toddler music sessions, singing workshops, circus, juggling, hula hooping, dance, baton twirling, theatre and community performances.

Are there comedy events at Shirley Fringe 2026?

Yes. The programme includes stand-up comedy, comedy shows and the Vaudeville Comedy Club, alongside other comedy performances during the festival.

Where can I find more events happening in Southampton?

You can find more festivals, live music, family activities, comedy, markets and other events in our complete What’s On in Southampton guide.