Prepare for an explosive, wall-of-sound takeover as two of the most defiant, trailblazing forces in alternative rock unite for a monumental co-headline show! On Tuesday 23 June 2026, Skunk Anansie and Garbage will unleash their ferocious energy across Guildhall Square as a major headline feature of the TK Maxx presents Southampton Summer Sessions. Opening its gates at 18:00 (6:00 PM), this open-air event fuses industrial grit, post-punk attitude, and iconic sci-fi pop hooks into an electrifying, hit-filled showcase right in the heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter.
Official Concert Lineup and Timings
This spectacular co-headline bill transforms Guildhall Square into a world-class alternative rock arena. To clear the airport-style security screenings quickly and ensure you don’t miss the opening acts, plan your evening around the official schedule:
- 18:00 (6:00 PM): Arena Gates Officially Open — Ticket scanning, security checks, and bag searches begin at the main entrance lines. The outdoor bars, local independent food trucks, and official merchandise stalls open for business across the plaza.
- Du Blonde (Opening Act): The multi-instrumentalist indie-pop artist takes the stage early to kick off the night with an energetic, guitar-driven opening set.
- Co-Headline Performances (Garbage & Skunk Anansie): The main portion of the night features full, high-octane live sets from both legendary bands, packing the square with iconic heavy rock riffs and massive alternative anthems.
- 22:30 (10:30 PM): Concert Concludes — The live music draws to a close ahead of the strict inner-city neighborhood noise curfews.
Ticket Options and Pricing
A selection of ticket options are available for this high-energy rock event. Bookings can be made directly via the official Ticketmaster listing or through authorized ticket partners:
- General Admission Standing: Standard access to the main open-air standing floor directly facing the festival stage, priced from £61.60 to £63.35 (including standard digital booking fees).
- VIP Garden Upgrade: Access to a premium, dedicated VIP zone featuring faster-track entry lanes, private luxury restroom blocks, specialized food trucks, and an exclusive garden bar.
- Accessible Viewing Platform: A dedicated, elevated platform reserved strictly for wheelchair users and attendees with specific accessibility requirements, complete with companion seating options.
Booking Status: Active! Tickets are fully available to purchase online, but prompt booking is highly recommended due to the rare pairing of both legendary bands. There is a strict limit of 6 tickets per customer for this event.
Age Policy: Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult ticket holder aged 18 or over. Children aged 2 and under can attend completely free of charge and do not require an entry ticket, while all other children require a standard full-price ticket to enter.
How to Get to Guildhall Square
The festival venue is located right in the absolute center of the city’s Cultural Quarter at Guildhall Square, Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU, making transit choices highly convenient:
- By Train: Southampton Central Railway Station is a flat, well-lit 7-to-10-minute walk away from the arena gates. Frequent direct train lines connect straight to London, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, and Winchester, making rail travel the easiest option for out-of-towners.
- By Bus: The square acts as a primary hub for local city transport. Dozens of main bus routes (including frequent Bluestar and First services) drop passengers off directly alongside the edge of the square on Above Bar Street or Commercial Road.
- By Foot: Situated right at the northern tip of the main high street, the square is easily walkable from all major city-center hotels, shopping districts, and waterfront developments.
Where to Park near the Venue
There are no dedicated parking structures assigned directly to the festival arena, and road closures will be active around the immediate perimeter of the square. Drivers should utilize the plentiful municipal multi-stories:
- Westquay Shopping Centre Car Parks: Located within a 10-minute walk, providing thousands of well-lit, secure parking spaces.
- Civic Centre Car Park & Grosvenor Square: Situated just a short stroll from the venue gates, offering quick pay-and-display parking. Drivers should arrive early as these central lots fill up exceptionally fast on major concert nights.
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, theater shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What date and time is the Skunk Anansie & Garbage concert?
- The outdoor rock concert takes place on Tuesday 23 June 2026. Gates open at 18:00 (6:00 PM), and the entire show concludes by the 22:30 (10:30 PM) neighborhood sound curfew.
- Where exactly is the concert arena located?
- The event takes place in the heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter at Guildhall Square, Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU.
- Is this a co-headline show or does one band support the other?
- This is a full, official co-headline tour date. Both Skunk Anansie and Garbage will be performing extensive, high-octane live sets, with support from opening act Du Blonde.
- What is the entry policy for families and children?
- Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder aged 18 or over at all times. Children aged 2 and under can enter for free without a ticket, while all other children require a standard full-price ticket. Please note that prams and pushchairs are strictly prohibited within the main crowd arena footprint for safety reasons.
- Can I bring my own bag, chair, or drinks into the square?
- Strict security screenings apply. Only small bags smaller than a standard A4 sheet of paper are allowed inside. Camping chairs, external food, and outside alcohol are completely prohibited. You may bring one sealed plastic water bottle (up to 500ml) or an empty reusable bottle to utilize the free on-site water refill stations.




