University arts and humanities festival gets city centre premiere

The University of Southampton’s annual Arts and Humanities Day – an opportunity for the public to get hands-on with activities, talks, exhibitions, and workshops – is taking place in the heart of the city for the first time.

The family-friendly event, on Saturday 9 November, will feature interactive activities including virtual reality experiences, constructing Roman mosaic Lego, Chinese paper cutting, and exploring archaeological finds.

There’s also an opportunity to explore items from the university’s archives from the Battle of Waterloo, the Coronation of Queen Victoria, and the raising of the Mary Rose.

Previously held at the university’s Avenue Campus, this year the Arts and Humanities Day will be held in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, in the MAST Mayflower Studios, Sir James Matthews Building, John Hansard Gallery and Southampton City Art Gallery.

The day forms part of Southampton Arts and Humanities Festival, which has been running since 2014. The Southampton Arts and Humanities Festival runs from Thursday 7 to Saturday 16 November. Events include:

• Future Cities: Film screening and discussion , Sir James Matthews Building, Thursday 7 November, 6.30pm
• BBC Singers in concert , Turner Sims, Thursday 7 November, 7.30pm
• Community Hubs Get Board in the City! , Board in the City café, 38-40 Onslow Road, Southampton, Tuesday 12 November, 6.30pm
• In Conversation with BBC broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake , MAST Mayflower Studios, Tuesday 12 November, 7.45p
• UK Disability History Month 2024: Launch , Sir James Matthews Building, Thursday 14 November, 6pm
• The Many Ways To Be A Mother: Workshop , John Hansard Gallery, Friday 15 November, 10.30am

Ben Littlefield, Head of Public Engagement at the university, said: “We are delighted that Arts and Humanities Day is relocating to the city centre. This move provides a great opportunity for everyone to join us in celebrating the people, stories, and research from the university, Southampton, and our wider region.

“Each event at the festival offers something unique, and Arts and Humanities Day is shaping up to be an unmissable experience. The day will be packed with free hands-on activities, engaging workshops, and captivating performances, ensuring there’s something for everyone. It is a valuable opportunity to meet our researchers, students and community partners and share your perspectives, as well as have a fantastic time. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!”

Arts and Humanities Day runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance via Eventbrite . Visit the Southampton Arts and Humanities Festival website for more information.

This year, Arts and Humanities Day is in collaboration with the Southampton ESRC Festival of Social Science , which brings latest social science research from the university to the public.