
O2 Guildhall Southampton
Historic 1930s venue hosting diverse live music, comedy, and special events in the heart of Southampton.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Concerts and shows are primarily evening events.

O2 Guildhall Southampton
Best Time
Concerts and shows are primarily evening events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1930s venue hosting diverse live music, comedy, and special events in the heart of Southampton.
"Great views and friendly staff make this a fantastic spot for live music and events. "

🎯 Book Ahead for Popular Gigs
High-demand concerts sell out fast! Secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
🌡️ Venue Can Get Warm
Some visitors report it gets hot inside, especially during summer. Dress in layers.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Music Performances
Main Hall
Experience a diverse range of live music, from rock and indie bands to orchestral performances and tribute acts.

Special Events & Celebrations
Various Spaces
From graduations to business awards and themed parties, the Guildhall hosts memorable celebrations.

Daytime Disco Parties
Main Hall
Enjoy unique daytime events like the popular Day Fever disco, offering a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Venue Accessibility & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Popular Gigs
High-demand concerts sell out fast! Secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
🌡️ Venue Can Get Warm
Some visitors report it gets hot inside, especially during summer. Dress in layers.
🚶♀️ Central Location
Easily accessible by public transport and a short walk from many hotels.
🍹 Quick Bar Service
Bar queues are often short, even during intermissions. Enjoy quick drink service.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Popular Gigs
High-demand concerts sell out fast! Secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
🌡️ Venue Can Get Warm
Some visitors report it gets hot inside, especially during summer. Dress in layers.
🚶♀️ Central Location
Easily accessible by public transport and a short walk from many hotels.
🍹 Quick Bar Service
Bar queues are often short, even during intermissions. Enjoy quick drink service.
🎶 Great Views from Balcony
Even rear balcony seats offer good views of the stage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the O2 Guildhall Southampton for its central location, good stage views, and friendly staff, making it a popular spot for live music and events. While some note the venue can get warm, the overall experience is enhanced by efficient bar service and reasonable drink prices, leading to a high recommendation rate for a memorable night out.
"Summer sessions, Southampton Guildhall Square. A chance to see some great bands on our door step. We went to see Train 👍😁♥️"
Rob Brown
"Loved seeing one of the best music stages that Southampton has to offer
Went to see The Human League at guildhall this summer of 2025, pretty easy access venue and the bar is located very nicely and easy access with a variety of drinks, the queue where 5min tops
Staff was friendly
Highly recommend if ur thinking of coming to see any type of performance in that location :)"
Joana Sousa
"Recently came down for a show and had such a great night! Bar and Foh staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Will definitely be returning soon :)"
Charlotte Maynard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The O2 Guildhall Southampton is centrally located. It's a short walk from Southampton Central train station, making it easily accessible for those arriving by rail. Bus routes, including Unilink U1 and U2, also serve the nearby Guildhall Square.
While specific venue parking isn't detailed, the central location means several public car parks are usually available nearby. It's advisable to check local parking options and charges in advance.
Yes, Southampton Central station is within easy walking distance of the O2 Guildhall Southampton, making it a convenient option for travelers arriving by train.
The closest bus stop to Guildhall Square is 'Cenotaph (Stop HA)', which is served by Unilink U1 and U2 buses.
Information on specific accessibility features isn't widely detailed, but the venue's central location and typical event setup suggest reasonable access. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available through the official O2 Guildhall website, authorized ticketing partners, and sometimes directly from artists' official channels. Popular shows can sell out quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
Opening hours vary depending on the event. Doors usually open an hour or two before the scheduled performance time. Always check your specific event details for accurate timings.
It may be possible to purchase tickets on the door for some events if they haven't sold out in advance. However, for popular acts, it's highly advisable to buy tickets beforehand to guarantee entry.
Refund policies are generally set by the ticketing agent or promoter. Typically, tickets are non-refundable unless an event is cancelled or significantly rescheduled. Check the terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
Depending on the event, there might be various ticket tiers, including VIP packages or premium seating. These details are usually specified when purchasing tickets for specific shows.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The O2 Guildhall hosts a wide array of events, including live music from rock, indie, and tribute bands, orchestral concerts, comedy shows, boxing matches, and private functions like graduations and award ceremonies.
Sound quality is generally considered decent, though some reviews suggest it might not be as superior as smaller, dedicated music venues. However, for most performances, it provides an enjoyable audio experience.
Yes, even seats on the balcony, including those at the back, are reported to offer good views of the stage, ensuring a positive viewing experience for most attendees.
Some visitors have noted that the venue can get quite hot, suggesting it may lack air conditioning. It's advisable to dress in layers, especially during warmer months or for energetic performances.
The atmosphere is often described as vibrant and enjoyable, particularly during live music events and special parties. It's a popular spot for both local and touring acts.
🍽️ 🍹 Food & Dining
Yes, there are bar facilities available at the venue. Drinks are reported to be reasonably priced, and service is often quick, even during intermissions.
A variety of drinks are typically available at the bar, catering to different preferences.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the venue. There are food and drink options available for purchase once inside.
Given its central location, there are numerous restaurants and eateries in the surrounding Southampton area, offering a wide range of cuisines.
Compared to other gig venues, drinks at the O2 Guildhall Southampton are considered reasonably priced by some attendees.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography policies can vary by event. For most concerts, personal use photos are usually allowed, but professional recording equipment is typically prohibited. Always check the specific event's guidelines.
Selfie sticks and professional cameras are generally not permitted to avoid obstructing the view of other attendees. Check the venue's specific policy for the event you are attending.
The main hall offers good vantage points, and the balcony provides a wider perspective. The venue's architecture itself can also be photogenic, especially during events with impressive lighting.
No, filming entire concerts is usually prohibited due to copyright restrictions and to ensure other attendees can enjoy the performance without distraction.
Lighting varies greatly depending on the performance. Concerts often have dynamic stage lighting, which can create dramatic photos, while other events might have more subdued lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
🎓 Graduation Celebrations
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub for Live Music
Beyond rock and pop, the Guildhall also hosts orchestral performances, such as the Rock Orchestra, which has been praised for its amazing set design and lighting. This variety ensures that there's something for every music lover, from high-energy gigs to more sophisticated musical experiences. The venue's reputation for hosting quality live acts makes it a must-visit for concert-goers in the region.
Many attendees highlight the positive experience of attending shows here, noting friendly staff and efficient bar service. While some mention the venue can get warm, the overall sentiment is that the O2 Guildhall Southampton delivers memorable musical nights.
More Than Just Concerts: Events and Celebrations
Furthermore, the Guildhall is known for hosting unique themed events, such as the Day Fever disco, which brings a vibrant daytime party atmosphere to Southampton. These events cater to a different audience and showcase the venue's adaptability. The building's classical-style architecture, dating back to the 1930s, provides an elegant setting for a wide range of functions, from formal balls like the Med Gala to more casual celebrations.
This adaptability makes the O2 Guildhall Southampton a key landmark for various types of gatherings, reinforcing its importance in the city's social and cultural calendar. Whether it's a graduation ceremony, a business award night, or a lively disco, the venue offers a memorable experience for all attendees.
Visitor Experience and Comfort
However, a recurring point in visitor feedback is that the venue can become quite warm, particularly during summer months or for high-energy performances, suggesting a potential lack of air conditioning. This is something to consider when planning your attire, with advice leaning towards wearing layers. Despite this, the overall experience is often enhanced by the friendly and efficient staff, particularly at the bars, where queues are typically short, and service is prompt. The reasonable pricing of drinks also contributes positively to the visitor experience.
The combination of good views, accessible location, and helpful staff generally outweighs the comfort concerns for many, leading to a high recommendation rate for those seeking a good night out for concerts and events.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit