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O2 Guildhall Southampton

4.3
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Concerts and shows are primarily evening events.

CrowdMedium
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Erasure

O2 Guildhall Southampton

Best Time

Evenings

Concerts and shows are primarily evening events.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.3
(2k reviews)

"Great views and friendly staff make this a fantastic spot for live music and events. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Music Performances

Live Music Performances

Main Hall

Experience a diverse range of live music, from rock and indie bands to orchestral performances and tribute acts.

TikTokInstagram+2
Special Events & Celebrations

Special Events & Celebrations

Various Spaces

From graduations to business awards and themed parties, the Guildhall hosts memorable celebrations.

Instagram+3
Daytime Disco Parties

Daytime Disco Parties

Main Hall

Enjoy unique daytime events like the popular Day Fever disco, offering a fun and vibrant atmosphere.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Popular acts at O2 Guildhall Southampton sell out quickly. Check listings and secure your tickets early, especially for high-demand concerts and events. Consider early bird options for potential savings. TikTokInstagram

Check Venue Accessibility & Comfort

While generally well-located and offering good views, some visitors note the venue can get warm, suggesting it may lack air conditioning. Plan accordingly for comfort during warmer months. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Concerts and shows are primarily evening events.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Higher chance of popular events and festivals.
Crowd
High
When
During Graduation Season
Why
Witness or participate in university celebrations.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Why this means the world to me ♥️♥️♥️ #southampton
@its_r_o_r_y
4.7K likes • 55K views

🎯 Book Ahead for Popular Gigs

High-demand concerts sell out fast! Secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

🌡️ Venue Can Get Warm

Some visitors report it gets hot inside, especially during summer. Dress in layers. Reddit

DILF xox #caitybaser #stilllearning #southampton #o2guildhallsouthampton @caitybaser
@emilypau98
4.6K likes • 141.1K views
The lovely @vicky.mcclure has a message for the people of Southampton! 👀 Get ready to party with the ultimate day time disco when @dayfeveruk returns to #O2GuildhallSouthampton by popular demand on Sat 22 Nov. Don’t miss out and grab your tickets now! We'll see you on the dancefloor... 💃
o2guildhalls
9 likes • 885 views

🚶‍♀️ Central Location

Easily accessible by public transport and a short walk from many hotels. InstagramReddit

🍹 Quick Bar Service

Bar queues are often short, even during intermissions. Enjoy quick drink service. Reddit

Suede - ‘The Only Way I Can Love You’ From their latest album release AUTOFICTION, Live at O2 Guildhall Southampton 2023. #suede #southampton #autofiction @suedehq
officialswillis
16 likes • 410 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for Popular Gigs

High-demand concerts sell out fast! Secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

🌡️ Venue Can Get Warm

Some visitors report it gets hot inside, especially during summer. Dress in layers. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Central Location

Easily accessible by public transport and a short walk from many hotels. InstagramReddit

🍹 Quick Bar Service

Bar queues are often short, even during intermissions. Enjoy quick drink service. Reddit

🎶 Great Views from Balcony

Even rear balcony seats offer good views of the stage. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Central location
Good stage views
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Can get warm

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, Southampton Central station is within easy walking distance of the O2 Guildhall Southampton, making it a convenient option for travelers arriving by train. Instagram

The closest bus stop to Guildhall Square is 'Cenotaph (Stop HA)', which is served by Unilink U1 and U2 buses. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎶 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. TikTokInstagram+4

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍹 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. Reddit

A variety of drinks are typically available at the bar, catering to different preferences. Reddit

Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the venue. There are food and drink options available for purchase once inside. Reddit

Given its central location, there are numerous restaurants and eateries in the surrounding Southampton area, offering a wide range of cuisines. Instagram

Compared to other gig venues, drinks at the O2 Guildhall Southampton are considered reasonably priced by some attendees. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

No, filming entire concerts is usually prohibited due to copyright restrictions and to ensure other attendees can enjoy the performance without distraction. TikTok

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the O2 Guildhall Southampton primarily hosts adult-oriented events like concerts and comedy shows, certain family-friendly performances or daytime events might be suitable. For instance, orchestral concerts or specific tribute acts could appeal to older children. TikTokInstagram It's always best to check the specific event details and age recommendations before booking tickets. The venue's central location and ease of access make it convenient for families traveling with children. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the O2 Guildhall Southampton offers opportunities for affordable entertainment. Keep an eye out for early bird ticket offers for popular shows, which can significantly reduce the cost. Instagram Additionally, some Reddit users have noted that drinks at the venue are reasonably priced compared to other gig locations, which can help manage expenses during your visit. Reddit The venue's central location also means you might save on transportation costs if you're staying nearby or can easily access it via public transport. Instagram

🎶 Music Enthusiasts

Music lovers will find the O2 Guildhall Southampton a vibrant destination. The venue consistently books a wide range of genres, from rock and indie bands TikTokInstagram to orchestral performances Reddit and international acts like AGAM. Instagram Following the venue's social media or subscribing to newsletters can keep you updated on upcoming gigs. Many attendees praise the good sound quality and stage views, even from the balcony seats, ensuring an immersive concert experience. Reddit

🎓 Graduation Celebrations

The O2 Guildhall Southampton is a popular venue for university graduations, serving as a grand location for students from the University of Southampton and Solent University to celebrate their achievements. Instagram+1 If you're attending a graduation, expect a formal and celebratory atmosphere. Nearby establishments, like Tsunami Bar, often offer post-ceremony drinks and dining options, making it convenient to continue the celebrations. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Hub for Live Music

The O2 Guildhall Southampton is a cornerstone for live music in the city, attracting a diverse range of artists. From established rock bands like You Me At Six and Editors TikTokInstagram to emerging artists and tribute acts, the venue offers a consistent stream of performances. Indian Carnatic Progressive Rock giants AGAM are also set to perform, showcasing the venue's broad musical appeal. Instagram The intimate yet spacious hall provides a great setting for fans to connect with their favorite musicians. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. TikTokInstagram

Many attendees highlight the positive experience of attending shows here, noting friendly staff and efficient bar service. Reddit While some mention the venue can get warm, the overall sentiment is that the O2 Guildhall Southampton delivers memorable musical nights. Reddit

More Than Just Concerts: Events and Celebrations

The O2 Guildhall Southampton is a versatile venue that extends its offerings beyond live music. It frequently hosts significant community and private events, including university graduations. Instagram+1 These ceremonies transform the historic building into a backdrop for celebrating academic achievements, with students and their families gathering to mark this special occasion. The venue also plays a role in local business recognition, hosting events like the Southampton Business Success Awards. Instagram

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. Instagram 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 Instagram to more casual celebrations. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

Visitor Experience and Comfort

Attendees generally find the O2 Guildhall Southampton to be a welcoming and accessible venue. Its central location makes it easy to reach via public transport, with close proximity to train stations and bus routes. InstagramReddit This convenience is a significant plus for visitors traveling from within Southampton or from further afield. The venue is noted for offering good views from various seating areas, including the balcony, ensuring that most patrons have a clear line of sight to the stage. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit The reasonable pricing of drinks also contributes positively to the visitor experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

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