It's time to shout
about Southampton!
A maritime city, a meeting point of rivers, a port for a thousand years. But we’re not just a departure point, but a destination, too.
A young, diverse city of culture, lots of culture; from our world-class music scene, the annual Mela, our theatres, galleries and museums, our sports teams and venues to our festivals of food, music and drama.
Of two universities welcoming students from over 100 countries. And of world-leading research into cancer science, marine engineering and minds that connected the world through the invention of the worldwide web.
From ancient waterways built by Franciscan friars and five centuries of shipbuilding, to the making of the Spitfire and a science park that’s a hub of innovation on the south coast.
It’s not just a badge or logo or photo opportunity. It’s a real chance to put our city on the map – to change perceptions, showcase our diversity and give a voice to every part of our community. Time and again, being City of Culture has brought big benefits to communities around the UK.
If our bid wins, we’ll attract visitors, enterprise and trade that will boost our own homegrown businesses and cultural organisations, bring in investment and boost opportunities for young people. We’ll get the support we need to tackle the challenges we face, too.
Our bid won’t win without your support. So, please, get behind SO25 and help connect our city with a brighter future. We’re proud of our city and it’s time to let the rest of the world know, too.
It’s time to shout about Southampton!
The bid will be overseen and managed by the Southampton 2025 Trust led by Claire Whitaker OBE.
The Team
Claire Whitaker
Bid DirectorTom Tyler
Bid Programme ManagerGemma Nichols
Commercial & Marketing DirectorSiontai Gordon
Programming & Community Engagement ManagerHayden Collins
Programming & Community Engagement ManagerKate Maple
Programming & Community Engagement LeadProfessor Fraser Sturt
Research and Evaluation LeadLucy-Jane Fitzpatrick
Marketing and Communications ManagerCaron Khan
Partnership ManagerDev Place
Social Content AssistantDaniel Humphrey
Assistant Project ManagerAine Rand
Southampton 2025 City of Culture Bid ManagerAsten Holmes-Elliott
Programming & Community Engagement AssistantBeth Doel
Southampton 2025 City of Culture Bid AssistantThe Trustees
The trust is an external body with trustees from:
Shelina Permalloo
Chair of the TrustTim Keeping
Trustee – GO! SouthamptonLady Susan Hollick
Trustee - IndependentProfessor Julie Hall
Trustee - Solent UniversityMichael Charlton
Trustee - IndependentAnna-Marie O’Neill
Trustee - University of SouthamptonCouncillor Satvir Kaur
Leader of Southampton City CouncilLaura Read
General Manager of WestquayMike Harris
Trustee - Southampton City CouncilNona McDuff OBE
Trustee - Solent UniversityThe trust is an external body with trustees from:
The trust is an external body with trustees from:
Shelina Permalloo
Chair of the TrustTim Keeping
Trustee – GO! SouthamptonLady Susan Hollick
Trustee - IndependentProfessor Julie Hall
Trustee - Solent UniversityMichael Charlton
Trustee - IndependentAnna-Marie O’Neill
Trustee - University of SouthamptonCouncillor Satvir Kaur
Leader of Southampton City CouncilLaura Read
General Manager of WestquayMike Harris
Trustee - Southampton City CouncilNona McDuff OBE
Trustee - Solent UniversityThe trust is taking the lead within Southampton, and they submit the final bid on behalf of the city.
The bid will be overseen and managed by the Southampton 2025 Trust led by Claire Whitaker OBE.