Turner Sims

Turner Sims is a distinctive concert hall and event venue on the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus, offering an intimate and professionally supported setting for live performances, private functions and creative productions. Its purpose-built auditorium is designed around excellent acoustics and can accommodate between 300 and 400 seated guests, making it well suited to concerts, talks, presentations, award ceremonies, graduations and cultural programmes.

For organisers, the venue combines a characterful main hall with a bright foyer overlooking the campus gardens, a licensed bar, box office facilities and a smaller Green Room for meetings, workshops and presentations. The foyer can be adapted for cabaret seating, theatre-style gatherings, receptions, networking and buffet events, while the Green Room provides a practical option for smaller daytime sessions or breakout activities.

Turner Sims also welcomes private celebrations, school events, conferences, parties and memorial gatherings. The venue team provides planning guidance, event coordination and technical support where available, helping organisers shape the format around their audience and programme. Concert promoters can benefit from a stage with two resident grand pianos, in-house speech PA, projection facilities and atmospheric LED lighting. The venue can also support recording and filming projects, taking advantage of its strong acoustic qualities and adaptable performance environment.

Accessibility is an important part of the visitor experience, with accessible entrances, facilities and seating available. Set within the university campus, the venue is close to public transport connections and offers nearby parking options. Turner Sims is a strong choice for organisers seeking a flexible Southampton concert venue with professional facilities, a welcoming team and a setting that works equally well for public performances, business gatherings and private events.