Tapestry, the vibrant free festival set on England’s south coast at Westquay in Southampton is excited to announce its final headline act: Penguin Café, who will perform against the stunning backdrop of the city’s medieval walls on Saturday 19th July. They join the previously announced line-up of world-class, critically acclaimed musicians from around the globe, reflecting Southampton’s rich and ever-evolving cultural landscape.
For this special performance, Penguin Café brings back to life the music of the legendary Penguin Café Orchestra, the avant-pop ensemble formed by the late Simon Jeffes in 1970. Revived by his son Arthur Jeffes a decade after his father’s untimely passing in 1997, Penguin Café assembles a talented and diverse group of musicians with backgrounds in bands such as Suede, Gorillaz, and Razorlight. Together, they perform a distinctive blend of melodic instrumental pop infused with folk, jazz, minimalism, and global influences creating a sound that is both unique and evocative. The performance will feature classic compositions that have captivated audiences for decades, delivered with the ensemble’s signature warmth and inventiveness, guided by the spellbinding philosophy that was at the heart of The Penguin Café Orchestra.
The Penguin Café join a vibrant programme that draws on musical traditions from across the UK and beyond. Elsewhere on the bill is the sensational, rousing ‘queer folk’ music of the Goblin Band, the Northumbrian pipes of Kathryn Tickell, the boundary-pushing sounds of Indian sarod virtuoso Soumik Datta and Senegalese kora virtuoso Seckou Keita. Tapestry presents a stunning range of talent, from leading figures to rising stars. From vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Alice Zawadzki who delivers her spellbinding songs fresh from her Jazz FM Vocalist Of The Year Award to the celebrated, distinctive voice of singer, writer and conservationist Sam Lee, one of folk’s most renowned musicians, plus the emerging brilliance of Irish guitarist Muireann Bradley whose country blues fingerpicking is capturing widespread attention. Selected performances will be recorded by BBC Radio 3’s Music Planet for broadcast in August 2025 and the weekend hosted by Music Planet presenter, Lopa Kothari.
Alongside this inspiring mix of world-class artists, Tapestry presents a programme of exceptional Southampton talent and family-friendly workshops that include African drumming and ceilidh dancing – promising a fun and vibrant summer experience.
Whether you’re into folk, Indian classical music or African rhythms, Tapestry offers a spectacular array of world-class performances that reflect Southampton’s diverse, creative and vibrant cultural tapestry.
As the lead sponsor, Westquay is proud to host Tapestry on The Esplanade, supporting an event that brings communities together through the power of music.
Festival website: TapestryFestival.co.uk
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