Winchester Students’ Union is launching a public live music events at its 500-capacity venue, The Vault, based on the University Campus, in the King Alfred Centre. The Students’ Union will work in collaboration with Divergent Venues (The 1865, Southampton) and The Railway Inn, to develop Winchester’s already thriving music scene.
Upcoming shows include Bluegrass-cover stalwarts, Hayseed Dixie on Saturday 11 October, with a run of shows as a pilot launch on the 20-22 June, including tributes to popular Nu Metal acts, Mechanical Animals (Friday 20 June) and The Smyths (Saturday 21 June) before closing off the opening weekend with a performance from Ska legends Bad Manners (Sunday 22 June).
In addition to the live music program, The Vault is also opening its doors to the public for events such as Winchester Beer and Cider Festival and Popkids.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with established promoters like Divergent Venues and The Railway to complement the live music offerings that have been at the heart of Winchester’s culture for years,” said John Webb, Head of Operations.
“Opening up the venue to the wider community of Winchester’s public and creating a platform for live music has been long in the pipeline, and we’re really excited to bring this to life”
Kai Harris of Divergent Promotions added: “back in the late 90’s some heavy metal kid from Chandler’s Ford, in a local band called Dilutral, earned his promoting chops at The Railway and Tower Arts. They were incredible times. Sadly, the band never made it but the career endured. Nearly 30 years on and it’s thrilling to be back with a bigger space and an opportunity to really put Winchester on the UK touring circuit. Expect to see some big names from all genres of live music in a venue that looks, sounds and feels fantastic, we can’t wait to get stuck in.”
“As Winchester’s most iconic music venue, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to host bigger bands in a larger space and offer the opportunities to develop local talent to being able to perform on larger stages too,” said Jack Bolton of The Railway Inn.
Tickets are on sale now:
20 June 2025: Mechanical Animals
21 June 2025: The Smyths
22 June 2025: Bad Manners
11 Oct 2025: Hayseed Dixie
For more information on ticket sales or upcoming events at The Vault, email enquiries@wearedivergent.uk.
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