Families can spring into a season of delightful musical experiences designed especially for little ones and their families at Southampton’s Turner Sims.
From puppetry and picture books to relaxed orchestral discoveries and immersive sensory play, Spring 2026 is packed with welcoming, high-quality performances where children are free to be curious, noisy, wiggly and wonderfully themselves.
Based on the beloved picture book by Tom Percival, Ruby’s Worry (28th February) is brought to life through live music, song, puppetry and physical theatre. Ruby had always been perfectly happy… until one day she discovered a worry. As it grows bigger and bigger, Ruby learns that sharing worries can make them shrink away.
Ideal for ages 3-7 and their families, Ruby’s Worry (pictured) gently opens conversations about feelings in a playful, reassuring way. Local independent bookshop October Books will be in the foyer before and after the performances with copies of Ruby’s Worry and other children’s favourites.
As part of a remarkable musical marathon fundraiser, University of Southampton alumni return to perform all nine symphonies by Antonín Dvořák across one day on March 1st. The morning begins with a family-friendly introduction to Dvořák’s First Symphony, The Bells of Zlonice.
With pianist and broadcaster Keelan Carew as guide, families will meet the instruments of the orchestra and explore how Dvořák wove Bohemian folk rhythms into his music.
Join the Southampton University Symphony Orchestra Family Concert for an informal, engaging deep dive into Sergei Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances. Guided by their conductor, families will learn how the orchestra works together to bring this thrilling music to life.
Perfect for children aged 7+ who are learning an instrument or simply curious about how orchestras work, this is a relaxed, welcoming way to experience live symphonic music up close.
Created by Crescendorious and commissioned by Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival and artsdepot, A Message for the Future (28th March) is a beautiful multi-sensory show is designed especially for ages 0-4.
With original music and rock and roll storytelling by Brigitte Aphrodite and Quiet Boy, families are invited into a world of sound, texture, scent and colour that celebrates nature, kindness and creativity. It’s an immersive, calming experience where babies and toddlers can explore freely.
Celebrating spring in full bloom, the much-loved series welcomes babies, families and friends to a relaxed live concert where little ones are free to bounce, crawl and respond to the music, with Adventures in Music – Spring Songs coming to the venue on April 19th. Featuring harp, accordion, strings, songs in different languages and sounds from around the world, this is a joyful, sensory introduction to live music in a friendly, flexible setting, perfect for 0-18 month-olds and their families.
All tickets available now via the Turner Sims website – turnersims.co.uk.
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