Southampton is set to host the second annual Sport at Solent Festival, a week-long celebration of athletics that will bring students from across the region to the city. Organised by Southampton Solent University’s School of Health and Sport, the event will take place from 15–22 April 2026.
The festival aims to foster community and boost student wellbeing as the academic year draws to a close. Students from Solent will compete against peers from the University of Southampton, the University of Winchester, and the University of Portsmouth in a series of fixtures.
Participants will face off in a wide range of sports, including football, rugby, netball, American football, badminton, tennis, hockey, and futsal. Matches will be held at several prominent local venues, including Test Park, the university’s sports complex on East Park Terrace, and the Wellington Sports Ground.
Dr Dominic Cunliffe, Deputy Dean of the School of Health and Sport, said the festival is about much more than just competition. The school, which recently rose 28 places in the Guardian University Guide 2026, views the event as a vital opportunity to support student health and social connection before the exam period begins.
This year’s festival marks a shift from the inaugural 2025 event, which featured competition against local teams such as Millbrook FC, Weston Park Blades, and the Southampton Aztecs. Members of the public and prospective students are invited to attend the fixtures throughout the week to support the participating teams.
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