It’s been a little while since we popped into your inbox – we’ve been quietly ticking along behind the scenes, taking some summer breaks, keeping the tea brewing, and the pantry shelves stocked every week!
As autumn edges towards us, we’ve got news worth sharing and a calendar worth marking up.
Bunker178 gigs – the rest of 2025
We’ve lined up some absolute gems to keep your evenings lively as the nights draw in. Here’s what’s coming up between now and the end of the year:
Help Gaza, Evening Event Sat 6 Sep at Edmund Kell – we are partnering up with local bands to raise money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, and running our sober bar with food to support the community pantry.
BunkerFest on Sun 28 Sep at Planet Sounds – our annual fundraiser, an indoor festival celebrating grassroots music, spoken word, art and community to fundraiser for our community pantry!
Moving Voices Fri 31 Oct at Bitterne Station – Spooky Edition! Come and enjoy an evening of Samhain shenanigans, dress up optional but encouraged, spooky special guest to be announced soon!
The Art House Community Pantry has been bustling on Fridays at Bitterne Station, rescuing food from going to waste and sharing it with the community. Every week we serve up hot drinks, community soup, and good conversation. We’ve also been out and about at a few pop-up pantry events, making sure good food reaches more people.
Whether you’re here for the gigs, the pantry, or just the friendly faces, we’re glad you’re part of this little ecosystem we call The Art House and Bunker178.
On Friday, we opened the doors to our very first Community Pantry at Bitterne Station Hub – and what a heartwarming start it was. After a year of popping up at Board in the City CIC, we made the decision to relocate the pantry where we felt there would be more people needing to use it – having done a few Saturday pop-ups at the station last year and early 2025.
The sun came out, friendly faces arrived including our regulars who had followed us to the new space, the kettle was on, and tables were stocked with food and essentials ready to be shared. It felt good, really good, to be settling into our new space, meeting old friends and new neighbours, and beginning this next chapter together.
Having an outdoor space – and a herb garden – is a huge plus and we were able to enjoy soup out in the shade of the horse chestnut tree, flavoured with herbs picked less than 12 steps away from us!
Huge thanks to everyone who came by to support the pantry, whether you dropped off donations, helped out, or simply stopped in for a cuppa and a chat. Your presence made the space feel alive.
We’ll be back again this Friday – and every Friday after that – from 11am – 1pm with pantry goods, hot drinks, and a warm welcome. Come visit, bring a friend, or spread the word. Let’s grow this new little hub into something truly special.
Huge thanks to our regular supporters on Patreon, PayPal and BuyMeACoffee who keep the pantry going with monthly donations, as well as to the National Lottery ‘Awards for All’ Community Fund who have funded the project this year.
Yesterday, we had an absolutely wonderful time at the Bitterne Station Open Day. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi, enjoy some hot drinks, and tuck into the delicious food we were serving up including ‘landfill soup’ made from perfectly fresh veg rescued from becoming waste thanks to The Big Difference and local Co-ops who supplied the food.
We had a selection of groceries, too, all diverted surplus (hello, food waste heroes!) and scrumptious vegan cakes and snacks all whipped up by the amazing John.
It was a true community vibe, and we’re so grateful for everyone who joined us to help spread the love and raise funds for the cause.
An alternative Valentine’s night for couples, singles and friends, where award-winning storyteller Jason Buck presents dark tales of romance, love and sensuality.
Step into the shadowy side of love for an unforgettable evening of stories for adults. From tales of fiery passion and forbidden desires to stories of heartbreak, mischief and rebellion, this is a night where love sheds its sugar-coated facade and reveals its raw, complex beauty. Whether you’re a romantic renegade, a curious soul, or just looking for something different this Valentine’s season, join us for an evening of storytelling that dares to break all the rules. Bring a partner, come on your own or bring friends! Dress as fancy as you like.
Hosted by Bunker178 in the atmospheric Planet Sounds, a cave-live space beneath central bridge in Southampton. There will be a sober bar selling alcohol free drinks, coffees, teas, vegan cake and snacks.
Find out more about the venue for this pop-up event, including accessibility and travel info here
About Jason Buck
Jason has been doing shows for us for many years and is one of the most popular acts we book (early booking is advised as he always sells out!). A teller of tall tales, a weaver of whimsies and a fashioner of fables, Jason draws on traditional favourites and new ideas. His stories are told in the oldest and best ways – as live performances for modern audiences. As well as a global online audience, Jason has performed across the UK and mainland Europe, blending traditional and contemporary motifs, vocal sound effects and pure, unadulterated fantasy.
