Punk Poetry, Protest & Pantry news (August newsletter & Autumn what’s on)

Posted on August 12, 2025 by janifranck

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:

Moving Voices on Fri 29 Aug at Bitterne Station – with extra long 10 minute slots and the return of RKP as our host! 

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.

Moving Voices on Fri 26 Sep at Bitterne Station

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! 

Atilla the Stockbroker Sun 16 Nov at Planet Sounds 2-4pm, a matinee of punk poetry and politics hotter than your Sunday roast.

Moving Voices Fri 28 Nov at Bitterne Station – with special guest Devin Valentine! 

Community Pantry update

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. 

See you soon 

The Art House pop-up pantry & Bunker178 crew x

Posted in Bunker178, BunkerFest, Community news & views, community pantry, Events, Gig announcements, Local music, Moving Voices, Outreach & community events, Poetry, Punk, What's on | Leave a comment

A Warm Welcome at Bitterne Station – Our First Friday Pantry at our new home!

Posted on May 11, 2025 by janifranck

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.

Posted in a pantry main page, Community news & views, community pantry, Events, Food, Fundraising, Outreach & community events, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Art House pop-up pantry at Bitterne Station open day!

Posted on January 31, 2025 by janifranck

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.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Event announcement: Valentine Noire with Jason Buck

Posted on December 6, 2024 by janifranck

An alternative Valentine’s night for couples, singles and friends, where award-winning storyteller Jason Buck presents dark tales of romance, love and sensuality.

BOOK NOW

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.

BOOK NOW

Ages: Adults (18+)

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.

BOOK NOW
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Gig Announcement: Grant Sharkey’s 24th Album Launch

Posted on October 19, 2024 by janifranck

If I’m correct, we have hosted every one of Grant’s 23 launches so far, and not having a premises was not going to stop us from promoting this one!

Join us at Planet Sounds on Sunday 10 November for the launch of 24/40 – Actual Intelligence

Book here

Known for his mix of music, comedy, and biting social commentary, Sharkey’s latest work is sure to deliver more of the sharp wit and deep grooves fans love. Grant Sharkey promises to deliver his now-to-be-expected powerful performances and thought-provoking lyrics.

Playing double bass, Sharkey embarked on a mission to release an album every six months over a 20-year span (2013-2033). His music often touches on social and political issues, using humor and wit to convey messages that are sometimes provocative and always engaging. His genre-defying style blends elements of punk, soul, and experimental sounds, which keeps his performances fresh and unpredictable.

Book here

In addition to his ambitious album project, Sharkey tours extensively across the UK, delivering his message in both intimate venues and larger stages. His goal is to connect with audiences on a personal level, often combining his insightful music with activism, as seen in tracks that critique racism and other social injustices

Joining Grant Sharkey for the gig is the incredibly talented Emma Jane Mansfield. After performing for 18 years around Lancashire as a singer/songwriter, magician, and street artist with her husband Jez, she faced immense loss when he passed away from a fast-acting cancer. Emma has since continued her performing journey as a solo artist, using her music and stage presence to help navigate her grief. Her soulful, heartfelt performances will bring an emotional depth to the night, making this collaboration with Sharkey even more special.

With tickets starting from just a fiver, this event is budget-friendly and accessible—because everyone deserves to experience Sharkey’s chaotic brilliance firsthand! Don’t miss out on this adventure into Sharkey’s mind. Nobody turned away for lack of funds – if you are too skint for a fiver, please drop us a line and we’ll sort you out.

This gig will be seated.

Book here
Posted in Bunker178, Comedy, Events, Gig announcements, Guitar music, Local music, What's on | Leave a comment