By Richard Derbyshire

SOUTHAMPTON’S thriving live music scene gets even bigger tonight when a new independent venue opens in the heart of the city.

Local promoter and band manager Tom Dyer has ambitious plans for The Loft, located above The Social on Lower Banister Street, Bedford Place, and has secured some of the most exciting up and coming names for the 300-450 capacity venue.

“A place this size will attract even more touring bands here and provide another outlet for home-grown acts” said Tom, adding “the local scene is really good at the moment, probably the best it's been for a while.”

The first night has an exclusive Southampton sound with special guests Indigo Lo – previously local favourites Dolomite Minor – playing their first show under their new name.

They join Toreador, Costellos, Minister and one of this year’s Common People main stage stars Calum Lintott. Entry is £5 with all door proceeds to Cancer Research UK.

Later in the year London indie punk band Vant prepare for Reading & Leeds on August 22 while Yak, The Big Moon and Clean Cut Kid – who previously supported Courteeners at The Guildhall - are locked in for the touring season in October.

New Orleans hip-hop jazz funk band The Hot 8 Brass Band play Saturday June 24, the day after an official Blissfields Festival warm-up party with Mad King Ludwig, Southampton’s Shy Boy, Jack Francis and Soul & Fire.

Headline shows coming soon to Southampton’s other music hot spots include a huge home fixture for horror punk band Creeper at The Guildhall in December, The Sherlocks and Sundara Karma at The 1865 in September and The Amazons and Fickle Friends at The Engine Rooms in October. Plus there’s the best new music every night at The Joiners, including Club Psychedelia on Saturdays.

The Loft on Lower Banister Street, Bedford Place opens [tonight] Friday June 16 with Indigo Lo, Toreador, Costellos, Calum Lintott and Minister. £5 entry.