It was the year that saw Southampton acts headline big local stages and some of the most exciting bands visit the city.

Sheffield rock titans Arctic Monkeys played the Ageas Bowl in June, while the O2 Guildhall presented indie legends Suede, songwriter KT Tunstall, indie-pop kings McFly, singer Alfie Boe, and Australia’s DMA’s.

The Sherlocks brought their third top ten album to Southampton in October, selling out Engine Rooms.

The four-piece - Kiaran and Brandon Crook, Alex Procter and Trent Jackson – who first played The Joiners in 2015, were joined by local act Crystal Tides and Southampton’s Pioneers.

The city's Dead Freights supported Scottish rockers The View at Engine Rooms while Embrace, Kula Shaker, We Are Scientists, Sundara Karma, and Eastenders’ Shaun Williamson and his fun Barrioke karaoke party, also appeared at the same venue.

Stalwarts of the local music scene The Novatones played an emotional farewell gig at The Stage Door, and it was also the end of the road for Southampton band Wild Front, who finished with two nights at Heartbreakers.

Daily Echo: Lead singer Anthony Pitman as The Novatones play their final gig at The Stage Door Southampton 2023

READ MORE: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Mayflower Theatre - our review

Local singer-songwriter Calum Lintott performed his biggest show so far at The 1865 in November to celebrate releasing his debut album Sunshine Moonlight, while Southampton favourite Sean McGowan appeared there too in December.

Lottery Winners topped the bill at Engine Rooms as they raced to number one in the official album charts in April, while Crystal Tides played their biggest headline show there in June.

Crystal Tides also clocked up three sets at Victorious Festival in August, which this year featured Jamiroquai, Kasabian and Mumford and Sons. The UK’s biggest metropolitan music event also saw sets from Johnny Marr, Jake Bugg, The Vaccines, Blossoms, Natalie Imbruglia, and Kaiser Chiefs.

Daily Echo: Jamiroquai at Victorious Festival 2023.

The Joiners continued to present the best new music, bringing The Clause and Corella to the South, plus acts such as Declan Welsh, Spector, Ear Candy and Swansea’s Trampolene, whose lead singer Jack Jones has close ties to Southampton.

Heartbreakers shows also included Tom A Smith, plus The Luka State and Rosellas, who both have just announced 2024 dates at The Joiners. Meanwhile, The Brook in Portswood welcomed indie legends Star Sailor and blues-rock guitarist Laurence Jones.