Southampton: Then and Now 1976-2026

Note: Tour begins outside Southampton Art Gallery.A guided walking tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Southampton Tourist Guides Association.This walk takes a nostalgic look at the shops, cafes and streets which have changed or disappeared within the last 50 years.

Starting from outside the Art Gallery, and making our way down Above Bar and the High Street, our guides have researched the history of the shopfronts and sourced many fascinating pictures.We will hear great stories from our guides who remember the social scene in the 1976 – do your remember arranging to meet your date under the clock at the Daily Echo offices, queuing to see Star Wars at the local cinema and the pick and mix at Woolies? From these shops and stores, to the rise of West Quay shopping centre, explore how the High Street has transformed in just one generation.