Venue Guide: Southside, Lincoln banner

Venue Guide: Southside, Lincoln

Set inside a Grade II listed former church at the southern gateway to Lincoln, Southside pairs Victorian heritage architecture with two flexible performance halls holding up to 350 people. Opened as a grassroots music and cultural venue in 2022, it sits near South Common, a short walk south of the city centre.

The venue is arranged across two halls — the larger St Katherine's Hall and the adjoining Amie Slavin Hall — with two bars and a box office cloakroom. Past performers include indie band LIFE, blues guitarist Chantel McGregor, folk musician Kris Drever and The Wedding Present's David Gedge.

The programme spans indie and rock gigs, fortnightly Commuter Jazz, folk and blues nights, tribute shows, comedy, theatre, markets and the annual South of the Tracks Festival. As a not-for-profit run by Acoustic Nations, it has become a key fixture in south Lincoln's grassroots music and arts scene.

Browse upcoming events at Southside below and book tickets securely through Gigantic.

Getting to Southside, Lincoln

By car

Lincoln is not directly served by the motorway network; the nearest major route is the A46 Lincoln bypass, which links to the A1 at Newark roughly 16 miles to the west. From the bypass, the venue is reached through the Newark Road area on the south side of the city, close to South Park and South Common. On-site parking is limited and reserved for Blue Badge holders, so most visitors use paid car parks or on-street parking nearer the city centre.

By train

Lincoln Central is the nearest railway station, served by East Midlands Railway and LNER, with services to Nottingham, Sheffield, Leicester and London King's Cross via Newark. From the station it is roughly a 15–20 minute walk south towards South Park, or a short taxi ride.

By bus

Local buses 13, 15 and 16 run to stops near Tealby Street and South Common, with services from Lincoln Central Bus Station as well as Hykeham and Bracebridge Heath. The bus station sits beside the railway station and acts as the main interchange for the city and wider county.

Venue information

Southside
Colegrave Street
Lincoln
Lincolnshire
LN5 8DW

Southside - Need to know

What is Southside known for?

Southside is a grassroots music and cultural venue set inside the Grade II listed former St Katherine's Church at the southern edge of Lincoln. Opened in 2022 and run by the not-for-profit Acoustic Nations, it is known for live music spanning indie, folk, blues and jazz, alongside the annual South of the Tracks Festival, markets, comedy and community events.

Is there parking near Southside, Lincoln?

On-site parking is reserved for Blue Badge holders, and should be arranged in advance by contacting the venue. For larger events, additional parking is arranged across the road on South Common. Otherwise, paid car parks and on-street parking can be found nearer the city centre, around a 15–20 minute walk away.

What are the age restrictions at Southside?

There is no single age restriction at Southside; limits vary from event to event. Most live music shows are 14+, with those aged 16 and under required to be accompanied by an adult, though this differs by show. Always check the individual event listing or contact the venue before booking.

Is Southside accessible?

Southside has step-free access from street level and throughout its event spaces, with the exception of the auditorium stage. There is one accessible toilet, located between the two halls. Complimentary carer or companion tickets are available, and accessible seating can be arranged in advance for standing shows. The venue works with Attitude is Everything to improve access for deaf and disabled audiences.

How do I get to Southside, Lincoln?

Lincoln Central railway station is around a 15–20 minute walk or a short taxi ride away, on the south side of the city. Local buses 13, 15 and 16 run from Lincoln Central Bus Station to stops near Tealby Street and South Common. By car, the venue sits in the Newark Road area close to South Park, where on-site parking is limited.

How can I contact Southside, Lincoln?

Southside can be reached by email at hello@southsidelincs.com or by phone on 01522 437942, with full details on the venue website at southsidelincs.com. Office hours are 09:00–17:00, Monday to Friday. The venue is also active on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube @southsidelincs.

History & Culture of Southside, Lincoln

Southside occupies the former St Katherine's Church, a grey-brick Victorian building on the south side of Lincoln, raised on a site linked to a medieval priory and close to the original location of the Eleanor Cross. Constructed in the late 1870s to designs by architect Charles Bell, the church and its adjoining parish hall were revitalised through a Heritage Lottery Fund grant in 2008 before being refurbished to modern standards.

The venue takes its name from its position at the southern gateway to the city, while its two halls reflect local heritage: St Katherine's Hall recalls the church's original dedication, and the Amie Slavin Hall honours a Lincoln woman who worked to widen access to music and community before her death in 2020.

Today Southside is owned and run by the not-for-profit Acoustic Nations Live CIC, which reopened the building as a grassroots venue in 2022. It stages an independent programme of gigs, jazz, theatre, markets and community activity, takes part in Independent Venue Week, hosts the annual South of the Tracks Festival, and works with Attitude is Everything to improve accessibility for deaf and disabled audiences.

Browse more venues in Lincoln & Lincolnshire

Discover more of what's happening across Lincoln and the wider Lincolnshire region. Browse the full list of venues below to plan your next live music night out.

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