MUSIC, smiles and laughter transformed a Southampton square at the launch of a summer of free family events.

On a unique stage designed especially for the event by designer Markus Bergstrom, local band Freestyle Funk Collective and DJ Little Chief had visitors and surprised passers-by dancing away at the early evening party in Southampton Guildhall Square.

Summer in the Square is a series of art, performances and music from local and international talent designed to bring footfall to the city centre.

Curated by the John Hansard Gallery and supported by the city council, Go!Southampton, Arts Council England and Culture Ireland, £100,000 has been spent on the programme in a bid to bring in audiences to Studio 144 - which is due to open later this year when the Nuffield theatre and the JGH take over the £25million arts complex.

Speaking at the event city culture chief Councillor Satvir Kaur invited people to join in the party which she said was a celebration of the city’s modernity, diversity and international outlook - and she asked visitors not to view art as “a commodity” but as something to be enjoyed by all.

As previously reported local business owners have criticised SCC for not bringing enough footfall to the area. But manager at Guildhall Square’s Momento restaurant Franco Oglialoro welcomed the programme of events and said: “Let’s see how it goes. It looks good so far.”