AN ICONIC British shoe brand has opened its doors in Southampton - and will celebrate with a night of art and music by local talent.

Dr. Martens opened their Above Bar branch opened last week bringing with it 11 new jobs.

Now they're released details of a free gig open to the public featuring some of the city's best artists.

Folk punk singer songwriter Sean McGowan will entertain the crowds, joined by female fronted math pop four-piece band Signals.

And head of Solent's art, design and fashion department Professor Peter Lloyd has also been commissioned to produce some exclusive pieces of his "eye-catching" works set to become a "focal" point of the shop.

With some of his work owned by superstars David Bowie, Missy Elliott, Holly Johnson, Peter Blake and Vic Reeves the commission is a coup for the British brand - who say the Southampton shop will continue to support local talent.

The Dr. Martens brand launched in 1960 with its trademark yellow stitch and was initially designed for workers but soon became synonymous with the rebel youth and punk movement.

The launch comes as the same time as Dr. Martens launch another five branches across the company - bringing the total number to 42.

Employing a total of 11 staff the Southampton branch will sell the main lines of shoes and boots as well as "an extensive assortment of Dr. Martens seasonal collections too".

A company spokesperson said: "Dr. Martens has always been a brand adopted and subverted by musicians, youth cultures and tribes. Dr. Martens Southampton will reflect the brand's rich history and offer further community based events and meet-ups in the following weeks by working with a range of diverse individuals from the local community".