Last Thursday we launched In Our Words, a year-long celebration of reading and literature designed to inspire, engage, and improve literacy levels across the city. This ambitious programme will showcase Portsmouth’s rich literary heritage, support local creatives, and provide inclusive opportunities for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
The launch event, held at Fratton Park on World Book Day (March 6th, 2024), brought together over 350 local schoolchildren for a day filled with literary inspiration. A highlight of the event was a special visit from Sunday Times bestselling author Dan Freedman, widely known for his Jamie Johnson football novels. As young readers soaked up the magic of storytelling, Portsmouth Creates outlined its vision for the year ahead, unveiling a dynamic schedule of events to take place across the city.
None of this would have been possible without the invaluable support of South Western Railway and Stagecoach South, whose generous contributions ensured that children from across Portsmouth could attend the launch event without barriers. Providing accessible and reliable transport for over 350 pupils was no small feat, and their commitment to this initiative reflects their dedication to supporting the local community.
Why Access matters – Portsmouth has a proud literary history as the birthplace of Charles Dickens and the creative home of Conan Doyle, yet the city ranks 148th out of 152 local authorities in children meeting expected reading standards at the end of primary school. In Our Words aims to address this challenge by ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to inspiring literary experiences. Removing transport barriers was a crucial step in making this launch event a success.
Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, expressed her gratitude:
“Ensuring that children can participate in events like this, regardless of financial or logistical constraints, is absolutely vital. We are incredibly grateful to South Western Railway and Stagecoach South for their generosity and community spirit, which made it possible for so many young people to attend. By working together, we can inspire a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.”
The In Our Words programme will continue throughout the year, featuring a diverse range of events, from poetry in pubs to reading in restaurants, as well as author talks, storytelling workshops, and creative writing projects. With this initiative, Portsmouth Creates is not only celebrating the city’s literary past but also shaping its future as a vibrant hub for readers, writers, and storytellers.
A heartfelt thank you to our Founding Partners: Arts Council England, Portsmouth City Council, the University of Portsmouth, and Victorious Festival. Special thanks to Pompey in the Community, Portsmouth Football Club, Dan Freedman, Portsmouth Library Services, and all the school pupils and staff who took part in the launch event.
To learn more about upcoming In Our Words events and how you can participate, visit our website’s In Our Words section.
