Portsmouth has announced its intention to bid for the prestigious UK City of Culture 2029 title to showcase the city’s creativity, heritage and ambition on a national stage.
The announcement comes as Portsmouth prepares for Portsmouth100, a year-long celebration in 2026 marking a century since Portsmouth achieved city status. Portsmouth100 will bring together communities, organisations and businesses in a programme of events that honour our proud heritage and culture while looking ahead to a future of opportunity.
Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for culture, regeneration and economic development, said: “Portsmouth is bursting with creativity and community spirit. This bid is about more than a title, it’s about unlocking opportunities for our residents, attracting investment and showcasing the incredible talent we have here. As we mark 100 years as a city in 2026, we want to build on that pride and create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come.”
Gemma Nichols, CEO, Portsmouth Creates, Said: “Portsmouth is ready to come together to develop its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029. As a city, we know that our greatest asset is our community, a community that is ready to take on this competition, using it as a platform to showcase our stories, ambition, talent and collaboration that truly defines us and what makes us proud to be Pompey! Bidding to become UK City of Culture 2029 brings tangible economic, cultural and social benefits leading up to, during and post the competition. It will amplify the incredible work already happening here and help unlock new possibilities for creativity, inclusion and economic growth. Portsmouth Creates is proud to lead this bid and champion the voices of the people who make this city such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
Winning the City of Culture title would create a legacy that:
- Places Portsmouth firmly on the national and international map as a leading waterfront city
- Drives sustainable economic growth, attracting investment and boosting tourism
- Creates new businesses and high-quality jobs, helping retain and attract talent
- Raises aspirations and develops skills, ensuring culture is accessible for all
- Strengthens civic pride and community cohesion, improving well-being across the city
- Puts cultural regeneration at the heart of Portsmouth’s long-term ambitions
Working in partnership with the city, Portsmouth Creates will lead the bid, ensuring that communities, creatives, artists and cultural organisations help shape its ambition and delivery. The next step is to submit a formal expression of interest to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), with the longlist due to be announced in February.
Thank you to everyone who made the photo happen, braved the cold to take part, and to Millstream Productions for capturing it so beautifully.
