Portsmouth launches bold, community-led bid for UK City of Culture 2029
Portsmouth is launching an ambitious, city-wide bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, led by Portsmouth Creates and shaped by the people, places and creativity that define the city.
Working closely with partners across the city, Portsmouth Creates is leading the development of a bid rooted in collaboration, community voice, and creative ambition. This is a bid by Portsmouth, for Portsmouth – one that reflects the city’s heritage, energy and future potential.
The bid aligns with a long-term vision for Portsmouth to be a city where culture and creativity are central to everyday life, driving regeneration, improving wellbeing and creating opportunity for all. Culture will sit at the heart of the city’s future, not as an add-on, but as a catalyst for lasting social and economic change.
The announcement comes as Portsmouth prepares for Portsmouth100 in 2026, a year-long celebration marking 100 years since the city was granted city status. Portsmouth100 will bring together communities, organisations and businesses to honour Portsmouth’s proud history while looking boldly towards the future. The City of Culture bid builds directly on this moment, extending its ambition and legacy.
What is UK City of Culture?
The UK City of Culture title is awarded every four years by the UK Government to a city that demonstrates ambition, creativity, and community engagement in culture.
The winning city delivers a year-long cultural programme to boost the economy, attract tourism, and create an inclusive legacy of pride and investment.
Previous winners include:
• 2013: Derry-Londonderry
• 2017: Hull
• 2021: Coventry
• 2025: Bradford
Example of Impact: Hull 2017
• Over 6 million visitors and hotel occupancy up by 10.5%
• £300M tourism value generated
• £11–17M GVA contributed to the local economy
• Nearly 800 new jobs in the cultural and visitor economy
• 9 in 10 residents engaged with cultural activity
What winning UK City of Culture could mean for Portsmouth
- Positions Portsmouth nationally and internationally as a leading waterfront city
- Drives sustainable economic growth, investment and tourism
- Creates new businesses and high-quality jobs, helping retain and attract talent
- Raises aspirations, develops skills and makes culture accessible for all
- Strengthens civic pride, wellbeing and community cohesion
- Places cultural regeneration at the heart of Portsmouth’s future ambitions
The bid will be developed through wide-ranging engagement with communities, artists, cultural organisations, businesses and partners across the city. The next step is to submit an Expression of Interest to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), with the longlist expected to be announced in February.
Get involved
This is a bid shaped by Portsmouth and we want as many voices involved as possible. If you’re a resident, artist, organisation, community group or business and would like to be part of the journey, we’d love to hear from you. Email projects@portsmouthcreates.co.uk to get involved.
We’ll be sharing updates as the bid develops across our social channels, and this website will be regularly updated with news, opportunities and ways to take part. Follow us to stay connected and be part of what comes next.
