Portsmouth has submitted its Expression of Interest to become UK City of Culture 2029, setting out a vision that places young people at the heart of the city’s future.

If successful, the bid, led by Portsmouth Creates, alongside partners across the city, aims to unlock new opportunities for young people – from skills and apprenticeships to creativity, confidence and clearer routes into long-term employment.

The submission has come at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the arrival of the city’s new Apprenticeship Bus in Guildhall Square delivered in partnership with Mountjoy. Wrapped in a bold new design created by City of Portsmouth College student Anya Nicole Valz, the bus offers a vibrant visual example of how creativity, skills and opportunity can come together in practical, meaningful ways for young people.

Simon Ingram, Managing Director of Mountjoy, said: “Anya is a great example of the local talent the City of Culture bid is designed to champion, showing how cultural ambition can translate into real pathways, skills development and job opportunities in Portsmouth.

“The Apprenticeship Bus shows how that ambition is already being turned into action – led by young people and shaped through city-wide collaboration. It reflects Portsmouth’s shared commitment to aspiration, skills and access to opportunity, which sit at the heart of the UK City of Culture bid.”

Following the submission of its Expression of Interest to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Portsmouth will now await the announcement of the longlist, expected in March. If shortlisted, the city will be invited to develop a more detailed bid, shaped through further engagement with young people, communities, cultural organisations, businesses and partners across Portsmouth.

Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, said: “Submitting our UK City of Culture bid is a turning point for Portsmouth. With our centenary celebrations underway, and initiatives such as the Apprenticeship Bus bringing the community together, we are sending a clear signal to the rest of the country about the city we are becoming. This is the future we want to create for Portsmouth – one where young people can see opportunity on their doorstep and feel pride in their city, now and for the next generation.”

For more information on Portsmouth’s UK City of Culture bid