In Our Words 2026: A Landmark Year for Literature, Literacy and Storytelling in Portsmouth
In Our Words 2026 brought communities across Portsmouth together through a city-wide celebration of literature, literacy and storytelling, creating opportunities for people of all ages to read, write, create and connect.
Over the course of the year, more than 10,000 people took part in a vibrant programme of events, workshops, performances and creative projects. With over 200 events delivered across the city, the programme reached audiences both in person and online, ensuring that storytelling and creativity were accessible to communities throughout Portsmouth.
Working in partnership with schools, libraries, cultural organisations, artists and community groups, In Our Words placed creativity and participation at the heart of city life. Together, these collaborations helped inspire a love of reading, encourage creative expression and celebrate the stories that shape our city.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
One of the highlights of the year came on World Book Day, when Portsmouth achieved a Guinness World Records™ title for the largest reading lesson held across multiple venues.
This remarkable accomplishment demonstrated the city’s shared passion for reading and showcased the power of coming together through books and storytelling.
In Our Words 2026 at a Glance
Thank You, Portsmouth
The success of In Our Words 2026 belongs to everyone who played a part. Thank you to all those who attended events, delivered activities, volunteered their time, shared their stories and supported the programme throughout the year.
A full programme evaluation and final impact report will be published soon, providing deeper insight into the programme’s reach, impact and legacy.
Together, you helped make In Our Words 2026 an unforgettable chapter in Portsmouth’s story and a powerful celebration of the role that reading, writing and storytelling play in bringing communities together.
Read Our Latest Updates
I Am Born – IN OUR WORDS 2026
I Am Born Date: 29th January - 8th February Time: Open Daily 10.00-16.30 Location: Portsmouth Historic Quarter Cost: Free I Am Born is a visual arts project with seniors at Braemar Care Home and young people from Motiv8 and the Brook Club. Artists Ally Ashworth and Rachel Johnston have used archival imagery from the Portsmouth History Centre, The News Portsmouth and The D-Day Story to inspire conversation and create visual stories.
National Storytelling Week 2026
National Story Telling Week 2026 Date: 2nd February - 9th February Time: Multiple Location: Online Cost: Free National Storytelling Week 2026 is a celebration of oral storytelling, reading and writing for pleasure. At a time when young people’s writing and reading enjoyment levels are at their lowest, National Storytelling Week has never been more important.
WRITING FROM FOLKLORE AND NATURE WITH VICRORIA LESLIE – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Writing from Folklore and Nature with Victoria Leslie Date: 14th November Time: 14.00-16.00 Location: New Theatre Royal Cost: £20 (free places available, contact williamgeorgesutton@gmail.com) Tease out the mystical threads of old tales to explore the magic of writing your own folk tale.
POET LAUREATE SIMON ARMITAGE INSPIRES PORTSMOUTH PUPILS IN FREE LIVE LITERATURE EVENT – In Our Words 2025
Poet laureate Simon Armitage inspires Portsmouth pupils in free live literature event! Poet Laureate – and Portsmouth University alumnus – Simon Armitage has brought his trademark blend of honesty, humour and insight to the New Theatre Royal stage, as part of Portsmouth Creates’ Year of Literacy, “In Our Words”.
Portsmouth “year of storytelling” sparks record-breaking summer reading challenge – IN OUR WORDS 2025
PORTSMOUTH “YEAR OF STORYTELLING” SPARKS RECORD-BREAKING SUMMER READING CHALLENGE School children across Portsmouth are being encouraged to take part in one of the city’s biggest-ever summer reading challenges, thanks to a new initiative from Portsmouth Creates...
MEET PORTSMOUTH’S WRITERS, POETS & WORDSMITHS
MEET PORTSMOUTH’S WRITERS, POETS & WORDSMITHS As part of In Our Words our city-wide celebration of literature, language and storytelling and through the Portsmouth Creative Directory, we’re proud to shine a light on the brilliant writers, poets and wordsmiths shaping Portsmouth’s creative voice.
