This year’s festivities have the theme ‘ignite’, and there are dozens of events, including music, exhibitions, theatre, talks, workshops and much more designed ignite the creative spark.
Here’s our pick of just 10 of the events taking place during the five-day run.
Many of the events are family-friendly and free, but some do require tickets. For more details on individual events and to see what else is on offer, go to portsfest.co.uk.
5. The Tempest at Portchester Castle
After the sell-out run of Macbeth at Portchester Castle last year, The Theatre of Dark Encounters return with a magical open-air performance of Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest on June 30 and July 1-2, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets £18/£16.50. On a remote island, Prospero and his daughter watch from their home in a ruined castle, as a ship is wrecked in the harbour; but this is no accident, and this is no ordinary island. As the survivors come to discover, magic does exist... Photo: Ports Fest
6. Portsmouth Keys: An Evening with Harry the Piano
Portsmouth Keys: An Evening with Harry the Piano is at New Theatre Royal on June 29 from 7pm. Tickets £18/£15. The extraordinarily talented musician’s breath-taking creativity has earned him the reputation as one of the most gifted improvising pianists in the world. Who else can spontaneously reinvent Michael Jackson in the style of Mozart, recreate a night at the Groucho club through the TV themes of its actor members, and improvise a seamless medley of audience requests ranging from James Bond to Shostakovich via West Side Story? Photo: Ports Fest
7. The Crow House at Gunwharf Quays
The Crow House is a free show at Gunwharf Quays at 1pm and 3pm on July 1. A derelict house. The middle of a street. In a battle of wills and skills, three diverse characters appear and try to gain a room inside. In a choreographed frenzy of acrobatics, silks trapeze, hat juggling and slap stick the three characters begin to transform the battered house into a home. There’s only one problem – a furiously territorial bird has taken up residence inside. This eclectic mix of circus, puppetry and music is a silent-movie-inspired show from Circo Rum Ba Ba. Photo: Ports Fest
8. Ignite the Phoenix
Ignite the Phoenix events take place every day throughout Ports Fest at various locations. They are free, but require a ticket. 432-Nomads will be taking you on a journey. An eclectic collective of local artists from all walks of life – Pompey born to the ones creating a new home here: migrants, refugees and asylum seekers brought together with support from local schools. All of them come together to bring you vibrant and expressive art, music, dance, poetry and more. Photo: Ports Fest