Portsmouth UK City of Culture bid: Pompey hero Linvoy Primus and Professor Jim Al-Khalili announced as new patrons for bid
‘Everyone has a place in Portsmouth's story’
Portsmouth’s UK City of Culture 2029 bid has two new patrons with a Pompey hero and an esteemed professor lending their voices to the campaign.
Former Pompey defender Linvoy Primus MBE and physicist, broadcaster, and author Professor Jim Al-Khalili are championing the bid as they look to help make Portsmouth the first city in the South of England to be awarded City of Culture.
The duo are the latest ambassadors for the campaign that will help tell Portsmouth’s story and highlight what is special about the city.
Primus, a community leader and former Pompey captain, said: "When I arrived in Portsmouth in 2000, I thought I was joining a football club. What I discovered was a city and a community that would shape the rest of my life.
“Over the years I've come to understand what makes Portsmouth special. It isn't just the history, the waterfront or the football club. It's the people.
“That's why I'm proud to support We Are Pompey 2029. This bid is an opportunity to celebrate the people, cultures and stories that make Portsmouth such a welcoming and distinctive place, because everyone has a place in Portsmouth's story."
Professor Jim Al-Khalili, who grew up in Portsmouth before becoming one of the UK's most respected science communicators, said: "Portsmouth is a city rich in stories, creativity and talent. It is also a city that has never stood still. Becoming UK City of Culture 2029 would be an opportunity to showcase that spirit to the nation. It would celebrate not only what Portsmouth has achieved, but what it can become."
They are not the only new people to join the We Are Pompey 2029 team with a group of Pompey People who reflect the creativity, diversity, and energy of modern Portsmouth.
The new Pompey People named are:
- Crystal Tides, Portsmouth indie rock band
- Nadia Arab - Co-Founder The Road from Karachi CIC
- Anastasia Alexandru, Creative Producer at Playland
- Binit Ghosh, Community Volunteer
- Devora Moleman, Creative Advocate
- Jackson Davies, Portsmouth Poet Laureate
Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, said: "One of the strongest messages emerging from the We Are Pompey campaign is that Portsmouth's culture belongs to everyone.
“We're delighted to welcome Jim and Linvoy as Patrons, alongside this fantastic new group of Pompey People. Together they reflect the creativity, kindness, diversity and ambition that make Portsmouth such a special place.
“Our bid is about celebrating who we are today while creating opportunities for future generations. Most importantly, it's a bid shaped by the people of Portsmouth."
Portsmouth's bid is led by Portsmouth Creates and supported by Portsmouth City Council and partners across the city. A shortlist of the final four places competing for UK City of Culture 2029 is expected later this month.
More details can be found at https://wearepompey2029.co.uk/.