Meet the people backing Portsmouth’s City of Culture Bid

Portsmouth is bidding to become the 2029 City of Culture.

Here we meet one of the people in the city backing the bid - and find out why Portsmouth is so special to them.

Lucky Haque - chairperson of Chat Over Chai

placeholder image — Lucky Haque | Supplied

Lucky Haque is a well-known community leader, speaker, and the chairperson of Chat Over Chai, a grassroots organisation bringing diverse groups together in Portsmouth. Highly decorated for her work, she won the Community Inclusion Individual Award at the Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteer Awards.

Why Lucky’s backing the bid

Lucky said: “I’m always inspired by the resilience of Portsmouth’s communities. I’ve seen people come together, support one another through grief, and stand beside each other during the most difficult times. The strength of this city lies in how its people care. The person I admire most in Portsmouth is Ousmane Drame from URBOND. He is a truly selfless individual who dedicates so much of his time and energy to empowering and supporting the community. His leadership and compassion make a real difference to people’s lives.

“I believe Portsmouth truly deserves to be the UK City of Culture 2029 because we are a city where everyone belongs. Portsmouth embraces people regardless of where they come from or how they identify. We are home to incredible art galleries, museums and cultural spaces, and there is genuinely something here for everyone. Our diversity, creativity and sense of welcome make Portsmouth a city with a cultural spirit that is second to none.

“By 2029, I would love to see Portsmouth become a city where culture brings people together every day. A city that celebrates the richness of all our communities through food, festivals, storytelling, craft, music and shared traditions. I would like to imagine Portsmouth filled with welcoming, accessible spaces like Chat Over Chai, where people can connect, create, cook, chat and support one another. A city where culture strengthens wellbeing, reduces isolation, and gives every resident from young people to older carers a sense of belonging.

“I hope to see creative opportunities in every neighbourhood safe public spaces designed for connection and a commitment to honouring the diverse stories that make Portsmouth unique. If we put culture at the heart of our future, Portsmouth can become one of the UK’s most inclusive and community‑centred coastal cities, a place where everyone feels valued and at home.”

Portsmouth in three words: Community, friendship, culture.

Behind the Bio / Pompey Particulars:

Lucky’s family moved to Portsmouth from London when she was seven. It’s where she grew up, studied, worked and raised her children. The city has shaped every stage of her life and she wants to see it thrive.