Council unveils celebrations ahead of Portsmouth's centenary
The countdown to Portsmouth’s centenary is under way, with a full programme of events scheduled throughout 2026.
Portsmouth will mark 100 years of city status in 2026 with a full year of events celebrating its history, culture and community. Portsmouth City Council says the centenary is “a significant milestone” and a chance to honour the city’s past and look to its future.
The programme, called Portsmouth 100, aims for “active city-wide engagement” with residents, businesses and local groups. Celebrations begin on New Year’s Day with landmark light-ups at the Spinnaker Tower, the Guildhall and Southsea Castle.
A major highlight will be the Pride in Portsmouth art trail, placing decorated lion sculptures across the city for the summer.
Many well known events will take on a centenary theme, including BookFest, Live at the Bandstand, Armed Forces Day, Portsmouth Pride and the International Kite Festival. A series of activities based around Portsmouth Football Club are planned, including a themed match day on April 18.
A commemorative City Council meeting will take place on 21 April, alongside community activities marking the exact anniversary of city status.
The programme also includes cultural festivals, reading challenges for children, music performances, planting schemes and a citywide guide of “100 things to do in Portsmouth”.
New attractions are planned, such as dedicated public art at “Centenary Place” and the opening of the Fort Widley nuclear bunker to visitors. The year will end with a closing ceremony on 15 December featuring the burial of a time capsule and the planting of the Portsmouth Rose in the Rose Garden.
The council says its ambition is that “everyone will have had the opportunity to participate” and that the programme will strengthen “feelings of resilience, belonging, personal empowerment and cohesion” across the city
The council says the aim is for everyone to take part, strengthening “feelings of resilience, belonging, personal empowerment and cohesion” across the city
PCC’s cabinet will decide whether to approve the programme of events next week.
A full schedule will be updated throughout the year on the Portsmouth 100 website.