"Unique opportunity to highlight culture" Gosport throws its support behind Portsmouth's ambitious City of Culture bid
Gosport has thrown its support behind Portsmouth's ambitious bid to become a 2029 UK City of Culture.
Gosport Borough Council Leader Cllr Peter Chegwyn has written to confirm the council’s backing, highlighting the wide-ranging cultural, social and economic benefits City of Culture status would bring to the whole region.
In his letter Cllr Chegwyn said: "I am very aware of the significant impact securing such a prestigious accolade will have not only for Portsmouth but also for the wider region, particularly Gosport because of the strong physical, economic and community links that we have with our city neighbour."
The leader said Gosport shares a long-standing commitment to culture and heritage, supported through partnerships with Arts Council England and Hampshire Cultural Trust, with investment in local cultural assets and the council’s Cultural Strategy 2023–2032.
Cllr Chegwyn said: “The bid presents a unique opportunity to highlight culture through all its different facets across all communities, providing a uniting thread to celebrate and inspire."
He added that the opportunities created by a successful bid would benefit residents, businesses and organisations across the region. It would support emerging creatives, grow existing cultural businesses and help raise the area’s profile nationally and internationally.
Cllr Chegwyn added: “If successful, I look forward to working together to help maximise the positive impacts and longer-term legacy of the year-long programme for the wider region, including Gosport.”
Portsmouth's bid to become the UK City of Culture is being backed by organisations, businesses and partners across the south coast including The News.