Have your say on Portsmouth’s city of culture 2029 bid
Portsmouth residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to help shape the city’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029.
Participants have until 18 January to share their views on Portsmouth’s cultural identity, helping to ensure the bid to government truly reflects the city and its people.
Portsmouth City Council has announced it will submit an expression of interest to the Department for Digital, Culture and Sport (DCMS) in November 2025.
The UK City of Culture title is awarded every four years and sees a successful city host a year-long celebration of culture, arts and creativity, with the aim of boosting regeneration, tourism investment and community pride.
Bradford was the most recent UK City of Culture during 2025, with early estimates suggesting it welcomed three million visitors and attracted significant investment.
With attention now turning to 2029, residents are being encouraged to complete the council’s survey to support Portsmouth’s bid.
The survey asks what cultural activities people enjoy, what makes them proud of Portsmouth, and how strongly they feel the city’s cultural identity comes across.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Culture is what makes Portsmouth distinctive; it’s in our history, our creativity, and our communities.
“This bid is about showcasing that to the world, and we want everyone to have a voice in shaping it. By working together, we can create a cultural legacy that benefits the whole city for generations to come.”
Residents can take part in the survey online at:https://www.research.net/r/UKCityOfCulture