We Are Pompey: Community Kettle's Nicole Heard backs city of culture bid honouring 'very special' community

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.

Nicole Heard - founding director of Community Kettle

She runs an intergenerational hub helps support local families, especially those who are medically retired, or living with dementia and other chronic conditions. It’s entirely run by volunteers and puts on various events including crafts sessions and bingo.

What does Portsmouth mean to you?

She believes Portsmouth is a family after growing up in the city and raising her own children here. The sea, coastal air, and surroundings are the first thing that pops into her head when she thinks of the city.

“The community in Cosham and the north of Portsmouth is very special to me, she told The News. “Culture and creativity can be seen with the historic Palmerston forts and the Look Up street art.

“We’re a creative space. Everywhere you look, there are local artists, murals, and music with really big festivals coming here like Victorious. You can see evidence of our naval heritage all over, and the impact it’s had on the city.”

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Why the city deserves to win the city of culture bid

Ms Heard said Portsmouth’s hidden gem is Community Kettle, as it’s a great place for people feeling lonely. She added that community leaders elsewhere are surprised and impressed with how much goes on in the city. The volunteer leader hopes the city will leave a lasting legacy it becomes city of culture for 2029.

“Winning city of culture will be a national recognition of all the talented people who live here. As an educator in the past, it’ll be inspirational to our young people and shows we can be on the map.”

Best Portsmouth view

Southsea seafront

One word that describes Portsmouth

Family