Portsmouth prepares a year of celebrations for its 100th anniversary
Councillors have welcomed a series of events and initiatives planned for Portsmouth’s 100th anniversary as a city.
Portsmouth will mark 100 years of city status in 2026 with a full year of celebrations reflecting its history, culture and community.
The Portsmouth 100 programme seeks “active city-wide engagement” from residents, businesses and community groups. Celebrations will begin on New Year’s Day with landmark illuminations at the Spinnaker Tower, the Guildhall and Southsea Castle.
A key feature will be the Pride in Portsmouth art trail, which will see decorated lion sculptures installed across the city over the summer.
Several established events will take on a centenary theme, including BookFest, Live at the Bandstand, Armed Forces Day, Portsmouth Pride and the International Kite Festival. Activities linked to Portsmouth Football Club are also planned, including a themed match day on 18 April.
A commemorative City Council meeting will be held on 21 April, accompanied by community events marking the exact anniversary of city status.
The programme further includes cultural festivals, reading challenges for children, music performances, planting schemes and a guide listing “100 things to do in Portsmouth”.
New additions will feature dedicated public art at “Centenary Place” and the opening of the Fort Widley nuclear bunker.
The year will draw to a close on 15 December with a ceremony involving the burial of a time capsule and the planting of the Portsmouth Rose in the Rose Garden.
Cllr Lee Hunt welcomed Portsmouth 100, noting that groups and businesses have expressed a desire to take part. He described Portsmouth as a “city of culture” that has “changed so much, it’s quite incredible when you see how the city was post-war and how it’s started to evolve”.
Cllr Kimberley Barrett, cabinet member for climate change and greening the city, unveiled a scheme to increase the city’s tree canopy cover by supporting residents to plant trees in their own outdoor spaces. She added that “Portsmouth in Bloom” will return with a more “modern” twist focusing on biodiversity.
Residents can view a list of events taking place on the officer’s report or by visiting: www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/portsmouth-100/things-to-do/