Why is a massive number one mysteriously being painted on Southsea Common?
The strange figures will help shape an out-of-this-world Portsmouth100 experience - and everyone is invited to take part
A mysterious large white number one has appeared on Southsea Common close to the war memorial... but what can it mean?
Rumour has it that the solitary digit is soon to be followed by two fat zeroes. And the numbers are so big they could be seen from space.
And that is the big clue - because this is the start of preparatory work being carried out ahead of ‘The Portrait’ - the out-of-this world photshoot happening at 11.49am this Saturday (June 20) during Armed Forces Day as part of the Portsmouth100 celebrations.
For at that precise time an Airbus satellite will be passing over the city and will turn its attention to the city by taking a photo of that huge number 100 - and everyone is invited to be part of this special moment of Portsmouth history by heading down to the Common and being in the picture
The numbers being added to the common will form part of the large-scale version of the Portsmouth100 logo being created within the Armed Forces Day arena and people are needed down on the common to stand within the three digits so they can be captured for the special aerial photoshoot.
People are asked to be ready to take part by 11.30am in time for for the 11.49am passing - and then the rest of the day can then be spent enjoying Portsmouth’s biggest-ever armed forces event.
The Portrait is a collaboration between the city council, Airbus and The News and proceedings will be captured on the day by Solent Sky Services.
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: "This is a real one-off opportunity to be part of Portsmouth's history. It's a photo that will be looked back on for years to come showing how we celebrated the 100th anniversary of our great city. One to tell future generations 'I was there!'
"And there's so much more happening on the day, including Spitfires and air displays which are always popular, as we celebrate our armed forces community heroes."
The free Armed Forces community day runs from 10am to 4pm on the Common. Air displays include a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight from two Spitfires in the afternoon but before that there will be military parades, displays and vehicles including helicopters and motorbikes. The Royal Navy parachute jump always proves popular, and there wil live music, lots of stalls, a funfair, children's activities, and more.
No tickets are needed for the full, free day... and make sure you are there by 11.30am to take part in the out-of-this-world experience.