City of Culture: Portsmouth's bid goes in with dramatic boat delivery as Mission Pompey marks the culmination of the We Are Pompey campaign

Portsmouth has officially submitted its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 - powered by thousands of city residents.

The bid has been shaped by more than 12,000 people with consultations and contributions from every corner of the city and all ages - and it is one of the largest community exercises undertaken here.

Under the campaign banner We Are Pompey 2029, the bid has been forged by local voices, ideas, ambitions, and creativity, put into a document that reflects Portsmouth's unique identity, heritage, communities, and future aspirations.

Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates said: “This bid belongs to Portsmouth. Every conversation, workshop, event, survey response, and creative idea has helped shape what we have submitted today.

“The response has been overwhelming. It demonstrates the pride people have in Portsmouth and their belief that culture can play a powerful role in creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and shaping the city's future. Whatever happens next, the journey has already brought people together in remarkable ways, and we want to harness this moving forward."

To mark this significant milestone, Portsmouth has also produced a special campaign film, Mission Pompey 2029, celebrating the moment the bid is submitted. This film brought together 125 local people from across the community, demonstrating the scale of public support behind the campaign. The action-packed short film starring Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Benit Ghosh follows an urgent mission to deliver Portsmouth's bid, racing across the city and through Portsmouth Harbour before reaching its final destination.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Today is a proud moment for Portsmouth. The submission of our UK City of Culture 2029 bid represents the collective ambition, creativity and determination of our city.

“Whatever the outcome, the journey has already shown what makes Pompey special. We are a city that backs itself, supports one another and rises to challenges together. I want to thank everyone who has played a part in getting us to this milestone. This is Portsmouth's bid and Portsmouth should be immensely proud of it."

The bid aims to deliver a largely free and accessible programme of cultural activity that reaches communities across Portsmouth, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to take part. It builds on the city's rich maritime heritage, diverse communities, creative talent, and growing reputation as a place where culture is helping to drive regeneration, wellbeing and economic growth.

Portsmouth is one of nine cities hoping to secure the prestigious UK City of Culture 2029 title, which is awarded by the UK Government every four years and has previously helped transform cities including Hull and Bradford. A shortlist of the final four cities will be announced this autumn, followed by visits and presentations to the competition’s expert advisory panel. The winner is expected to be announced in January 2027.

A group of ambassadors has been appointed to be patrons of the bid. They include Sir Robin, artist Paul Stone aka My Dog Sighs, comedian and author Suzi Ruffell, Portsmouth FC legend Alan Knight, yachtsman and disability sports ambassador Geoff Holt, swimmer Katy Sexton, Queen musician Spike Edney and Mark King, lead singer of Level 42.

For more information visit wearepompey2029.co.uk