Portsmouth Guildhall unveils 2,000 new seats after summer renovations
The refurbishment was funded by Portsmouth City Council and The Guildhall Trust
Portsmouth Guildhall has had a £600,000 revamp over the summer, with the replacement of all 2,000 seats in the auditorium.
The brand new seating is designed with comfort in mind, with a contoured seat and backrest, and are removable in the stalls area to allow for standing concert, exhibitions and dinners.
Premium seats have also been introduced as the ‘best seats in the house’, offering increased space and leg room. Audience members who opt for premium seats will also receive priority queue entry and access to the exclusive Aura Lounge and Bar.
The full refurbishment works in the main auditorium also include painting and decoration, new stage tabs and new carpet for the upper stalls and circle areas.
A brand new sound desk has also been installed to improve the audio and sound experience and to allow for more advanced sound design.
The refurbishment has been funded by Portsmouth City Council and The Guildhall Trust as part the Renaissance of the Guildhall programme to ensure the Guildhall continues to thrive for future generations.
Previous improvements under the programme include the fitting of new carpet, sound and light systems and an upgrade to the venue’s toilet facilities.
A secondary performance space, The Lens Studio, was also created under the programme, and the basement of the Guildhall was transformed into a creative space for young people called The BASE.
More works are planned to renovate the Guildhall’s bar areas, starting in Autumn 2026.
Chief Executive Officer of The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new look auditorium!
“We strive to give people attending events with us the best possible experience and increasing the comfort levels has been a priority.
“The improvement works are critical to the long-term success of Portsmouth Guildhall, helping us to remain competitive in all aspects and as we continue to attract some of the best acts around to the city!”
You can find out more about the Renaissance of Portsmouth Guildhall here.