Portsmouth Small Business Saturday: Free bus travel all day to local markets on December 6
Shoppers will be able to utilise free bus travel on one Saturday in December as Portsmouth City Council urges residents to “support local businesses”.
Small Business Saturday takes place on December 6 with the council, alongside Solent from First Bus, Stagecoach South and Community First, offering free bus travel throughout the city.
In celebration of the day there will be a taster market on Commercial Road and a pop-up market at Playland hosted by Portsmouth creates. Both markets will feature a number of local makers, creators, and independent retailers who will be showcasing their products.
Councillor Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said: “We are thrilled to offer free bus travel again this year to help residents get out and support local businesses on Small Business Saturday.
“Local shops and traders are the heart of our local economy, and this initiative is a great way to shine a light on them during the festive season. It's also an ideal opportunity for residents to experience the ease and convenience of bus travel across Portsmouth.”
Saturday, December 6 will also see Port Solent host its annual Christmas market meaning that shoppers will be able to make use of the free buses to enjoy a festive day out.
Simon Goff, managing director of Solent from First Bus, said: “Small Business Saturday is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the independent traders who bring so much character and creativity to Portsmouth.
“We’re proud to partner with the council to offer free bus travel once again, helping residents enjoy the city while supporting the local businesses that help our communities thrive. We hope people take the chance to leave the car at home, enjoy a great day out, and discover something new on their local high street.”
Marc Reddy, Managing Director at Stagecoach South, said: “We’re delighted to join Portsmouth City Council in supporting Small Business Saturday by offering free bus travel across the city.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to discover and enjoy the incredible range of local shops and markets, all while travelling sustainably and conveniently. We hope this initiative encourages more people to leave the car at home, explore their local community, and make the most of the festive season with ease.”
While bus travel will be free on the Saturday throughout the city, Pompey Link run by Community First, will be extending the free travel offer to Sunday. The on-demand shared mini-bus service connecting Paulsgrove and Port Solent enables residents in the north of the city to travel in a convenient and sustainable way.
Alex Barrett, chief operating officer at Community First, said: “It’s fantastic for the on-demand Pompey Link to be supporting businesses across the area, especially the independents in and around Port Solent.
“Small Business Saturday is all about celebrating the local traders who give Portsmouth its unique character, and we’re proud that our flexible, community-focused service can help more residents reach them easily and sustainably.“
More information about free bus travel on Small Business Saturday can be found at https://travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-transport/small-business-saturday-2025/.