Portsmouth's premier unsigned music festival returns, with a stellar line up of local and fast-rising bands. The event will see more than 80 sets played across eight stages at the Wedgewood Rooms, Edge of the Wedge, Vaults, The Loft, Lord John Russell, The Atrium, One Eyed Dog and The Deco. Details at www.icebreakerfestival.com Photo by Tony Palmer (@shot_by_tony)placeholder image
Portsmouth's premier unsigned music festival returns, with a stellar line up of local and fast-rising bands. The event will see more than 80 sets played across eight stages at the Wedgewood Rooms, Edge of the Wedge, Vaults, The Loft, Lord John Russell, The Atrium, One Eyed Dog and The Deco. Details at www.icebreakerfestival.com Photo by Tony Palmer (@shot_by_tony) | Tony Palmer (@shot_by_tony)

23 unmissable events to put in your diary as city celebrates its 100th birthday this year

By Kelly Brown

Editor

Published 7th Jan 2026, 12:24 BST

A year-long celebration is taking place across Portsmouth in 2026 as this year marks the 100th anniversary of it gaining city status.

Portsmouth100 was officially launched on January 1 at a special free community event featuring a host of voices and iconic images from across the city - as well as music and a short free fireworks display. The lighthouse at Southsea Castle is also lit up for the first time since 2017.

A huge number of events have already been lined up for 2026, with the showpiece being the Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail Hunt which will see creatively coloured lions places around the city to form a free art trail from July 13 to September 13.

Here are just 23 of the events to put into your diary!

More information about Portsmouth100 and future events are also available on the Portsmouth100 website.

Portsmouth Pride is making a return to the city on June 6. The free event features a parade along the esplanade as well as free entertainment on Southsea Common. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (070625-070)

9. Portsmouth Pride - June 6

Portsmouth Pride is making a return to the city on June 6. The free event features a parade along the esplanade as well as free entertainment on Southsea Common. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (070625-070) | The News Photo: Chris Moorhouse

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Armed Forces Day returns to Southsea Common on June 20. The fabulous free event features demonstrations, stalls and entrainment in a fantastic celebration of our armed forces.

10. Armed Forces Day - June 20

Armed Forces Day returns to Southsea Common on June 20. The fabulous free event features demonstrations, stalls and entrainment in a fantastic celebration of our armed forces. Photo: -

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The fabulous free Southsea Food Festival makes a return to the city on July 4 and 5. Branching out from the Palmerston Road area, the festival features a taste of food from around the world - as well as more homegrown delights

11. Southsea Food Festival - July 4 and 5

The fabulous free Southsea Food Festival makes a return to the city on July 4 and 5. Branching out from the Palmerston Road area, the festival features a taste of food from around the world - as well as more homegrown delights | Southsea Food Festival

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A wonderful 'Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail' will be launched across the city in July, and from July 13 to September 13 residents and visitors and take part in a treasure hunt style quest to find them all! Picture: Sarah Standing (190925-9743)

12. The Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail - July 13 to September 13

A wonderful 'Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail' will be launched across the city in July, and from July 13 to September 13 residents and visitors and take part in a treasure hunt style quest to find them all! Picture: Sarah Standing (190925-9743) | Sarah Standing Photo: Sarah Standing

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