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.

This citywide event at the Mountbatten Centre unites Portsmouth through fun, inclusive physical activities and a creative art project. Designed to break down barriers to sport, it encourages residents of all ages and abilities to get active, connect with neighbours, and celebrate local pride together. More details to follow soon!

17. Pompey Games - September 12

This citywide event at the Mountbatten Centre unites Portsmouth through fun, inclusive physical activities and a creative art project. Designed to break down barriers to sport, it encourages residents of all ages and abilities to get active, connect with neighbours, and celebrate local pride together. More details to follow soon! Photo: Sarah Marston

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Enjoy a vibrant day of heritage, food, and festivities at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Priddy’s Hard in Gosport. Follow the trail and enjoy talks, demos and performances. Discover the Royal Navy story that shaped the city. historicdockyard.co.uk

18. Portsmouth100: Our Naval City - October 3

Enjoy a vibrant day of heritage, food, and festivities at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Priddy’s Hard in Gosport. Follow the trail and enjoy talks, demos and performances. Discover the Royal Navy story that shaped the city. historicdockyard.co.uk | Submitted

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Portsmouth Sing 100 Gala Concert at the Guildhall will include performances of significant pieces celebrating the city. It will be presented by the Portsmouth Philharmonic Orchestra, Solent Symphony Orchestra, Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, Portsmouth Choral Union, Portsmouth Baroque Choir and HM Royal Marines Band. It will include works by Swain, Copland, Ravenscroft, Parry, MacDowell, Walton, Saint-Saëns and Rutter, as well as a new commission by Paul Saggers. Details: musicinportsmouth.co.uk/event/portsmouth-sing-100-gala-concert/

19. Portsmouth Sing 100 Festival - May 8-10

Portsmouth Sing 100 Gala Concert at the Guildhall will include performances of significant pieces celebrating the city. It will be presented by the Portsmouth Philharmonic Orchestra, Solent Symphony Orchestra, Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, Portsmouth Choral Union, Portsmouth Baroque Choir and HM Royal Marines Band. It will include works by Swain, Copland, Ravenscroft, Parry, MacDowell, Walton, Saint-Saëns and Rutter, as well as a new commission by Paul Saggers. Details: musicinportsmouth.co.uk/event/portsmouth-sing-100-gala-concert/ | National World Photo: The News

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The Great South Run makes a return in 2026 - and with the sea defence works due to be long finished by then it means a return to its usual route. Saturday will see a 5K event, children's races - and a mascot race as well. The man ten-mile run takes place on the Sunday. Details: www.greatrun.org

20. Great South Run - October 17 and 18

The Great South Run makes a return in 2026 - and with the sea defence works due to be long finished by then it means a return to its usual route. Saturday will see a 5K event, children's races - and a mascot race as well. The man ten-mile run takes place on the Sunday. Details: www.greatrun.org | Marcin Jedrysiak

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