Free fireworks, drummers and spectacular new art work will launch Portsmouth's 100th birthday celebrations
Fireworks and drumming will launch Portsmouth’s official 100th birthday celebrations thanks to a free event in Southsea.
The centenary celebrations, branded Portsmouth100, will run throughout the year to celebrate the 100th year of Portsmouth being given city status and feature a programme of cultural events, exhibitions, music and art delivered in partnership with organisations across the city.
Festivities will begin on January 1 2026 with a free, family-friendly open-air event at Castle Field, running from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The hour-long event will include live drumming, the unveiling of a new artwork and a short firework display. New artwork by Turner Prize-nominated artist Nathan Coley will be unveiled and illuminate the lighthouse at Southsea Castle, bringing it back into use following its decommissioning in 2017.
While the event is open to the public, the council says capacity will be limited and residents are encouraged to arrive early. For those unable to attend, a Portsmouth100 film will be screened at locations across the city during the year.
Timetable of events
- 5.30pm - Event begins
- 5.45pm: Batala drummers perform on Castle Field
- 6pm: Premiere of the Portsmouth100 film
- 6.15pm: Unveiling of a new artwork by Turner Prize-nominated artist Nathan Coley (@_nathan_coley_)
- 6.20–6.25pm: Fireworks finale
- 6.30pm: Event finishes
Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt said the centenary offered a chance for the city to reflect and look ahead.
He said: “Portsmouth100 is a chance for us to reflect on our proud history and look forward to an exciting future. This launch event is just the beginning of a year filled with creativity, community, and celebration.
“We invite residents to join us in marking this special moment for our city – whether on New Year’s Day or at one of the many opportunities throughout the year.”
Artist Nathan Coley said the project was about restoring the presence of the lighthouse.
He said: “Above all I wanted to honour the lighthouse. Although it was decommissioned in 2017, the tower still sits proudly and elegantly on the edge of Southsea Castle – visible from both land and sea.”
He added: “As the text travels around the lighthouse, it creates a sense of movement which echoes the blinking of the original light that would have been seen out to sea when the lighthouse was a working structure.”
Events later in the year will include a lions art trail around the city.
More information about Portsmouth100 and future events is available on the Portsmouth100 website.