We Shine Portsmouth: Stunning festival of light and art returns to city - where and when
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Visitors will be delighted by the stunning displays
Dazzling light displays will be returning to Portsmouth as part of the fabulous We Shine festival - and will spread into the north of the city for the first time.
Mesmerising showcases of colours and patterns will be back in the city this November after last wowing crowds in 2024. The free festival of light, art and performances will take place from November 19 and 21.
A quartet of Portsmouth organisations have joined forces this year to deliver an ambitious programme of It creative activity, in an effort to reimagine the biennial event this year to celebrate 100 years of city status.
Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt said 2026 is a “hugely significant year” where the city is looking ahead to an exciting future, with ambitions to become the UK City of Culture. “We Shine Community is a fantastic example of what makes Portsmouth special – bringing organisations, artists and communities together to create ambitious, free cultural experiences across the city,” he added.
“It gives residents and visitors another reason to explore Portsmouth, discover something unexpected and celebrate the creativity that exists on our doorstep.”
The festival will see light installations, visual art, performance, and exhibitions while allowing for the public to get involved. People will get chance to see something unexpected in familiar places.
Fratton events will be organised by Fratton Together CIC delivering the much-loved lantern parade alongside Stretch at St Mary’s Church in Fratton Road. The organisation behind LOOKUP Portsmouth, Art Up (Portsmouth) CIC, will take over Victoria Park.
Organisers will create a new experience combining light, performance, and visual art. It promises an immersive experience for audiences of all ages that transforms the idea of a light festival into something new. Art from local schools will be showcased.
Thomas Buckley will present an exhibition at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Art will be put up from international designers from Cairo, Lebanon and Bangladesh. Portsmouth Creates will bring a collection of light installations and artworks by local artists to Cosham Park, extending the festival to the north of the city. Arts Council England and Portsmouth City Council are both supporting We Shine.
Further details of events are due to be announced soon. Stretch at St Mary’s Church will run until November 26. All events will be admission free, with more details available on the We Shine website.