Guildhall Squared: Portsmouth's new festival brings music, comedy, dance and community spirit to the city centre

Portsmouth is preparing for a major cultural celebration this spring as Guildhall Square is transformed into a vibrant festival hub as part of the city's centenary year. Running from Tuesday 5th to Sunday 10th May 2026, the new festival will feature a packed programme of live performance, music, comedy, food, dance, spoken word and community events, all designed to celebrate Portsmouth's creativity and bring people together in the heart of the city.

At the centre of the festival will be a large marquee in Guildhall Square, hosting daily events inspired by the diversity and energy of Portsmouth's communities. Organisers say the aim is to reflect voices from across the city and create a shared space for celebration, participation and discovery.

A highlight of the week is the Portsmouth 100 Comedy Night on Friday 8th May, featuring stand-up acts including The Noise Next Door, Ola Labib and Joe Wells. Tickets are priced at £10, promising a lively evening of comedy and entertainment. Festival-goers can also enjoy a Silent Disco and Karaoke Night, offering a fun, interactive late-night experience under the big top.

The festival opens with The Big Portsmouth 100 Open Mic Night on 5th May at 6.30pm, welcoming poets, musicians and spoken word artists of all experience levels to perform in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Across the week, visitors will also find a Love Southsea Market, showcasing independent traders, street food and local makers, adding a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere to the square.

Creative participation is a key part of the programme. A series of poetry workshops will invite people of all ages to explore writing, spoken word and storytelling, giving both beginners and experienced writers the chance to develop new work and share their voices.

Families will also be able to take part in circus skills workshops for children, offering hands-on activities where young people can learn juggling, balance and basic circus techniques in a fun and inclusive setting.

A Mini Mela celebration will further bring music, colour and cultural performance into the city centre, alongside talks, exhibitions and interactive creative activities throughout the week.

Many events at Guildhall Squared will be free or low-cost, ensuring wide accessibility for families, residents and visitors. The programme is designed to encourage participation as well as attendance, with opportunities for people to perform, create and get involved.

Organisers are also working with local artists, community groups and organisations to shape parts of the programme, making the festival a truly city-wide collaboration.

Set against the backdrop of the historic Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Squared forms a key part of the city's 100-year celebrations. The venue has long been central to civic and cultural life in Portsmouth, making it a fitting home for a festival focused on community and creativity.

The event is supported by Portsmouth City Council, which has played a key role in backing the city's centenary programme and helping to bring large-scale cultural events like this into the heart of Portsmouth. Organisers say the council's involvement reflects a wider commitment to celebrating the city's heritage while investing in its creative future.

With comedy, markets, live performance, workshops and family activities all taking place across the week, Guildhall Squared promises a vibrant and inclusive celebration at the heart of the city.

For full programme details and tickets, visit the Portsmouth Guildhall website.