Portsmouth set for record-breaking World Book Day
The agenda for the Guinness World Record attempt at Fratton Park has been revealed, with more than 8,000 Portsmouth school children and educators set to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Taking place this coming World Book Day 2026 (Thursday 5 March), Portsmouth Creates is joining forces with Portsmouth FC and Pompey in the Community to host what is set to become the world’s largest reading lesson as part of the National Year of Reading managed by The National Literacy Trust.
The lesson will be the culmination of In Our Words, Portsmouth’s year-long literacy campaign designed to boost reading across the city through events, workshops and community activities.
Hosting the day will be trailblazing children’s TV presenter Abby Cook, who made history as Blue Peter’s 42nd presenter and the first wheelchair user to take on the iconic role. Abby will take on the role as the event host, helping to build excitement amongst the school children and guide the event to making history.
Also in attendance will be Dan Freedman, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Jamie Johnson series. Widely recognised for inspiring reluctant readers to discover a love of books, the novels have also been adapted for television by the BBC.
The 35-minute lesson will be led by local retired headteacher Howard Payne alongside Dan and Clare Martin MBE, CEO of Pompey in the Community.
Dan will read from his book I Am Lenny Brown, the landmark inclusive story which follows an eight-year-old boy with selective mutism, highlighting the power of friendship and sport in helping children find their voice and build connections.
Andrew Cullen, Chief Executive Officer at Portsmouth Football Club, said: “We are proud to support this event as part of our commitment to the city and its future. Portsmouth Football Club sits at the heart of the community, and initiatives that invest in young people and their potential matter deeply to us.
“Improving literacy levels locally is fundamental. Reading is not just an academic skill, it is a lifelong tool that opens doors to opportunity, confidence and employment. When we help children access books and develop a love of reading, we are supporting their long-term prospects and strengthening our city.”
He added: “Events like this also showcase Portsmouth on a wider stage. They demonstrate the creativity, ambition and collaboration that define our city, which aligns strongly with our aspirations around the UK City of Culture bid.
“As part of the Portsmouth 100 programme, this initiative reflects the pride we have in our heritage and the belief we share in Portsmouth’s future. We are pleased to stand alongside our partners in making this possible for so many young people across the city.”
Portsmouth has a proud literary heritage that stretches from historic authors such as Charles Dickens, Kipling and Arthur Conan Doyle, through to today, with the city being full of creative literary talent and storytellers. The Guinness World Record attempt draws on this strong identity, uniting schools from across the city in one shared moment focused on reading, enabling access to literacy and raising aspirations and opportunities.
Although home to some of the most renowned literary greats, Portsmouth, like many cities, faces challenges in literacy levels and access to reading. Working in collaboration, Portsmouth Creates, Pompey in the Community and Portsmouth Football Club have come together to champion the need for more opportunities to increase literacy levels across the city.
Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, said: “We are so excited to be able to bring so many of the city’s young people together to achieve this collective goal. The work that we have delivered over the last 12 months through the In Our Words programme has really highlighted not only the importance of reading as lifelong skills, but also the brilliance of Portsmouth’s creative sector, who have interpreted access to reading through many different mediums, from theatre and performance to visual arts and music.
“The programme has spanned early years right the way through to care homes. We hope that as a team we can achieve this Guinness World Record attempt, shining a spotlight on Portsmouth as a city that is ready to deliver and can do so.”
Gemma added: “As we strive forward as a bidding city to become UK City of Culture 2029, we want to showcase the power of stories to build confidence, spark imagination and strengthen community pride. That same belief in culture as a force for positive change sits at the heart of our bid to become UK City of Culture 2029. This moment at Fratton Park is a powerful statement about the kind of city we are - ambitious, inclusive and ready to inspire.”
For more information about Portsmouth Creates please visit portsmouthcreates.co.uk