Southsea Skatepark brings historic bandstand back to life for Portsmouth 100 celebration

Live jazz, a heritage roller disco, and a chance to step back through a century of local history will come together at Southsea Skatepark on Saturday 12 September as part of the Portsmouth 100 celebrations.

Bandstand Forever! is one of Southsea Skatepark's contributions to Portsmouth 100, the city-wide programme marking 100 years since Portsmouth was granted city status. The event will celebrate the remarkable history of the iconic bandstand at the heart of the skatepark, bringing it back to life as a traditional seaside entertainment venue for the first time in decades.

Long before it became part of Britain's oldest purpose-built skatepark in 1978, the bandstand was a focal point for music, dancing and the thriving roller-skating culture that once drew visitors from across the region. For one day, visitors will have the opportunity to experience that atmosphere once again.

Providing the soundtrack to the afternoon will be the Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra, a renowned jazz ensemble that recreates the exciting sounds of the 1920s and 1930s. Known for their authentic vintage style and high-energy performances, the band's music reflects the era when the bandstand was at the heart of Southsea's seaside entertainment scene.

The event will also celebrate the site's rich roller-skating heritage, welcoming former dancers, speed skaters, roller hockey players and local residents to share memories of the venue and its role in Portsmouth life.

As evening approaches, the focus will turn to roller disco, with music provided by local favourites Pork Soda DJ. Well known across Portsmouth for their house, disco and funk sets, Pork Soda have become a familiar name at both Pitt Street Skatepark and Southsea Skatepark, where they have helped create some of the city's most popular roller disco events.

The event follows the success of Southsea Skatepark's recent Roll With Us programme, which introduced hundreds of people to roller skating and demonstrated the growing appetite for skating activities across the city.

Southsea Skatepark trustee Sam Dennis said: "Bandstand Forever! is about celebrating a side of Southsea Skatepark's history that many people don't know about. Before the skatepark arrived, this was already an important community venue with a rich tradition of music and roller skating. As part of Portsmouth 100, we're looking forward to bringing those stories back to life while creating a fun day out for people of all ages."

The event is open to everybody and operates on a pay-what-you-feel basis, with donations helping to support Southsea Skatepark's ongoing heritage, community and youth activities.

Bandstand Forever!

Saturday 12 September 2026
Southsea Skatepark, Clarence Esplanade
🎷 Live jazz from Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra
🛼 Heritage roller skating celebration
💿 Roller disco with Pork Soda DJ
🏛 Part of Portsmouth 100
❤️ Pay what you feel

For more information visit southseaskatepark.org.