Portsmouth City Council has confirmed plans to bid for the UK City of Culture 2029 title, aiming to showcase the city’s creativity, heritage and ambition on a national stage.
The bid supports the council’s long-term vision for Portsmouth to be a city rich in culture by 2040, with collaboration and innovation driving economic growth, wellbeing and new opportunities.
The announcement comes as work begins on Portsmouth100, a major celebration in 2026 marking 100 years since Portsmouth became a city. Portsmouth100 will bring together communities, organisations and local businesses for a year of events honouring Portsmouth’s heritage while looking ahead to a future of possibility.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said the bid is about unlocking opportunities, attracting investment and highlighting the creativity and community spirit already thriving in the city. He added that the city’s upcoming centenary makes this the right moment to build pride and create a legacy for future generations.
Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, said the city is ready to unite behind the bid, using the competition to amplify Portsmouth’s stories, ambition and talent. She said bidding for UK City of Culture brings clear economic, cultural and social benefits and will help open new doors for creativity, inclusion and growth. Portsmouth Creates will lead the bid, ensuring the voices of local people are at its heart.
Winning the title would help put Portsmouth on the national and international map, attract investment, boost tourism, support new businesses and jobs, raise aspirations, improve skills, strengthen community pride and place culture at the centre of the city’s future plans.
The bid is being developed in partnership with Portsmouth Creates. The next step is submitting a formal expression of interest to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with a longlist expected in February.
