Portsmouth launches bold, community-led bid for UK City of Culture 2029

Working closely with partners across the city, Portsmouth Creates is leading the development of a bid rooted in collaboration, community voice, and creative ambition. This is a bid by Portsmouth, for Portsmouth – one that reflects the city’s heritage, energy and future potential.

The bid aligns with a long-term vision for Portsmouth to be a city where culture and creativity are central to everyday life, driving regeneration, improving wellbeing and creating opportunity for all. Culture will sit at the heart of the city’s future, not as an add-on, but as a catalyst for lasting social and economic change.

The announcement comes as Portsmouth prepares for Portsmouth100 in 2026, a year-long celebration marking 100 years since the city was granted city status. Portsmouth100 will bring together communities, organisations and businesses to honour Portsmouth’s proud history while looking boldly towards the future. The City of Culture bid builds directly on this moment, extending its ambition and legacy.

What is UK City of Culture?

The UK City of Culture title is awarded every four years by the UK Government to a city that demonstrates ambition, creativity, and community engagement in culture.

The winning city delivers a year-long cultural programme to boost the economy, attract tourism, and create an inclusive legacy of pride and investment.

Previous winners include:

  • 2013: Derry-Londonderry
  • 2017: Hull
  • 2021: Coventry
  • 2025: Bradford

Example of Impact: Hull 2017

  • Over 6 million visitors and hotel occupancy up by 10.5%
  • £300M tourism value generated
  • £11–17M GVA contributed to the local economy
  • Nearly 800 new jobs in the cultural and visitor economy
  • 9 in 10 residents engaged with cultural activity

What UK City of Culture could mean for Portsmouth

Positioning Portsmouth nationally and internationally as a leading waterfront city

Driving sustainable economic growth, investment and tourism

Creating new businesses and high-quality jobs, helping to retain and attract talent

Raising aspirations, developing skills and making culture accessible for all

Strengthening civic pride, wellbeing and community cohesion

Placing cultural regeneration at the heart of Portsmouth’s future ambitions

What happens next?

The bid will continue to be shaped through wide-ranging engagement with communities, artists, cultural organisations, businesses and partners across the city.

Portsmouth has submitted its Expression of Interest to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The longlist is expected to be announced in March.

Get involved

This is a city-wide ambition shaped by Portsmouth — and we want as many voices involved as possible.

If you’re a resident, artist, organisation, community group or business and would like to be part of the journey, we’d love to hear from you.

projects@portsmouthcreates.co.uk

We’ll be sharing updates as the ambition develops across our social channels, and this website will be regularly updated with news, opportunities and ways to take part. Follow along and be part of what comes next.