Solid performance and positive growth across its venues
The Guildhall Trust is delighted to report strong and positive results across its venues, Portsmouth Guildhall and White Rock, Hastings for the 2025/26 financial year.
Portsmouth Guildhall Continues to Thrive
- Over 257,000 people engage with Portsmouth Guildhall every year, a 4% increase in the 2025/26 financial year! Through a rich and diverse calendar of concerts and events, a thriving conferencing business and an engaging Get Involved programme, Portsmouth Guildhall is an essential cultural hub in the heart of the city for its community.
- Portsmouth Guildhall saw an impressive 18% growth in its conferencing and meeting business in the 2025/26 financial year. Hosting up to 80,000 delegates across 400 events annually in a range of spaces, the Guildhall and its experienced team caters for all types of events including team building, training, dinners and awards, all contributing to the financial stability of the venue.
- Engagement with The BASE at Portsmouth Guildhall increased by 16% in the 2025/26 financial year. The creative space for 11-25 year olds gives free access to a band room, DJ mixing equipment and an AV suite plus performance, chill-out and exhibition spaces and a wide range of workshop sessions, supporting young people to achieve their creative potential.
- The Guildhall Trust’s own events and promotions at Portsmouth Guildhall which include Comic Con, Summer Concerts in the Square, Dance Live! and Takedown Festival saw a 23% increase in ticket sales in the 2025/26 financial year. As an event management organisation, the Trust is driven to curate events that captivate and entertain audiences and inspire people to engage with the creative economy.
White Rock, Hastings Sees Significant Growth
- Over 108,000 people engage with the White Rock, Hastings every year, an 11% increase in the 2025/26 financial year. Through investment in the venue and its facilities, a developing calendar of concerts and events, an impactful Get Involved programme of activities for the community and a fast-growing conferencing business, the White Rock is an essential cultural hub in the heart of the town.
- Studio 27 at the White Rock continues to grow as a popular asset for the Hastings community, seeing a 26% growth in ticket sales for the 2025/26 financial year. A rich and diverse programme in the newly renovated space, compliments the main auditorium programme with some of the most dynamic and exciting artists today performing.
- The use of the White Rock for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and social occasions including parties and baby showers is set to triple in the coming year! By diversifying the use of the White Rock with a strong daytime offer, we are developing a financially stable business model whilst meeting the business and social needs of the Hastings and East Sussex region.
- Over 21,000 engaged with our Get Involved programme for the community of workshops, activities and events at the White Rock in the 2025/26 financial year. A community choir, highly regarded youth theatre and outstanding holiday productions are just part of the offer designed to inspire, entertain and transform lives.
Andy Grays CEO of The Guildhall Trust, reflects on the successes, challenges and opportunities that have shaped the past year, and shares his thoughts on the important role our venues continue to play in supporting culture, communities and local economies. Watch the full video HERE to hear Andy’s reflections on the year and our ambitions for the future.
Looking Ahead
These results reflect The Guildhall Trust’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional cultural experiences, supporting local communities and developing financially sustainable venues that serve as vital hubs for creativity, learning and engagement.
As the Trust looks ahead, it remains focused on expanding opportunities for audiences, artists, young people and businesses while continuing to strengthen the cultural and economic impact of both Portsmouth Guildhall and the White Rock, Hastings.
Find out more about The Guildhall Trust: www.guildhalltrust.org.uk