GUILDHALL SQUARED – A FESTIVAL TENT OF ENTERTAINMENT IN CELEBRATION OF THE CITY’S CENTENARY IS COMING TO GUILDHALL SQUARE!
A giant festival tent hosting a wide range of performances, events, activities, workshops and exhibitions will be coming to Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square from Tuesday 5th – Sunday 10th May as part of the city’s centenary celebrations.
Presented by The Guildhall Trust, the charity that operates Portsmouth Guildhall, the Guildhall Squared festival tent will come alive with an exciting mix of music, comedy, dance, poetry, family theatre, talks and much more, offering something for everyone that will bring all four corners of the city and generations together.
A Comedy Gala night, Silent Disco & Karaoke party, marching display, and a Love Southsea market are amongst the range of the exciting events that will be on offer, plus a range of fascinating talks and exhibitions that will reflect on the past, present and future of our city.
With many events free, or at a low-ticket price, everyone is invited to be a part of the story at Guildhall Squared, which is part of the citywide celebrations to mark 100 years since Portsmouth was granted city status.
Don’t miss out – get your tickets today! Many events are free but will require a ticket to attend. More events are being added daily – keep checking back!
The Beatles Exhibition
5th to 8th of may, from 10am
The Beatles visited Portsmouth four times in 1963, playing twice at Portsmouth Guildhall. The story of their visits was celebrated in a new book, THE BEATLES – At Portsmouth Guildhall & The Savoy, 1963. The book was accompanied by an exhibition of 40 panels, each being a page from the book, which will be available to view once more in the Guildhall Squared festival tent.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
Lunchtime Busker in the Square – Mark Handley
7th of may, 1pm
Pack a picnic and find a spot on the Guildhall steps to enjoy a range of well-known and local songs performed by local buskers including Mark Handley as you lunch!
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
Habitat Harbours CoCreate Workshop
8th may, 10am
This hands-on workshop led by City Arts Portsmouth to create eco-friendly structures will guide you in crafting textured clay pieces that will become part of Vertipools and Refugia Panels, providing essential habitats for wildlife. Learn about biodiversity and eco-engineering while enhancing the local ecosystem and addressing today’s environmental challenges.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
Lunchtime Busker in the Square – Jay Refrain
8th of May 2026, 12:30pm
Pack a picnic and find a spot on the Guildhall steps to enjoy Southsea-based acoustic duo, Jay’s Refrain. Known for their rich harmonies, vocals and melodic acoustic guitar. Inspired by indie-folk, expect a mix of reimagined covers, original songs and feel-good anthems.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
The Royal Marines School of Music Parade Band
9th of May 2026, 12:30pm
We are pleased to welcome service men and women from the Royal Marines School of Music for this traditional display. Based in Portsmouth since 1996, the school’s presence in Portsmouth is just another layer in our much valued links with the Royal Marines Band Service and the wider armed forces.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
“Victorious” with the Milton Glee Choir
9th of May 2026, 1:30pm
The Milton Glee Choir has been singing in Portsmouth for over 70 years. The mixed choir of around 60 voices will sing a selection of songs that are connected with Portsmouth, including a selection from Les Misérables, songs from HMS Pinafore and Pirates of Penzance, Run by Snow Patrol and One Day Like This by Elbow.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
Spinnaker Chorus and Solent City Chorus
9th of May 2026, 3:30pm
Solent City Chorus and Spinnaker Chorus are the leading exponents of a cappella 4-part harmony singing in the greater Portsmouth area.The two prize-winning choirs – one all men and the other all women – will be singing a selection of songs from around the 1920s through to the present day, as a tribute to the centenary celebrations.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE