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, supported by Portsmouth City Council.
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, circus skills, family theatre, talks and much more, offering something for everyone that will bring all four corners of the city and generations together.
A comedy night, Silent Disco & Karaoke party, a mini Mela, marching display and a Love Southsea market are amongst the range of 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.
When The Beatles Came to Town
5th of may, 11am
Join Nigel Grundy, Curator of the Portsmouth Music Experience, a permanent exhibition experience on the first floor of Portsmouth Guildhall, as he relives 1963 and when The Beatles visited the city four times! This fascinating talk is accompanied by a 40 panel exhibition created from Nigel’s book, THE BEATLES – At Portsmouth Guildhall & The Savoy, 1963.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
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
Between the Stops Exhibition
5th to 8th of may, from 10am
Between the Stops is a citywide poetry and photography community project that places creative work by artists connected to Portsmouth in many different ways into everyday journeys around the city. Poetry work has been travelling around on the city buses since the new year and has recently been made into a book. This new exhibition now allows the photography and poetry work to be displayed and enjoyed together.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
DrumNation Tribe Workshop
5th of may, 1:00pm
If you’re interested in creating rhythms, come and have a go with DrumNation Tribe, a community-based group of professional and amateur drummers, percussionists and musicians for a fun drumming workshop inspired by West African, Middle Eastern and Latin American rhythms!
FREE TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more and book: CLICK HERE
Dance Club Showcase & Workshop
5th of may, 4:00pm
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to hit the dance floor with University of Portsmouth Dance Clubs! Join a group warm-up before learning some simple steps and a short dance routine and enjoy a continuous showcase of ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, commercial and Latin performed by the University performance squads.
FREE TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more and book: CLICK HERE
The Big Portsmouth 100 Open Mic Night
5th of may, 6:30pm
Celebrate Portsmouth’s centenary with a night of creativity, community, and live performance. The Big Portsmouth 100 Open MicNight brings together local voices, musicians, and poets for an evening where the city’s talent takes centre stage.
Hosted by acclaimed solo blues musician David Robinson and local poet and co-ordinator of Pompey Poetry Party, Caroline Brennan, the night will be relaxed, welcoming, and full of character. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or trying the stage for the first time, this is your chance to share your music, poetry, or spoken word as part of Portsmouth’s 100-year celebration.
Come along to perform, listen, and be part of a special night showcasing the creativity that makes Portsmouth unique.
TICKETS £5 – Learn more and book: CLICK HERE
Music brings people together – DJ Night
5th of may, 8:00pm
Portsmouth’s Cryptum Records presents a night of House Music in its broadest sense. Three of Cryptum’s finest DJs will create space to connect through sound, rhythm and shared energy. Expect a night built around great music, an open atmosphere and a crowd brought together by a love of the dancefloor.
Whether you come with friends or arrive solo, the focus is simple: good music, good people, and a place where everyone can feel part of the moment.
TICKETS £5. ID REQUIRED – Learn more and book: CLICK HERE
Historic Photo Walk & Collage Poetry Session
6th of may, 10am
Join photographer Andy Hornby to capture your own images on a historic walk of the city centre, followed by a collage and poetry session led by poet Han Newton with Anna McKelvie of London-based creative production house, Anthroplay Theatre. Using images taken on the historic walk, alongside local archive material, participants will create short pieces of poetry and simple collage works, combining personal perspective with the city’s layered history. Splicing together Portsmouth’s past, present and future.
Founded in 2019, Anthroplay has built a strong reputation for curated poetry and performance events in London, bringing together established and emerging voices. This marks an exciting return of their work to Portsmouth. No experience needed. Please bring a smartphone with a camera. Further details will be sent by email after booking. All other materials provided. Attendance to both sessions is highly recommended.
FREE TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more and book: CLICK HERE
Who Makes Your Pompey?
7th of may, 10am & 2:15pm
Join Portsmouth Museums in the Guildhall Squared Tent for a relaxed drop-in workshop celebrating 100 years of Portsmouth as a city.
Portsmouth Museums invites residents and visitors to share their memories, stories, and reflections of the Portsmouth they know. Whether it’s a personal experience, a family story, or a moment that captures life in the city. Your contribution will help build a collective picture of Portsmouth over the past century.
Portsmouth Museums will gather these stories as part of a project to create a digital collection documenting Portsmouth at 100, preserving voices and memories from across the community.
Alongside sharing stories, participants will also have the opportunity to take part in a simple craft activity, creating something inspired by their connection to Portsmouth that they can take home. Drop in, share your story, and be part of Portsmouth’s living history.
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
Circa Hoops – Little Circus Stars
6th may, 1pm
Step right up and join Circa Hoops, led by Hayley O’Beirne! This playful workshop is specially designed for pre-school children and their families, introducing little ones to the magic of circus skills in a fun and relaxed environment.
Come along and try hula hooping, juggling, balancing and more, with plenty of colourful circus activities to explore. You might even spot some giant bubbles along the way! Families can drop in, have a go, and enjoy discovering new skills together.
For 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups.
FREE TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
Circa Hoops – Family Circus Skills Workshop
6th may, 4pm
This lively, hands-on workshop will introduce participants to hula hoop tricks, juggling, balancing skills and other circus fun in a welcoming, drop-in session where you can try something new at your own pace. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just curious to give it a go, come and discover the joy of circus play.
FREE TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
PULSE! – A Celebration of Hip-Hop Music and Culture
7th may, 6pm
Presented by Word of Mouth and The Guildhall Trust, join us for a jam-packed evening of live performances, street dance, live graffiti, skate jams and DJs. Plus, don’t miss your chance to grab the mic yourself in our open mic cypher!
TICKETS £5 – Learn more and book: CLICK HERE
Pie-Rat Island
8th may, 10am & 1:30pm
Join Ratty and friends for a fun, relaxed participatory theatre session. There’ll be silliness, play-acting, games and music in this fun and gentle introduction to theatre with play-along storytelling, original music, puppetry, theatre games, movement, and lots of imaginative play.
TICKETS £6 – Learn more and book: 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, 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
Portsmouth 100 Comedy Night
8th of May, 7:00pm
We’ve got laughter all sewn up in a hilarious stand-up comedy night! Hosted by Stitches Comedy Club’s very own James Alderson, Portsmouth born comedians Ola Labib (World’s Most Dangerous Roads & House of Games), Duncan Adam and Nathan Eagle will take to the stage ahead of a favourite among other comedians, Joe Wells, who has previously supported Frankie Boyle, Alexei Sayle and Stephen K Amos. Headlining the evening is the UK’s premier improv troupe and stand out comedy act of their generation, The Noise Next Door!
TICKETS £10 – Learn more and book: CLICK HERE
Love Southsea Portsmouth 100 Market
9th of May, 10:00am
Discover a curated mix of independent traders, local makers, and small businesses, all bringing creativity, quality, and community to Guildhall Square at Love Southsea’s Portsmouth 100 market.
As part of Portsmouth’s 100 years of City status, Love Southsea is proud to be celebrating alongside the city with another great day of local trading.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE
The Royal Marines School of Music Parade Band
9th of May, 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, 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, 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
Silent Disco & Karaoke 100
9th of May, 7:30pm
Get ready for a night to remember in celebration of 100 years of Portsmouth being a city!
With a professional DJ, interactive karaoke and a playlist of the Best of the Decades – 80s, 90s, 00s and more, the party is coming to Portsmouth! Enjoy a multi-channel silent music experience to the backdrop of the iconic Guildhall.
TICKETS £5 – Learn more and book: CLICK HERE
Portsmouth Bangla-Mela
10th of May, 12:00pm
Bangladesh Welfare Association Portsmouth presents an afternoon of live entertainment and cultural show! Enjoy a fun and joy filled event with food stalls, clothing, mendhi and family fun. Plus, a raffle with amazing prizes to be won! Everyone welcome.
FREE & NO TICKET REQUIRED – Learn more: CLICK HERE