Ports Fest
Ports Fest 2024
Ports Fest is so glad to be back with a small but significant summer programme of events for all to enjoy.
This year Ports Fest has decided to concentrate on a smaller offering. After 25 years it is taking time to reflect on its current form. With the ever-increasing demands on costs for festivals and organisations in the arts and cultural sector its important to take stock whilst still delivering some momentous events to our communities.
Come and join us for the return of our Mardi Gras Parade, one of this year’s highlights. Join hundreds of people parading to the theme of ‘FUTURES`. The parade is in partnership with the New Carnival Company, leading experts in the field, who have been developing the personal creativity of our community, young people, and youth leaders to deliver a Mardi Gras parade. This will take place on Saturday 29th June 3pm on Albert Road and will feature a premiere percussion ensemble featuring incredible young local musicians and the Multi Story Orchestra.
“We are really excited to bring the vibrancy of Mardi Gras to such an iconic part of Portsmouth, and we hope that people will come and join in the party this summer” Erica Smith, Ports Fest Director.
We are also delighted to host Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Award winning outdoor theatre company Illyria. A passionate, poetic, and utterly gripping production of this Shakespeare favourite. From a secret rendezvous to a fateful duel, Shakespeare masterfully explores the enduring power of love, revenge, and fate. A passionate, poetic, and utterly gripping performance by Illyria in the great outdoors at the Mountbatten Centre on June 29th 7pm. This production was the Critic's Choice in Edinburgh, which attracted 5-star reviews in Canada and received a nomination for Best of Fringe in Vancouver.
Following on from last year’s sell out Poetry events we are delighted to welcome to Portsmouth Raymond Antrobus MBE a British poet, educator and writer, and investigator of missing sounds. Previous winner of the Ted Hughes Award for new work in poetry amongst multiple accolades. His poetry has appeared on BBC 2, BBC 3 & 4 Radio, Channel 4, The Guardian among others. Join us for an evening of Raymonds world class poetry and featuring an exciting warm up with local emerging talent. This event will take place at the Guildhall on Thursday 27th June.
Sunday 30th will be an amazing day of free poetry, music, dance, rap, and much more. Bringing together Portsmouth’s talented artists from all walks of life. In partnership with 432 Nomads, Our Home tells a story of how the city is shaping up, Our Home- Our future a digital journey of arts. This event will be at Gunwharf Quays 11- 4pm at the central square 30th June.
Check out our events page for all events listings. We hope this year’s Ports Fest is a great summer experience and we very much look forward to seeing you there.
Tickets are on sale now.
Ports Fest 2024 will run between Wednesday 26th June and Sunday 30th June, find out more at www.portsfest.co.uk.
