Portsmouth to bid to become City of Culture 2029

Portsmouth City Council has put in a bid to become UK City of Culture 2029

A bid for Portsmouth to become UK City of Culture 2029 has been announced by its city council.

The authority said the bid, launched in partnership with Portsmouth Creates, was part of a long-term vision to be rich in culture and creativity by 2040.

It will now submit a formal expression of interest to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), with the longlist announced in February. The title is awarded every four years.

Council leader Steve Pitt said Portsmouth was "bursting with creativity and community spirit".

"This bid is about more than a title, it's about unlocking opportunities for our residents, attracting investment and showcasing the incredible talent we have here," he said.

Portsmouth previously launched a joint bid with Southampton for the 2017 title, but did not make the four-city shortlist.

The announcement comes as the city prepares for Portsmouth 100, a year-long celebration in 2026 marking a century since it achieved city status.

Mr Pitt said: "This bid is about more than a title, it's about unlocking opportunities for our residents, attracting investment and showcasing the incredible talent we have here."

The chief executive of Portsmouth Creates, Gemma Nichols, said the bid would bring "tangible economic, cultural and social benefits leading up to, during and post the competition".

"It will amplify the incredible work already happening here and help unlock new possibilities for creativity, inclusion and economic growth," she added.