Thank you, Portsmouth

We’re truly devastated to announce that Portsmouth has been unsuccessful in its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Whilst we’re hugely disappointed not to make the shortlist we offer our heartfelt congratulations to Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham who have been chosen to move forward to the next stage of the competition. We wish them well.

We’d like to say an enormous thanks to everyone who was a part of developing the bid. Every individual, organisation and partner helped shape and create a shared vision for our city’s future and the role culture can play within it.

We were blown away by how everyone showed up to champion Portsmouth’s unique character, cheerful charm and cracking community. Sharing the passion, pride and creativity that make this city so special, and proving once again that we’re all well lairy about Pompey in the best possible way.

Although we won’t be progressing with our bid this time, We Are STILL Pompey! This isn’t the end of our story. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

“Whilst we’re hugely disappointed not to be named on the shortlist, Portsmouth’s identity, maritime heritage, diverse communities, creative energy, history and global outlook, remains a powerful asset. The bid has strengthened the city’s confidence in celebrating the past as well as telling our story more widely. The ambition remains unchanged: the South deserves greater national and international cultural visibility.”

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council and Cabinet Member for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development

“We are of course disappointed beyond words to not to be shortlisted, but the campaign has highlighted the scale of ambition within the city and across the region. The focus now will be to build on the work to date for the whole of our community, in particular opportunities for young people across the cultural and creative sector and ensure that ideas contributed by all during the campaign inform future projects.

“We will also build on our commitment to making cultural activity more accessible and representative, building on the relationships developed with communities during the campaign and creating opportunities for residents to participate as creators, decision‑makers and cultural leaders. Support for grassroots artists and creative businesses also remains a priority area, and we will continue to invest into the creative ecology that makes Portsmouth so distinctive. We Are Pompey and we are ready to start the next chapter.”

Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates