PORTSMOUTH SET FOR A SUMMER OF BOLD, HIGH-ENERGY EVENTS AS MAJOR NEW PROGRAMME LAUNCHES FOR PORTSMOUTH 100
From June to September 2026, The Point Is Portsmouth, produced by Crying Out Loud, will bring a summer of bold, high-energy events to the city as part of Portsmouth100, the city’s centenary year celebrations, transforming civic, heritage and community spaces through live performance and shared experiences.
Produced by Portsmouth-based Crying Out Loud, the programme spans contemporary circus, large-scale outdoor performance, immersive installations and community-led activity – featuring an exciting line-up of international circus and dance artists, bringing globally recognised performance to Portsmouth. Companies include Šeiko Dance Company from Lithuania and Morocco’s Company Zid, alongside Catalan artists Delrevés, Osadia and If Circus. Each will present bold, visually striking work – much of it showing in the UK for the first time – reinforcing Portsmouth’s position as a destination for ambitious, internationally connected cultural experiences.
Taking place across FraTon, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victoria Park and Guildhall Square in the city centre, the programme is made possible through key support from Arts Council England and Portsmouth City Council and a powerful collaboration of partners across the city, including Portsmouth Historic Quarter, 432 Nomads, FraTon Together, Soul Rawkus, Portsmouth Creates, Victoria Park and Pompey in the Community.
Rachel Clare, Artistic Director of Crying Out Loud, said:
“The Point Is Portsmouth reflects the collective energy of the city – bringing together artists, partners and communities to celebrate Portsmouth’s history, heritage and the richness of its diverse people. Portsmouth has such a strong identity – from its naval and maritime history to its proud football culture, literary links, free arcades, promenade events and vibrant waterfront. We want to put Portsmouth firmly on the map as a place where exciting, ambitious work happens – not just brought to the city, but created with it. This is about more than watching – it’s about being part of something shared.”
From contemporary circus to freestyle football
Throughout the summer, the programme will bring together a vibrant mix of events and experiences across Portsmouth.
In June, 432 FraTon will see up to 60 members of the local community join international artists to create a large-scale live performance shaped by the community itself. Delivered in partnership with 432 Nomads and FraTon Together, a call-out for participation will launch later this spring – inviting anyone and everyone to take part, with no experience required.
In July, Circus in MoEon will transform Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, placing contemporary circus within one of the UK’s most significant maritime heritage sites. Internationally acclaimed circus companies will reimagine the space through bold, site-responsive performance. An accompanying industry micro-conference will also explore how heritage spaces can be activated through live performance and more sustainable approaches to touring.
In September, a large-scale immersive installation will transform Victoria Park, inviting visitors to step inside a world of colour, light and architectural form. Designed as a space for exploration and
Reflection: The installation will welcome audiences of all ages throughout its residency.
Also in September, an international performance from Le Havre, presented in partnership with Soul Rawkus, will bring a high-energy outdoor celebration to the city centre – combining dance, live music and freestyle football, reflecting Portsmouth’s identity as a proud football city, alongside workshops delivered with Pompey in the Community.
Workshops, skills development and professional activity will run throughout the programme.
support Eng arEsts, young people and community groups to get involved – building connections,
confidence and curiosity across the city and beyond.
A defining moment for Portsmouth100
The Point Is Portsmouth forms a key part of the city’s centenary celebrations, bringing people together through bold, visible moments.
Rachel Clare added:
“This is one of our most ambitious Solent projects to date – made possible through Arts Council England funding and the incredible support and collaboration of partners across the city.
We’re looking forward to working closely with communities and organisations in the coming weeks as the programme begins to take shape, starting with 432 FraOon this June.”
The project is supported by Arts Council England, Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth Creates, Bentley Young Person’s Trust, Lithuanian Cultural Institute and Normandie Regional Council – Millennium 2027 European Year of the Normans.
Further details, including how to take part and full event listings, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Find out more here – https://cryingoutloud.org/projects/the-point-is-portsmouth/
