What's On
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/
What's On
Gabriel Byrne joins Geraldine James in the world stage premiere of 45 Years, from the film by Andrew Haigh, adapted for the stage by Hannah Patterson, directed by Prasanna Puwanarajahand running at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre from 12 June – 11 July, with a press night on 18 June.
Gabriel Byrne returns to the UK stage, making his Chichester debut as Geoff. The winner of manystage and screen awards, including a Golden Globe and two Tony nominations, his international career ranges from stage credits A Moon for the Misbegotten, Long Day’s Journey Into Night and Walking with Ghosts on Broadway, to starring screen roles in Miller’s Crossing, The Usual Suspects, In Treatment and The War of the Worlds.
Geraldine James comes to Chichester for the first time to play Kate. Her innumerable TV credits include Back to Life, Silo, This Town, Dope Girls, Band of Gold (BAFTA nomination) and The Jewel in the Crown. Tony Award-nominated for The Merchant of Venice on Broadway, her recent stage roles include Creditors (Orange Tree) and As You Like It (RSC).
Buried for decades, the body of a young woman is found in the melting ice. A thousand miles and 45 years away… a crack forms in the crystal of a marriage.
It’s the week leading up to Kate and Geoff’s wedding anniversary and preparations for the party are in full swing. As they choose the music for their first dance, a letter from Switzerland quietly shatters their world.
Is the past another country? Or are the secrets in the attic of our memory destined to return?Adapted from Andrew Haigh’s critically acclaimed 2015 film, 45 Years is an achingly tense, intimate and moving dance to the music of time.
Hannah Patterson’s plays include Eden (Hampstead Theatre) and Playing With Grown Ups (Theatre503), nominated for an OffWestEnd Award and the Susan Smith Blackburn Award, which transferred to 59E59 in New York.
Director Prasanna Puwanarajah makes his CFT debut; his recent work includes Twelfth Night at the RSC, for which he won the 2025 UK Theatre Award for Best Director.
The creative team includes designer James Cotterill, lighting designer Guy Hoare, composer Ruth Barrett, sound designer Beth Duke, movement director Natasha Harrison and casting director Matilda James CDG.
BOOKING INFORMATION
cft.org.uk
Box Office 01243 781312
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Fontwell Park Racecourse has unveiled an exciting new, enhanced family raceday experience, featuring more entertainment than ever before – all at exceptional value.
The Fontwell Family Festival Raceday, coming to the course on Sunday 7th September 2025, promises a unique mix of thrilling jump racing and free family entertainment, making it the perfect way to round off the summer holidays.
Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable day out with the kids, the family festival delivers amazing value, excitement and fun for everyone.
Guy Pridie, Executive Director at Fontwell Park Racecourse, comments: “We’re so excited to welcome families from across the South Coast to our inaugural Family Festival Raceday here at Fontwell. Our family days are always hugely popular, but this year, we’ve gone all out to create a true festival atmosphere – combining the excitement of top-class jump racing with a full day of free family entertainment. From funfair rides and live performances to our great value family ticket, we’ve designed the event to be accessible, memorable, and packed with fun. A great finale to the summer holidays, we can’t wait to welcome families from across the region to enjoy the unique energy of the day.”
Key highlights include:
- Free Family Entertainment– Enjoy traditional fun fair rides, face painting, a live entertainment stage, magic shows, and more – all free of charge!
- Kids Go Free– Children aged 17 and under enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
- Exciting Jump Racing– Cheer on your favourites in a full card of thrilling jump races throughout the afternoon.
- Wet Weather Guarantee– If it rains anytime from when the gates open until the last race, racegoers can claim a free return ticket for another raceday.
- Early Bird Drinks Offer– Enjoy 50% off selected drinks within the first hour after gates open.
To ensure the event is as family friendly as possible, a family ticket costs just £25 for 2 adults and up to 6 children. This includes all entertainment and activities on the day as well as the racing.
With more entertainment than ever before, this year’s inaugural Family Festival Raceday promises something for everyone.
Don’t miss out, book your tickets at https://www.fontwellpark.co.uk/whats-on/fontwell-family-festival-7th-september-2025
What's On
🔥 The legendary Syd Lawrence Orchestra – Britain’s most revered, recorded, televised and celebrated big band – is storming into Fareham Live for a night of pure swing magic!
🎷 From packed concert halls to stages across the world, this iconic orchestra continues to thrill audiences of all ages with the timeless sound of the swing era. Directed by the internationally acclaimed Chris Dean – world-famous trombonist, vocalist, and musical director – this show is bursting with energy, elegance, and BIG BAND EXCELLENCE.
👥 The show features dazzling soloists, powerful vocalists, and one of the hardest-swinging rhythm sections you’ll ever hear. Expect jaw-dropping arrangements of the greatest hits from Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, and Ted Heath – with a sprinkle of Sinatra, Bennett, and Ella to really set the night alight.
🎶 And here’s what makes it even more special: the orchestra is buzzing with a new generation of young, exceptional musicians – bringing fresh fire and flair while staying true to the magic of this timeless music.
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra
Founded in 1967 by trumpeter and arranger Syd Lawrence, The fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra has been thrilling audiences in Concert Halls, Theatres, TV Shows and Music Festivals all over Great Britain and Continental Europe for over 50 years.
Renowned for it’s exciting blend of high octane Big Band Swing and Classic Dance Music, the Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the wartime million sellers of the legendary Glenn Miller through the era of the great Count Basie Orchestra to the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Count Basie himself described the Syd Lawrence Orchestra as “So good it should be BANNED!”.
The Orchestra, directed since Syd’s retirement in 1996 by Chris Dean, has a repertoire of over 2,000 classic Big Band arrangements including; Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade” and “In the Mood”, Tommy Dorsey’s “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” and “Opus One”, Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing”, Artie Shaw’s “Begin The Beguine”, Woody Herman’s “Blues on Parade”, Ray Anthony’s “Mr Anthony’s Boogie” , Duke Ellington’s “Satin Doll”, Bert Ambrose’s “Night Ride”, Count Basie’s “April in Paris” and “Splanky”, Charlie Barnet’s “Skyliner”, Stan Kenton’s “Peanut Vendor”, the “Trumpet Blues” of Harry James, “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” of Les Brown, the hits of Billy May and Ted Heath’s “Hot Toddy”.
🎟️ Book now: https://trafalgartickets.com/fareham-live-fareham/en-GB/event/music/syd-lawrence-orchestra-tickets
📍 Fareham Live
📅 Friday 10 October 2025
🕗 Showtime: 7:30PM
What's On
Explore the vibrant world of folk at Weald & Downland Living Museum with Roots & Rhythm, a family-friendly celebration of music, folklore and art on Saturday 9th August 2025 from 10am-8pm.
Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in folk culture’s rich and colourful traditions as the Museum’s grounds transform into a hub of storytelling, live performances, and hands-on workshops.
Discover an array of folk music on the main stage, from celebrated artists such as Cara Elin, Jon Wilks and the Goblin Band. The Museum will be filled with the sounds of folk with acoustic music performances across the site, including historical music played on traditional instruments. Tap your toes to the folk beats or join Folk Dance Remixed at the main stage, where folk music and street dance collide.
There will also be interactive workshops throughout the day to learn about local folklore and rituals, from crafting a flower headdress, raw clay seed bomb making, roadside puppet crafts and printmaking demonstrations to hearing local legends and medieval tales from storytellers.
Stroll across the extensive grounds of the Museum and encounter folklore characters such as the Green Man and Fairy Queen as well as meeting the travelling Museum of Roadside Magic.
Later in the day, secure your spot on the picturesque Greenways Field to enjoy live music on the main stage including traditional English folk songs from guitarist Jon Wilks and ending with a headline performance from the acclaimed Goblin Band, known for their unique blend of traditional folk and medieval music incorporating various instruments like strings, squeezeboxes, hurdy gurdy, flutes, horns, bells, and whistles.
Keep refuelled with delicious food and refreshments all day and into the evening, including offerings from on-site food and drink vendors. Alternatively bring your own picnic to enjoy.
An all-day event brimming with folklore-inspired activities and live entertainment, Roots & Rhythm promises something for every member of the family to enjoy. Let the rhythm guide you through a day of tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
Tickets are priced at £30 for adults and £15 for children (Under 5s go free). Find out more and book your tickets at: wealddown.co.uk
What's On
Top Broadway director Kathleen Marshall stages the classic musical Top Hat at Chichester Festival Theatre this summer
Filling the stage with elegance, glamour and swing, Chichester Festival Theatre’s eagerly awaited summer musical is Irving Berlin’s classic tap extravaganza Top Hat. The musical equivalent of a finest vintage champagne – effervescent, elegant and exhilarating! – Top Hatboasts some of Hollywood’s greatest songs: the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her – but the path of true love never does run smooth…
Based on the classic 1935 film which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the stage adaptation’s original West End production won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out. This brand-new production will be directed and choreographed by multi Tony and Olivier Award-winner Kathleen Marshall,whose recent production of Anything Goes wowed audiences and critics in London and on TV.
‘I’ve only been to Chichester once but it was such a magical place,’ says US-based Kathleen. ‘There’s something very special about summer festival theatres. Whether people have come for the weekend or the evening, there’s something joyous and festive – as the name suggests!
‘I’m a huge Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers fan. Their most famous movies came out during the 1930s Depression, when people needed to be transported away from the harsh realities of everyday life, and I think we need that sense of glamour, wit and romance today.’
Someone once described musicals as ‘an engine for happiness’; why is tap such an exhilarating form of dance to watch?
‘In Anything Goes we used to joke that we should sell tap lessons at intermission!’, Kathleen laughs. ‘There’s something about the unison and energy of ensemble tap numbers that’s cathartic; it adds a percussive element to the existing orchestration.’
What can audiences look forward to about Top Hat, apart from the glorious music and dance?
‘We want to deliver what people love about the film, but also something fun and fresh. What I also love about Top Hat is that it’s a farce. There’s all the mistaken identity and the high stakes and the ticking clock: how are all the elements going to come together to give us the big satisfying ending that we want? That makes for a delightful evening – it’s a great romantic comedy.’
Top Hat runs at Chichester Festival Theatre from 14 July – 6 September; book at cft.org.uk.
