Portsmouth’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 has been officially submitted today, marking a major milestone in the city’s ambition to secure one of the country’s most prestigious cultural titles.
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan and Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin have welcomed the submission, saying the city has already demonstrated the strength of its cultural offer since launching the campaign last year.
The pair, who fired the starting gun on Portsmouth’s bid last year, said the months since have only strengthened the case for Portsmouth, with artists, cultural organisations, volunteers, businesses and residents coming together to showcase the creativity, heritage and community spirit that make the city unique.
If successful, Portsmouth would receive £10 million in Government funding to deliver a year-long programme of cultural events, alongside opportunities to unlock further investment, sponsorship and regeneration that would leave a lasting legacy for the city.
Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South added:
“I’ve always believed Portsmouth’s story is one of resilience, innovation and creativity, and this bid captures that brilliantly. Since launching the campaign last year we’ve seen our city rally behind a shared ambition, demonstrating the strength and depth of our cultural offer.
“Winning City of Culture would be transformative, creating opportunities for young people, supporting local creatives, attracting investment and bringing even more visitors to our city. Whatever the outcome, this bid has already restored a real sense of pride and belonging in the place we call home, and I’m proud to have backed it every step of the way.”
Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North said:
“When we fired the starting gun on Portsmouth’s bid last year, we knew our city had an incredible story to tell. Over the past year we’ve seen exactly that, with local people, artists, community groups and cultural organisations coming together to show what makes Portsmouth so special.
“From our historic dockyard and seafront to our thriving creative industries, festivals and grassroots culture, Portsmouth is bursting with talent and ambition. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who has played a part in getting the bid to this stage, and I hope the judges can see what we’ve seen all along – that Portsmouth deserves to be UK City of Culture 2029.”
The bid celebrates Portsmouth’s unique blend of maritime heritage, diverse communities and thriving cultural scene, building on events, festivals and creative projects taking place across the city.
The Government is expected to announce a shortlist later this year, with the winning UK City of Culture 2029 to be revealed following the assessment process.
Both MPs are encouraging residents to continue getting behind the campaign as Portsmouth awaits the judges’ decision.
