Arts festivities look to the future for ’24
The city’s annual celebration of the arts, Ports Fest, is to return this summer in a reduced format with the theme of ‘Futures’.
In a statement the organisers said: “This year Ports Fest has decided to concentrate on a smaller offering. After 25 years it is taking time to reflect on its current form.
“With the ever-increasing demands on costs for festivals and organisations in the arts and cultural sector it’s important to take stock whilst still delivering some momentous events to our communities.”
Erica Smith, Ports Fest director, added: “We are really excited to bring the vibrancy of Mardi Gras to such an iconic part of Portsmouth and we hope that people will come and join in the party this summer.”
One of the highlights of last year’s festivities – the Mardi Gras Parade – will be returning.
Created with the Isle of
Wight-based New Carnival Company, it will take place on Saturday, June 29 from 3pm on Albert Road, Southsea and will feature a premiere percussion ensemble featuring incredible young local musicians and the Multi Story Orchestra.
There will also be a production of Shakespeare’s classic love story by the award-winning outdoor theatre company Illyria, who promise a passionate, poetic and utterly gripping performance outside the Mountbatten Centre on June 29 from 7pm.
Following on from last year’s sell-out poetry events, they welcome Raymond Antrobus, a British poet, educator and writer, and investigator of missing sounds. He’s a previous winner of the Ted Hughes Award for new work in poetry among multiple accolades.
Then on Sunday, June 30 from 11am to 4pm at Gunwharf Quays there will be an amazing day of free poetry, music, dance, rap and much more. Bringing together Portsmouth’s talented artists from all walks of life with the 432 Nomads crew, Our Home tells a story of how the city is shaping up.
Ports Fest 2024 runs from June 26-30. For more details go to portsfest.co.uk.
We hope that people will come and join in the party this summer