THAT WAS OUR WEEK

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MON May6

■ The Conservatives have lost control of Havant Borough Council, with group leader Alex Rennie losing his seat.

The Tories’ presence on the borough council has now more than halved, being left with just 13 seats compared to 30 after the last election.

The right-wing Reform UK party picked up its only two seats across the whole country in Havant.

RED-HOT CHILLI EVENT

People flocked to Fort Purbrook in their numbers for the Portsmouth Chilli and Gin Festival. The event included a chillieating contest, chilli tasting and the chance to buy your own chilli plants.

TUE May7

■ A Portsmouth business owner has said he has lost hundreds of pounds a day as a result of the “insidious, horrible impacts” of repeated road closures. Jason Bentley, who runs relocation, clearance and storage business Traco in Hilsea, said he has lost an average of £300 per day as a result of the Eastern Road closures and other major roadworks in the city.

STAR WARS WEDDING

Star Wars fans Mandy and Dave Rankin tied the knot in Portsmouth dressed in costumes from the sci-fi series. And they did so on Star Wars Day (May the fourth be with you).

WED May8

■ A “massive” Gosport festival will this year be a celebration of Levi Kent’s life – with a well-known artist confirming he will play a set as a tribute to the popular lad killed in November.

Fortonfest will be a spectacular free event at Forton Park, with special guest rapper Genesis Elijah performing on September 6 before a host of bands and DJS showcase their talents the next day.

ARTS FUN IN THE SUN

The Open Ya Mouth Arts Fair, put on by Trash Arts, provided multi-cultural entertainment in Victoria Park, Portsmouth – with dance, live music, poetry, arts, carnival skills and more.

THU May9

■ Residents and visitors are being offered the chance to be in the audience for Portsmouth’s D-day 80 commemorations on Southsea Common, with free tickets up for grabs. A limited number of public tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the separate day and night events on Wednesday, June 5, with tickets available from Ticketmaster.

ENJOYING THE RIDE

A Driving Force for SSAFA offered people 10-minute rides in a supercar at the Cams Mill pub in Fareham for a small donation to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

FRI May 10

■ A “special” Southsea man who tragically died while attempting to sail around the UK will be remembered as his boat is returned home following thanks to a fundraiser.

Craftsman Michael Savage, known as Mick, died on April 1. His body was recovered off the coast of Dover after he set off from Southsea on the Easter weekend to embark on his journey.

TAKING CENTRE STAGE

The winners of the spectacular Dance Live! 2024 have been crowned. More than 6,500 young people aged 7-18 took part in heats across the region, culminating in the finals in Portsmouth.