City of Portsmouth College backs bid for UK City of Culture status

City of Portsmouth College is backing the bid for Portsmouth to gain UK City of Culture status in 2029.

Led by Portsmouth City Council and delivered in partnership with Portsmouth Creates, the bid reflects the council's long-term vision for Portsmouth to be a city rich in culture and creativity by 2040, where collaboration, community and innovation thrive.

City of Portsmouth College is proud to be involved with the bid as a Key Partner, having worked extensively with Portsmouth Creates on a variety of projects that boost community engagement and beautification, and forming part of its early planning through the expertise of staff members David Lycett and Orla Crean. The College will be contributing its skills, knowledge and creative talent to strengthen Portsmouth’s cultural offer, and involving students and staff in a range of creative initiatives.

The announcement comes as Portsmouth prepares for Portsmouth100, a year-long celebration in 2026 marking a century since Portsmouth achieved city status. Portsmouth100 will bring together communities, organisations and businesses in a programme of events that honour the city's proud heritage and culture while looking ahead to a future of opportunity.

Katy Quinn, Principal and CEO of City of Portsmouth College, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be a Key Partner in this brilliant bid for Portsmouth to be a UK City of Culture 2029, and we look forward to playing our part in its success. Our island city, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of its city status in 2026, is steeped in historical and cultural importance, and I can think of no better way of honouring Portsmouth’s past, celebrating its present and embracing its future, than with UK City of Culture status.”

The UK City of Culture title is awarded every four years by the UK Government. Previous winners include Derry-Londonderry (2013), Hull (2017), Coventry (2021), and Bradford (2025). Hull's year as City of Culture in 2017 attracted more than six million visitors, generated £300 million in tourism value, contributed £11-17 million in GVA to the local economy, and created nearly 800 new jobs in the cultural and visitor economy.

Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, said: "Portsmouth is ready to come together to develop its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029. As a city, we know that our greatest asset is our community, a community that is ready to take on this competition, using it as a platform to showcase our stories, ambition, talent and collaboration that truly defines us and what makes us proud to be Pompey! Bidding to become UK City of Culture 2029 brings tangible economic, cultural and social benefits leading up to, during and post the competition."

The bid will formally be submitted to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in early January, with the longlist expected to be announced in February 2026.