More to explore in 2024!

If Portsmouth was the place to be in 2023, then there's even more to explore in 2024!

There will be a whole host of big events taking place this summer, plus the return of some old favourites too. On top of this you have all the year-round attractions, fantastic open spaces and the much-loved waterfront. All this makes 2024 the year to pay a visit to the Great Waterfront City.

   

D-Day 80

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day campaign, for which thousands of Allied troops crossed into France (many from Portsmouth) for the invasion that would help turn the tide of World War Two.

The D-Day Story on Southsea seafront will be running a number of events and installations across the year to mark this anniversary, from pop-up museums around the city to brand new art installations. There will also be D-Day in 80 objects, which tells the story of the Normandy campaign through items from The D-Day Story's own collections, as well as those of other national museums from across Britain.

Talks are also ongoing about other large-scale events that could be held in Portsmouth to mark the anniversary - keep your eyes on our social media channels for news on any of this if and when it's ready to be unveiled.

   

We Shine Portsmouth

The We Shine Portsmouth light festival returns after a year off this November. Organised by Portsmouth Creates, this event welcomes local and national artists to the city for a weekend-long celebration that's totally free to attend.

Attractions, parks, open spaces and natural features will be transformed into epic light displays, some of which have interactive elements for you to get involved with. It's not only a chance to interact with art and culture in a new and engaging way, but also provides a welcome jolt of light into the otherwise dark November evenings.

Keep an eye on the We Shine Portsmouth listing for updates on artists and the programme when it's released.

   

Victorious Festival 2024

The UK's largest metropolitan music festival is back for the August Bank Holiday weekend, and your headliners have already been announced! Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Jamie T and Biffy Clyro will all top the bill at this year's event, and will be joined by the likes of Becky Hill, Louis Tomlinson, Pixies, Arlo Parks, Courteeners, Wet Leg, Idles, Lightning Seeds, Natasha Bedingfield, Maximo Park and Jess Glynne - not to mention hundreds of local and upcoming acts. If that wasn't enough, the comedy tent will feature huge names; Russell Howard and Frankie Boyle among them.

Plus, don't forget the huge family arena open during the daytime. Young and old alike can enjoy the Kids Arena stages, entertainment from Portsmouth attractions, fairground rides, activities, and much more besides.

Tickets are available now.

   

A packed calendar of events

In addition to all the above there's a huge selection of events for you to enjoy right across 2024.

Foodies will be covered with Southsea Food Festival, returning to Palmerston Road and the surrounds in July.

Other firm favourites making a comeback are Portsmouth International Kite Festival, Live at the Bandstand and Portsmouth Pride (ahead of it being selected as the host of the UK's national Pride celebration in 2025).

BookFest will see famous authors head to the city for talks and workshops in February and March, whilst Comic Con heads back to Portsmouth Guildhall in May. Ports Fest will also return, with its usual array of creative and cultural events organised for 26-30 June.

Of course there's far too much going on to wrap up here, so instead keep checking into the Visit Portsmouth events pages for all that's going on and full details on everything.

   

Year-round attractions

In addition to all the major events being scheduled, 2024 promises to be a big one at the city's top attractions - with loads to experience all year round.

Abseiling returns to Spinnaker Tower this summer, offering unrivalled views out across Portsmouth Harbour. Those brave enough to take on the 100m descent can do so between April and September.

Also at Spinnaker Tower you can enjoy a very high tea at The Clouds, drink in the view at the Sky Bar, and enjoy the many events running throughout the year (everything from comedy shows to live appearances from kids TV favourites).

Over at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard The Big Repair continues on HMS Victory, where you get to view the intricate and expert work being undertaken to preserve the historic ship for generations to come. Not only is it a great day out for STEM learning, it also provides a new and unique view into all the hard work and effort that goes into keeping these icons of history shipshape.

That's not all, as the Worlds Beneath the Waves exhibition is ongoing at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, covering 150 years of scientific exploration. Take a deep dive into the ways the Royal Navy has helped inform deep sea exploration and research - from HMS Challenger in 1872 right through to today's discoveries.

If retail therapy is on the cards, be sure to pay Gunwharf Quays a visit. In addition to the 90+ shops (offering up to 60% off RRP) and 30+ bars and restaurants, there's a selection of events running throughout the year. Previous examples have included the Street Food Awards, Clipper Race Start and Christmas Village - so be sure to follow Gunwharf Quays to find out what's on ahead of your next trip.

To get your new year planning off to the best possible start, download the official Portsmouth Visitor Guide for 2024. It's packed with all the big news, openings and events for the year to come, as well as handy information on getting around, places to stay and even a useful street map.

Download your copy or request a printed version on our brochures and guides page.