About

The 60+ Festival returns to Portsmouth for 2024, with a whole host of events suitable for all abilities and interests.

Running from Monday 30 September to Sunday 13 October, the event offers lots to do for history buffs, with talks on D-Day, ancestry (a 'Find my Past Workshop') and the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection - Lancelyn Green Bequest.  This is just a short taste of what the festival has to offer.

Anyone 60 years and older can take advantage of a variety of activities, ranging from cooking to dance, and from Scrabble to wellbeing walks.

With lots of activities to choose from, the festival provides an exciting opportunity for anyone wanting to try something a bit different, learn new skills or meet new people. Most of the activities and events are free.

For a full list of events - featuring the location, date, time and price information - download the brochure (PDF, 3.8MB). You can also pick up physical copies of the brochure at libraries and visitor information points across the city.

Many of these events are easily reached by public transport. Please walk, cycle, scoot or use public transport wherever possible.

Events include:

Tour of Portsmouth Cathedral Bell
An opportunity to visit the bell ringing chamber and clock in the tower of Portsmouth Cathedral. See the bells, learn about the art of bell ringing, see a demonstration and hear the 150-year-old clock.

Wellbeing Walks
It is almost impossible not to feel good when walking outdoors - it’s a natural mood-booster! The great news is we don’t need to walk far or fast to feel its effects on our health and wellbeing.

Introduction to Facebook
Facebook is the most popular social network. If you don’t have a Facebook account the event organisers will help set up one for you. It can be a great way to keep in touch with people wherever they are in the world, find old friends, share pictures, and find out the latest news.

Bridge at Southsea Bridge Club
Have you ever wanted to give bridge a try? Played Bridge before but a bit rusty? There are beginners classes on Thursdays. Already a player? Duplicate sessions take place on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday and Friday afternoons. If you will need a partner then please let organisers know.

Portsmouth Pensioners’ Association, Pier to Pier Walk​​​​​​
Portsmouth Pensioners' Association welcomes anyone wanting to join and meet new people while walking between South Parade Pier and ending at Clarence Pier, followed by coffee and a chat. Please wear suitable clothing.

Watercolour painting
This watercolour taster is aimed at beginners wanting to get into watercolour painting. During this 2-hour session you will learn some simple techniques to create an effective painting. A step-by-step demonstration will be provided by an experienced tutor for you to follow along with. If you have any watercolour painting equipment please bring this with you, otherwise all materials will be provided. This is free course provided by the City of Portsmouth College. An enrolment form will need to be completed prior to arrival, these can be obtained from Southsea Library reception.

Victory Indoor Bowls
Victory Indoor Bowls and Social Club invites you and your friends to free bowls sessions (including complimentary tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits). It's your opportunity to give it a go with all equipment provided. Please wear trainers or flattish footwear. Book early for this popular event.

University of Portsmouth School of Sport, Health
Take a tour of the laboratory facilities to learn about research in extreme environments and physical activity, health and rehabilitation. The guides will demonstrate the many different types of kit that are used in research, including a special environmental chamber with a swimming flume, ultrasound, motion capture and more.

Zumba Gold
For the active older adult who loves to dance, Zumba Gold recreates the classic Zumba Class but with lower impact and intensity. Using Latin music as well as songs you know and love, it creates a class that is fun and effective - great for helping you move better, feeling stronger and more flexible, and improving balance. Go along and make new friends. Wear comfortable clothing (joggers, leggings, t shirt) supportive non-grippy trainers and bring water.

60+ Ancestry: Find my past workshop
Keen to start your family tree but not sure where to start? This workshop will give you an introduction to searching for relatives online.

Murphy Foot Care
A friendly and professional service to help with foot health care. This includes:
Cutting and filing nails
Removing corns, callus, or any hard skin
Ingrowing or thick nails
Diabetic Foot care and advice
Foot cream and rub
Home visits are also available via appointment.

The Digital Library: How to access digital books, music and newspapers
Find out how to access the fantastic range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMusic, eNewspapers and magazines that are available free of charge with your Portsmouth Library card. Please take your library card (if you are not already a member, no problem, just bring some name and address ID with you) and your device (smartphone, tablet, laptop etc). Please also ensure you know your password for downloading apps to your device. For any questions, phone 023 9268 8258.

Overlord Embroidery Talk
Join D-Day Story curator Andrew Whitmarsh to find out more about the stunning Overlord Embroidery, which is permanently housed at the museum. At 83 metres in length, the embroidery depicts the story of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in 34 hand-stitched panels.

Protecting your family’s privacy on the Internet
Online privacy is a big topic now, with more people being concerned with the amount of personal data that is being harvested by large unregulated corporations. With identity theft and social profiling being hot topics in the news over the years, more people are seeking ways to learn how to protect themselves from this threat. They want some practical steps that are easy to understand and implement, to protect their online privacy and that of their family and children.
You will see to what extent your data is being harvested and why this should concern you. In easy-to-follow steps, you will be shown how to take back control of your private information online. Learn how easy it is to use the Internet in a safe and more private way.

Veterans’ Breakfast Club
Veterans’ Breakfast Club takes place twice a month on the second and last Fridays, from 10am to 12pm at the Bradbury Centre Café Age UK Portsmouth. Spaces are limited so please ring in advance to book your place.

Assistance with fuel costs

Some pension-aged Portsmouth residents are entitled to a £200 or £300 payment from the council to replace the Winter Fuel Payment they will miss out on this year. It's open to households who receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support but are not receiving Pension Credit, so won't automatically get the government's winter payment. Find out more and register your interest for Portsmouth City Council to contact you: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-support/help-and-support/money-advice/portsmouth-older-persons-energy-payment/