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Free fireworks kick off naval city's centenary

Toby PaineLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageGetty Images View across Portsmouth city at night. Buildings are lit up with lights whilst the sky is dark. In the foreground is the Spinnaker Tower, an iconic tall structure in the shape of a ship's sale which is illuminated blue.Getty Images
Portsmouth is celebrating 100 years since it was granted city status

A naval city in Hampshire has begun celebrations to mark its centenary.

Portsmouth was first granted city status in 1926 following a campaign by its local authority.

Branded Portsmouth100, the New Year's Day festivities started with a free seafront firework display, live drumming and the unveiling of artwork at Southsea Castle lighthouse.

More events to mark the anniversary, including exhibitions and music, will take place across the year.

News imageGetty Images Aerial view of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Several naval buildings can be seen, and two vessels - one is HMS Victory, a Getty Images
Portsmouth is an operational Royal Navy base and its Historic Dockayard is home to HMS Victory and Henry VIII's ship The Mary Rose

The event was held at Castle Field between 17:30 and 18:30 GMT, beginning with a performance by samba-reggae percussion band Batala Portsmouth, followed by the screening of a short film, celebrating the city's history, culture and communities.

A new artwork by Turner Prize-nominated artist Nathan Coley was illuminated at Southsea Castle lighthouse.

His piece, OUTWITHSIDEWAYSOMEWHEREWITH, brought the lighthouse back into use following its decommissioning in 2017.

The artist said: "As the text travels around the lighthouse, it creates a sense of movement which echoes the blinking of the original light that would have been seen out to sea when the lighthouse was a working structure."

A five-minute firework finale brought the event to a close.

News imageGetty Images The Spinnaker Tower, an iconic tall structure in the shape of a ship's sail which is painted white. In the foreground is the statue of a maritime ship's figurehead of a sailor, who has black curly hair and is wearing a blue nautical uniform.Getty Images
Completed in 2005, Portsmouth's iconic Spinnaker Tower has recently marked its 20th anniversary

Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt said the centenary offered a chance for the city to look ahead.

"Portsmouth100 is a chance for us to reflect on our proud history and look forward to an exciting future," he said.

"This launch event is just the beginning of a year filled with creativity, community, and celebration."

While the event is open to the public, the council says capacity will be limited and residents are encouraged to arrive early.

More information is available on the Portsmouth100 website.

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