Located on the South Coast of England,the waterfront city of Portsmouth provides a backdrop for ten days of some of the summer's most diverse, exciting arts and cultural experiences. With a great destination and a fantastic programme, why not plan a visit to Portsmouth and Southsea during the festivities?

The theme for this year's festival is PLAY with an interactive city-wide experience, PLAY CODE CITY. Combining over 100 events in the main programme, PLAY CODE CITY, offers participants a multitude of extra FREE live performances and events. Join the game, find the happenings, and collect the codes; uncovering interactions with game characters, performers and installations in locations throughout the city.

With so many events to choose from, here's just a taste of what's on offer. Download the full programme from the website.

  • Opening Gala Concert: The Maggini Quartet featuring Peter Donohoe, 16 June 8pm to 9.45pm Performing works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, and Whitacre, the evening features Peter Donohoe, acclaimed as one of the foremost pianists of our time and the Maggini Quartet, one of the finest British string quartets who've twice nominated for Grammy Awards.
  • Everything comes from the Egg: 16- 18 and 21-25 June 11.00am–4.00pm Stephen Turner's Exbury Egg was created on the Exbury Estate as a studio/home/resource for the artist. The wooden structure will be at Gunwharf Quays' Quayside Canal and the accompanying exhibition detailing Turner's journey will be on display at Aspex Gallery.
  • Playing Live on Albert Road: A guided walking tour, 17 June 7pm-9.15pm. A guided walk like no other, taking in the sounds of Southsea through performances by local musicians in unusual Albert Road venues, starting at the Kings Theatre.
  • Hotwalls Studios: Open Studios 17-18 and 24 - 25 June 10.00am–4.00pm Artists and designer-makers work together in an exceptional heritage location, to start and grow their creative venture. The Open Studios event is a great opportunity to view the work of each studio and meet the designer-makers and artists.