Event Info
Saturday Weather Update: Unfortunately, heavy rain and high winds are expected today, so all of the outdoor installations won’t be able to go ahead. But don’t worry – we’ve still got some fantastic FREE indoor events you can enjoy!
🛍️ We Create Market at Pitt Street Skatepark
⛪️Once a Sea at St Mary’s Church
🍃Rituals for Earthly Survival at Treadgolds (free but booking recommended)
📚Magical Storytelling and The Imagination of Sherlock at the Central Library
🖋️Mud & Ink Exhibition at the Corner Collective
🌊High Spring Tide at Fratton Together Pantry
⛸️Portsmouth on Ice at the Guildhall
✨ Portsmouth Christmas Lights Switch on event – now inside Cascades
👉 Check out what’s open today in more detail HERE
The festival is completely free, both indoor and outdoor and indoor installations.
The festival is completely free and tickets are not required for the majority of attractions.
Installation hours:
Thursday 21st – 5pm – 9pm
Friday 22nd – 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 23rd – 5pm – 9pm
Unless otherwise stated on the project page.
We Create Market hours:
Friday 22nd – 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 23rd – 12noon – 9pm
Sunday 24th – 12noon – 5pm
We’ve divided We Shine into zones so you can see what attractions are near each other. Enjoy!
The Festival is entirely accessible to all, both the indoor and outdoor sites. All sites are wheelchair accessible.
Public toilets are accessible and can be located at all 3 hubs.
Victoria Park
St Mary’s Church
Hilsea Splash Park
The festival will go ahead in all weathers so wrap up warm and wear your waterproof coats if necessary for a lovely British autumnal stroll.
Some of the installations are on grassy areas.
Dogs are welcome to join you on your journey as you explore We Create Market and most of the outdoor installations at We Shine Portsmouth. However, please note Victoria Park do not allow dogs, unless they are Assistance dogs.
If you are local, We Shine Portsmouth is the perfect excuse for a Winter walk, alternatively, Portsmouth is a well-connected city with lots of great public transport options.
Trains
The most central train stations to some of the We Shine Installations are Portsmouth & Southsea Station, Fratton Station, Cosham Station.
Buses
There are plenty of bus routes around the city. To find out more visit https://www.firstbus.co.uk/portsmouth-fareham-gosport
Park & Ride
The Portsmouth Park & Ride service operates from the Tipner Interchange. Park up and catch the bus directly to the City Centre- Victoria Park. For timetables & more information please visit – https://parkandride.portsmouth.gov.uk/times.shtml
Driving
See below for information on car parking in the city.
Voi e-scooters
Voi e-scooters can be found located around the city. They are a great way to see the city.
We recommend the following car parking options for the festival. Find out which is closest to the project you are visiting.
- Clarence Street, PO1 4AY
- Isambard Brunel Multistorey, Alec Rose Lane, PO1 2BX
- Isambard Brunel Surface, Alec Rose Lane, PO1 2BX
- The Podium, Charles Dickens Street, PO1 2AH
- All Saints, Church Street, PO1 4NB
- Guildhall Walk Carpark, Alec Rose Lane, PO1 2DX
- NCP Carpark, Marketway, PO1 4AH
- NCP Carpark, Crasswell Surface, PO1 1RS
- St Andrew’s Court, Anglesea Road, PO1 2PR
King George V Playing Fields Car Park, PO6 3TE (10 mins walk to Hilsea Lido)
Mountbatten Centre Car Park, PO2 9QA (22 mins walk to Hilsea Lido) - University House Carpark, Waltham Street, PO5 4BE
Please note there will no parking available on site at St Mary’s Church or the We Create Market at Pitt Street Skatepark.
Popular pop-up market We Create Market will be making an appearance at the old Sainsbury’s near Commercial Road.
Address: The Old Sainsbury’s building- 315 Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4BS.
Dates & Times:
Friday 22nd – 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 23rd – 12noon – 9pm
Sunday 24th – 12noon – 5pm
The market will be the perfect place to stop by and shop local in time for Christmas!
There will be pedestrian access to the market entrance – via Frederick Street (opposite Cascades car park).
If you are a local talented makers, artists, designers or creators, apply to trade here.
We Shine Portsmouth is presented & organised by Portsmouth Creates, with the help of the Victorious Festival and the support of Portsmouth City Council.
Lots of other amazing partners and sponsors also help bring the event to life. You can see the full list of Partners here, and delivery partners here.
The event is entirely free and not-for-profit. The event helps support and develop local creatives & brings together different communities. It aims to provide a fun and memorable event for the people of Portsmouth and improve the well-being and aspirations of both the creative participants and the attendees.
Victorious Festival not only provides funding for the event, but its staff donate their time to work on the event during the winter months.
By entering the event, you consent to being photographed or filmed by Portsmouth Creates and We Shine for their media use. This may include use in promotional materials, social media posts, and their websites.
If you do not wish to be included, please inform a staff member or the photographer upon arrival at the event or alternatively email info@portsmouthcreates.co.uk
Thank you for your understanding!
Founding Partners
Official Accommodation Provider
Community Partners
Shining Stars
