BSO Brings Iconic Film Scores to Portsmouth Guildhall

Portsmouth's Guildhall Square has just wrapped up a massive weekend of live music, celebrating the city's centenary of city status with two huge open-air performances by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. On Friday, 17 July 2026, the square was filled with the dramatic sounds of 'The Best of Williams & Zimmer', where conductor Pete Harrison led the full orchestra through legendary film scores. Movie fans heard iconic themes from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Gladiator, and Interstellar. The symphonic energy continued on Saturday, 18 July 2026, with 'Smash Hits – The 80s', a 2.5-hour outdoor concert featuring orchestral versions of classic tracks by artists like Madonna, David Bowie, and Toto, brought to life by vocalists Emma Kershaw, Katie Birtill, Oliver Tompsett, and Patrick Smyth.

These summer concerts have become a major fixture for local music lovers, drawing over 2,500 people last year. Organised by The Guildhall Trust in partnership with the BSO and supported by Portsmouth City Council, the events offer a relaxed festival atmosphere right in the heart of the city. Attendees set up their own spots with camping chairs, deck chairs, and picnic blankets. While external alcoholic drinks weren't permitted, people were able to bring their own food and soft drinks in sealed plastic bottles or cans to enjoy during the performances.

For those looking to upgrade their experience, the events offered special VIP hospitality packages. The Gold package, priced at £25 per person, included early entry, access to a private bar, lounge, and toilets, alongside a pre-show cream tea with prosecco, and interval refreshments. The Silver package offered similar private lounge access with a glass of prosecco and nibbles for £18. Standard tickets for the concerts were priced at £30, with Super Early Bird tickets having been available for £20 before prices rose in November. Discounted parking was also made available online and at the box office to help simplify travel logistics for attendees.