The latest news from the city.

Alexandra Park in Hilsea has launched its revamped 3x3 basketball court, built with a new cage, hoops and bright surface. The post covers the launch, the £60,000 council-funded project and the Mountbatten leisure centre as another local option.

The Langstone raft race, also known as the Ship Inn Raft Race, returns on Saturday 15 August at the Ship Inn in Langstone, with an 'Age of Empires' theme, live music from Superheroes and money raised for the Spinal Injuries Association and RNLI.

Portsmouth is on the UK City of Culture 2029 longlist, with plans covering waterfront arts, community projects and a city-centre cultural quarter. The bid builds on the city’s maritime heritage, university and existing creative organisations.

Portsmouth has been longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 alongside seven other places, with the bid led by Portsmouth Creates. The post covers the council's long-term cultural vision, the ongoing Portsmouth100 centenary, and the economic and social case for the title.

A look back at Take That's Circus Live summer 2026 tour, which ran from 29 May to 4 July across 17 UK and Ireland shows. It covers the setlist, the tour's history as a reboot of the 2009 show, and the band's background.

Wicorfest 2026 returns to Portchester today, Saturday 8 August, from midday to midnight at The Wicor Mill on White Hart Lane. Tickets are £5 behind the bar, with Reggaematics, Texas Bill and Zodiac X on the bill, raising money for Rowans Hospice and Little Bags of Sunshine.

A practical guide to Empire Comics, a local comic book shop in North End, Portsmouth, offering back issues, graphic novels, supplies and subscriptions.

A guide to staycation options near Portsmouth for those skipping overseas travel, covering the Isle of Wight, Portsdown Hill, Gunwharf Quays and Hampshire day trips, plus 2026 parking and rail tips.

The Singer 2026 festival brings Jessie J and John Legend to the Portsmouth Guildhall from 28 to 30 August, with over 200 acts on the bill, a family-friendly atmosphere, Family Summer Savings tickets and a Victorious 2026 app for live lineup times.

A review of the Wickham Festival 2026, held from 30 July to 2 August near Portsmouth, with its four-stage line-up, spoken word programme, family-friendly pricing and camping, plus the festival's history and charity work.