Portsmouth SENTURY Festival

The Portsmouth SENTURY Festival takes over The Bandstand, Southsea Common on Saturday 27 June, a free seaside celebration for Portsmouth's SEND community. It's put on by City of Portsmouth College in partnership with Portsmouth City Council, and it's open to families and friends for a Saturday afternoon by the sea. Just a quick heads-up: while the Council supports it and it's held at the Bandstand, it's not part of the official 'Live at the Bandstand' series.

The music is the main draw, with students from COPC SEND taking the stage alongside local artists, a DJ, and guest performers, all held together by a duo of masters of ceremonies. Between the sets, there are interactive moments and a few surprises to keep things moving. Off-stage, there's a mix of community stalls and activities: creative arts, badge making, and festival face painting, with The King's Trust there too. Express FM will be on site covering the day, so you might hear the festival on the radio while it's happening.

On the practical side, it's an alcohol-free event, and there'll be food and drink available to buy — ice creams, burgers, and hot and cold drinks. For peace of mind, there are five security officers on site, a first aid tent, and a lost children's point. If you're planning to go, it's worth getting there early: the first 100 people to show their ticket get a sensory support goody bag. Entry is free, though you'll need that ticket to claim the bag.