Portsmouth's annual free fireworks display over Southsea Common, set to music spanning the last century and followed by a night market and funfair for Portsmouth100.
Portsmouth's annual fireworks display returns to Southsea Common on Wednesday 4 November, and this year it's tied into something a bit bigger than usual. The display is part of Portsmouth100, a year-long programme of more than 50 events, activities and projects marking the centenary of Portsmouth becoming a city in 1926. The fireworks lean into that anniversary: they're set to music spanning the last century, so the soundtrack follows the same hundred-year arc as the city's status.
It's not just the display itself. The evening rounds out with a night market and a funfair, and there's live music at the Bandstand stage, promoted by Casemates, with Batala Portsmouth and street performers including stilt walkers and hula hoopers. The whole thing is organised by Portsmouth City Council, and council leader Cllr Steve Pitt describes it as one of the city's most popular events.
If you're bringing kids or anyone who gets overwhelmed by crowds and noise, there's a fair bit of support on site. Toilets, first aid, and a visitor information point are standard, but there's also a welfare tent with a lost child point, lost and found, ear defenders and a quiet seating area. It's worth keeping in mind if you're planning a family trip.
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One practical note: no additional park-and-ride service is running for this one, so public transport is the way to go. The site opens at 4pm, and the fireworks display finishes by 8pm, and entry is free.
