I love January, even for its long-winded stroll to payday. It has taken me a while to embrace this cold month in the past. I know it is easy to wallow in a sea of winter despair and cry out for the warmer months with more money in our pockets, but skipping these weeks and not looking to fun things around us means we miss out.
There are crisp walks to be had, places to go and cosy evenings to enjoy. Whatever you feel about January, look towards nature and the signs of lighter days and spring flowers to lighten the mood. If Finland folk can be the happiest of people on the planet with only a couple of hours of sunshine a day in extremely cold weather conditions, I am sure we can drum up some love for this month! Come on who is with me?
Little Forest Open Day – Sunday the 12th of January – Near North Boarhunt
A fab open day is planned and also a great opportunity to view the site if you are thinking of entering the Open Art Competition for 2025. The Art In Garden event is something you can read about here.
With 3 acres of wild meadow and woodland path to explore, it’s a great day for stepping out of Southsea!
Also, if you might be interested in joining the LFLA team who look after the site throughout the year then this gives you a chance to meet the team. There’s a lot of bramble cutting… lots of laughs and a great sense of community and friendship. Open from 10.30am until 3pm.
It will be muddy underfoot so don’t forget your wellies.
Sorry, STRICTLY NO DOGS (except guide dogs).
Originals Only – 15th of January – Southsea Spirit in association with Southsea Sound. FREE
Looking for a cosy time in the cutest bar in town? Head no further than Southsea Spirit where 6 artists will perform and share their creations with you. This is a really fun open mic night in a perfect intimate setting.
Starting at 7.30pm, this is expected to be a popular and regular event. See their socials for more details.
The whole of January – Pop up independent shop in Gunwharf Quays
Love Southsea has worked in collaboration with Gunwharf Quays to bring a pop-up shop to allow local Indies and traders a place to experiment with having a shopfront and promotion of their work.
The first pop-up is with Goly Natural and you can follow the handle on Instagram called @love_portsmouth to find out more and what other indies will be popping up there.
BSP Performer – 16th of January – Aspex Gallery – Gunwharf Quays FREE
The synesthetic artist and performer BSP will host an innovative and immersive performance at Aspex Gallery. Combining live painting, music, and storytelling, BSP will delve into themes of resilience, adaptation, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth, providing a unique sensory experience for attendees.
Be part of an immersive audience which includes live singing, painting, spoken word, music, and visual projections, conveying a potent message of environmental awareness.
Having previously exhibited her work at esteemed venues like the Venice Biennale (2019) and Tate Modern in London (2020), BSP’s current show, “Fluttering Colours”, immerses audiences in a butterfly’s perspective, tackling urgent environmental issues such as climate change and nature’s fragility.
Reserve your spot here.
Southsea Jazz Club – 30th of January – Prohibition Cocktail Club – Southsea
Why not join in some serious jazz vibes on payday weekend and for just £7.50 enjoy an evening with Southsea Groove Collective plus guests.
Leonie Gale is a soulful vocalist with a rich jazz influence. She is the voice behind the multi-million-streaming act Blame Jones and earned a gold record for her work on Eva Cassidy’s posthumous album Somewhere. Having accompanied stars like Boy George and Mo Pleasure (Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, EW&F), Leonie is now stepping into the spotlight as an artist in her own right. Currently collaborating with Average White Band’s Freddy V on her debut EP, Leonie’s captivating voice is one not to miss.
Expect a mix of Jazz Standards, Swing, Latin, Funk, Soul, Contemporary Jazz, and Neo-Soul in a cool basement speakeasy with great cocktails. Based at the corner of Clarendon Road and in the Moonshine Nightclub residence, this is a cool spot for the monthly Jazz scene. Book here.
