Events in Portsmouth and Southsea
We made it through the longest and darkest month and February seems lighter as if we are sprinting towards spring and sunnier days! This month is packed to the rafters with creativity and events.
The podcast is back and you can listen every week to guests popping on. So far in February, we have Tom, Dick and Harry Fat Sarnies that have just opened on Albert Road. We also have Smoke and Mirrors who have re-opened after taking a short break and they chat about their first year as a fine dining restaurant in Old Portsmouth.
Have a look at some of the events happening locally and make sure to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the cultural things on your doorstep!
Artist Talks 20×20 – Art Space Portsmouth – 6th of February – Brougham Road – Free
Art Space Portsmouth has a series of talks with local artists and creatives and February sees Lucy Ashton, newly appointed trustee share her creative writing which explores how writing evokes empathy and imagination and investigates the power of story-telling for building and strengthening communities.
Isis Selmikaitis is a Brazilian artist who talks about her work that weaves together her cultural heritage, personal narrative, and social critique. Through her vibrant paintings, sculptures, and installations, Selmikaitis investigates themes of identity, femininity, and the human condition.
Chen Chien-Yu, a painter from Taiwan, is currently based in Portsmouth. She observes the details of the environment around her and uses it to reflect on the internal space. She collects the images of the places she’s been to, using them to overlap, integrate, destroy, and reconstruct.
Petal and Pchelka – Pop-up Event – 8th February 10am until 2pm Stay Lucky – Elm Grove – Free
Petal and Pchelka is run by Sally who is a passionate floral designer and transforms spaces with dried flowers. Her view is that the power of flowers helps to create a calming and positive environment. I love how moody and dramatic her larger installation pieces are. You can pop in and meet the artisan and grab a coffee, have a chat and buy a range of beautiful dried flowers just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Embodied Activism – Sivan Rubinstein – Aspex Gallery – Now until the 13th of April – Free
Embodied Activism takes visitors on a mesmerising journey through visceral choreography and movement provocations, engaging with critical themes such as migration and climate change. This powerful exhibition invites audiences to reflect on these global issues through immersive visual storytelling.
Slam at the Emporium – 20th of February – The Emporium Bar Southsea – Free
Pompey and in particular Southsea will set the stage for a creative Battle Royale as 12 hopeful wordsmiths compete for a coveted place at the prestigious Cheltenham Poetry Festival. ‘Slam at The Emporium,’ hosted by 2023 Slam champion Jonathan Aylett, promises to be a high-voltage evening and a must-see event for lovers of poetry.
Making Waves Film Festival – Screening of The Book Thief – 20th February – Lens Studio – Guildhall Free
This half-term neurodivergent friendly screening for young people offers a timeless story about the power of storytelling and the indomitable human spirit. Dive into The Book Thief (2013), curated by young people from Motiv8 South youth service, as part of the Making Waves Film Festival’s community cinema project. Selected for its profound literary themes and powerful story, this event also forms part of a city-wide festival celebrating literacy and literature.
Neu Waves – Bi-Weekly Music at the Deco – 6th February Onwards
Neu Waves is a celebration of new emerging artists, every other Thursday night, at The Deco in Portsmouth. A passion project born out of a desire for live music, and a bonding of kindred minds. Neu Waves is a forward-thinking, new, alternative live music/club night, celebrating and showcasing emerging artists from across the UK. Neu Waves aims to turn the tide in the local scene, and re-affirm Portsmouth as a touring destination for alternative acts “on the way up”. Costing just under a tenner for the evening means it’s a good night out for a small amount of money!
They also have a fab new Zine for sale which is only £5.
Grrls to the Front – Singing Event – 24th of February – 7pm – Wedgewood Rooms – Southsea
Save all your singing in the shower for the amazing all-singing group happening on Albert Road. This all-abilities singing group is about more than just singing, it’s about creating a safe, inclusive space where women and gender non-conforming individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered. By building a community that uplifts those who often feel excluded, this group is an engaging thing to attend once a month.
Feature Image – Charlie Hoar
