In this short month, we could look forward to Spring and longer days but we would miss out on some amazing events, exhibitions and things to do!
I love this month as we have settled into the new year, we have got in a kind of rhythm and we know that if we look into nature, we can see bulbs growing. The sunshine feels like a sweet bonus and allows for nice walks and stop-offs at places to eat.
February is broken up by half-term, so check out the half-term ideas here to help you gather some lovely memories with your family if you manage time off that week!
Below are some ideas of what’s on this month that I am looking forward to doing. See if anything takes your fancy.
10th Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival – February – Southsea Cinema
Amazingly, this festival has been celebrated in the city for a decade now. Southsea Cinema will be hosting this festival down at the Cinema and Arts Centre on Palmerston Road.
The LGBTQ+ Festival will incorporate a series of films, talks and panels that will inspire, entertain and provide networking opportunities for our community and the local area. This year’s festival is supported by the University of Portsmouth’s Equality Diversity & Inclusion team, British Film Industry Film Audience Network, Portsmouth Pride and Talking Change.
Along with lots of talks, events and films, my favourite event, George Michael: Portrait of an Artist is a tribute night which will include his songs before and after the film. Starting at 6pm on Saturday the 10th of February, this evening promises to live up to the late musician’s life, fun, energetic and worth going out for!!
Feast Exhibition – Samo – 8th February until the 17th February – The Corner Collective
An exhibition is heading to Albert Road by international artist Mister Samo. He brings a new collection of work to the Corner Collective and a first show in three years. Any fans of local street art will remember Samo working his magic at Playdead Studio, so it is super cool for him to embrace the corner on Albert Road. He brings an exciting show which promises to be an ‘experience’ according to the artist. Having spent time selling some of his art pieces at the Corner Collective gallery over the last year, this feels like a natural transition to having a wide selection of his work over a week.
The Boys In The Boat – 9th February – No.6 Cinema
The Boys in the Boat is a sports drama based on the number 1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction book written by Daniel James Brown. The film, directed by George Clooney, is about the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world.
Hip Hop Bingo – Friday 9th February – Staggeringly Good Beer
This popular event is back and as much fun as ever! Out of the bingo halls and onto the street! Bingo gets a remix in this hip hop, comedy show mash-up.
Hosted by potty-mouthed pensioner Grandma Flash and her 87-year-old DJ & lover, Hip Hop Bingo is a non-stop megamix of bingo, beats and more bling than you can throw a zimmer frame at.
For £11 a ticket, it’s worth a fun night out.
Self Love Revolution Workshop – 10th February – Court X Eastern Parade
Join Yoga With Alex for an empowering and transformative workshop dedicated to cultivating self-love. Expand your sense of self and spiritual connection, and you’ll learn how to deepen your connection to your emotions and emotional body. Discover and explore just how amazing you are! This is an in-person event.
Treat yourself to a morning of celebrating and loving yourself unconditionally with the wisdom of yoga. There will be a focus on intentional breathing, singing, dancing and meditation where you will leave feeling nourished. What’s not to love?
Henosis – 1st February onwards – Aspex Gallery Gunwharf Quays
Aspex Portsmouth presents Henosis 2.040, a new showcase of artworks created by City of Portsmouth College students inspired by the compelling works of Melanie Jackson.
Inspired by the various works and exhibitions of Melanie Jackson, Henosis 2.040 originates from the responses students from the City of Portsmouth College (COPC) made about the artist’s practice.
Love Is In The Air – 14th February – Spinnaker Tower
For the romantics out there, the beautiful setting at the top of the tower is a great way to spend time with your loved one. Join the team for a romantic evening 105 metres above the ground at the Sky Bar. For £100 per couple, immerse yourselves in an enchanting atmosphere that combines love, live music, and stunning panoramic views as well as a delicious high tea. You also get to sip on a complimentary cocktail each. From 8pm until midnight!
Pompey Poetry Open Mic -14th February – Hunter Gatherer
Why not do something different this Valentine’s night and head to a local independent for a Poetry Open Mic night with Atilla the Stockbroker. Kicking off at 7pm, the punk poet will perform poetry based on his love of football. Who said football wasn’t romantic?
Portsmouth Bookfest 2024 Across Various Sites throughout February
Portsmouth BookFest returns for 2024, with a host of literary events taking place across the city – featuring interactive events, workshops and appearances from top names in the literary world.
The adult programme will see Dame Sheila Hancock and poet John Agard welcomed to Portsmouth BookFest for the first time. Dame Sheila Hancock and John Agard will be guests here in the city. There will be a wide range of talks and workshops. Check out the website to see all events this month.
The Portsmouth Cathedral has collaborated with The Jack House Gallery to exhibit the works of local artist Garrick Palmer. This group of Lazarus-themed artworks have been generously loaned from private collections including one from the Towner Eastbourne, and also from the Estate of Garrick Palmer, Garrick’s daughters Sarah, Emma and Vicky.
This exhibition in the Cathedral was a project very dear to Garrick Palmer’s heart and much discussed before he sadly died in July 2023.
There will be a number of events hosted by Portsmouth Cathedral for this event.
Sip and Spirit Night – 23rd February – Croxtons
It’s always a fun night at Croxton’s but the Sip and Spirit night is a fundraiser with brownies and beer as a pairing! With great craft beer from MakeMake, Mash Gang, BrewDog (and more), Live music from Hometown Show and a huge raffle with unbelievable prizes (being announced this week) it’s a great way to support @matthewmakescontent raise some money pre-London Marathon for a great cause (The Samaritans). Tickets are just £5 for this event.
