November kicks off with the Southsea Common Fireworks and I can’t wait for the sky to light up the city. This last month of autumn is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the mild weather before we see the dark, cold days arrive. See what I am loving this month and if anything takes your fancy.
Southsea Common Fireworks Display – 5th of November – Southsea
This amazing display is back for a second year on the common.
The site opens at 4pm, with stalls and entertainment for the whole family. Then, the big event itself is scheduled to take place from 7pm.
A variety of hot food and refreshments will be available on site – with burgers, loaded fries, hog roast, gyros, sweets, hot drinks and toasted marshmallow pits just some of what visitors can expect.
On-site facilities will include toilets, first aid, a visitor information point and a separate welfare tent including a lost child point, lost and found, ear defenders, and seating space for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
Please allow extra time to get to the event. The display starts at 7pm and will finish at 7.20pm.
Recovery Festival – 13th to the 16th November – All across the city – and Southsea Cinema
Portsmouth Film Society’s Recovery Festival is back for its sixth year, bringing with it four days of exciting programming.
The Recovery Festival takes place from Wednesday 13 to Sunday 16 November, at various locations throughout Portsmouth. It features a diverse range of events, workshops, film premieres and celebrations, all showcasing the power of creativity and community in the recovery journey.
A highlight of this year’s festival is the ‘I Am Only Human’ course, where individuals in recovery learn the art of filmmaking to share their stories. It culminates in a trip to the renowned Pinewood Studios in London, offering participants a unique opportunity to connect with the film industry.
The festival also includes a photography exhibition at the Southsea Cinema with Steve Mead called the Man Mead Assembly.
Holmes Fest – 20th to 21st November – Groundlings Theatre
Join local author Matt Wingett and friends on a joyful Victorian Music-Hall-like celebration of the life and times of Portsmouth’s world-renowned author Arthur Conan Doyle – who created Sherlock Holmes while he lived in Southsea!
Actors, musicians, writers and Doyle fans present sketches, stories, poems and songs in a night of fun and surprises.
Mud and Ink Exhibition – 21st to the 24th of November – The Corner Collective Gallery
Southsea Mudlark and Colin Merrin have been working hard to collaborate on a new show that is set to wow the audience. Both artisans are well acclaimed and it will be exciting to see how the ceramicist and artist produce new pieces.
I loved Southsea Mudlark’s recent collaboration with Roo Abrook, so I am excited to see the final results here.
The exhibition is part of the Portsmouth Creates, We Shine 2024 event.
We Shine Portsmouth Creates Event – across the city – 21st to 23rd of November
From November 21st to 23rd the FREE art and light festival will once again see Portsmouth dazzle with stunning installations like ‘Once A Sea’ by Heinrich & Palmer at St Mary’s Church, the enchanting ‘Piano Walk’ by the world-renowned Amigo Amigo at Victoria Park, and ‘Forged in Water’ by Limbic Cinema at Hilsea Moat!
There will also be the dazzling We Create Market at Pitt Street Skatepark and don’t miss Fratton Together’s magical lantern parade lighting up the Friday night!
