As the final preparations are here to bring We Shine 2024 back to the waterfront city, I had a look at the highlights of what will be happening across the city.
Portsmouth will be transformed into a stunning showcase of illuminated art across the city. This city-wide event will see an awe-inspiring array of light and art installations from Thursday, November 21st to Saturday, November 23rd 2024. We Shine promises three nights where local, national and international artists will illuminate Portsmouth, transforming streets, parks and historic spaces across three captivating hubs–St Mary’s Church, Victoria Park and brand new for 2024–Hilsea Lido area.
Speaking to Portsmouth Creates CEO, Gemma Nichols, she said, “We are so excited to be able to bring back We Shine this year. With huge thanks to all of our partners who have made this possible. We truly believe that creativity and art should be accessible for all, and this is just one of the things that We Shine does! Wrap up warm and experience some truly magical local, national and even international pieces! We can’t wait to see you there!”
3 Days of Exciting Events
Starting Thursday evening, each installation and event is designed to engage, inspire, and celebrate the creative talents within the city and beyond. The best bit about this whole 3 days of events is that it is FREE to attend.
Hilsea Lido Hub
This year, the area around Hilsea Lido debuts as a brand-new festival hub, featuring a stunning projection by Limbic Cinema on a 25-metre water screen spanning Hilsea moat! This breathtaking installation explores the surreal beauty of artificial reefs, creating a dreamlike experience alongside additional light installations co-created with local community groups.
St Mary’s Church – Fratton
One of this year’s must-see experiences is located at St. Mary’s Church, which returns as a central festival hub featuring a brand-new, immersive projection titled ‘Once a Sea’ by acclaimed local artists Heinrich & Palmer. This specially curated projection explores St. Mary’s architecture from a perspective rooted in deep geological time, weaving archival images, time-lapse photography, and 3D laser scans.
Visitors will be mesmerised by the intricate beauty of the incredible projection as it lights up the interior of the church. Around the churchyard, visitors can also explore additional installations and participate in hands-on activities such as a 12-foot Pedal Powered Kaleidoscopic Mandala and dancing with LED Hula Hoops!
Friday evening will come alive with Fratton Together’s Lantern Parade, a community-led procession through the churchyard with stunning handmade lanterns and the rhythmic energy of the popular Drummers with their light-up drums.
Victoria Park Hub
Another family favourite is the Victoria Park Hub, which will remain open after dark for an enchanting experience with illuminated installations. Piano Walk, an impressive oversized interactive piano, created by internationally renowned Australian artists Amigo & Amigo, invites visitors to dance across an impressive oversized piano and create their own sound and light show. Fresh from Liverpool’s River of Light Festival, it’s not to be missed.
We Create Market
The very popular We Create Market at Pitt Street Skatepark will once again offer a vibrant space to shop from local makers, designers, and artists—perfect for finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
I love the new area that has been added with the ‘Young Creates’ zone, a dedicated market area spotlighting young talents from HSDC and the City of Portsmouth College, showcasing unique items crafted by emerging creatives. Note that the market opening times and dates are slightly different from the main We Shine event.
Location: Pitt Street Skatepark
Opening Hours:
Friday 22nd: 5 pm–9 pm
Saturday 23rd: 12 pm–9pm
Sunday 24th: 12 pm–5 pm
The City Coming Alive
Beyond the main festival hubs, We Shine will feature creative events throughout the city, offering everything from performance and doodle stations to nature-inspired trails and art exhibitions with a twist. In addition, Portsmouth City Council is hosting a festive Christmas Lights Switch-On each evening in Southsea, Cosham, and Commercial Road, creating an extra dash of seasonal magic for visitors.
For a seamless festival experience, visitors can access an interactive map on the We Shine website, designed to help you plan your perfect route through Portsmouth’s illuminated streets. Portsmouth Creates has teamed up once again with the team behind Victorious Festival, who are lending their industry expertise and volunteering their time to help make We Shine 2024 a success.“It’s fantastic to support more cultural events in Portsmouth,” they said.
“We’ve been working tirelessly with the Victorious team to make this year’s We Shine truly memorable,” says We Shine lead organiser Billie Ralls. “With a diverse range of installations and activities across the city, this year’s event offers something for everyone and so many opportunities to participate. We can’t wait to share this magical experience with Portsmouth. Wrap up warm and make an evening of it—it will be an unforgettable few nights!
