Portsmouth Heritage Open Days

Join Portsmouth as it showcases and celebrates its exciting range of architecture and culture during Heritage Open Days. This annual, national event co-ordinated by English Heritage, allows visitors free access to a range of properties, specially designed tours, walks, events and activities, that are not usually open or available to the public, or that would normally charge a fee. Come and explore these curious and interesting places around the city that are sometimes hidden or unknown to even the local residents.

This is your opportunity to discover the wealth of cultural treasures that Portsmouth has to offer, during one of the biggest FREE events of the year. For more information and contact details please visit www.visitportsmouth.co.uk and be sure to look at the Factsheet HERE.

Tags: Portsmouth Heritage Open Days

Southsea Under Attack

What the hell was all that noise last night? Far too loud to be fireworks and I didn’t see any colourful explosions in the skies. People have been talking about it all day. If anyone has some intelligence on this we’d love to know.

Luna Park – Ultrasauros arrives in Southsea

Now I must admit I forgot about this. Somehow. Coming soon to an area of common ground near you is the truly epic Ultrasauros. A spectacular 16 metre tall recreation of an accidental dinosaur, will graze Southsea Common. A set of giant dinosaur bones was discovered in the 1970s in the United States by Professor Jim Jensen, and was believed to be the largest dinosaur ever. However, it was later revealed that the collection of fossils came from two different dinosaur species and Ultrasauros was, in fact, a fiction. Ultrasauros is without a doubt the largest structure to of ever stood freely on the common. To my knowledge that is…

Creators Heather & Ivan Morison will also be hosting a sculptural & photographic exhibition at The Aspex Gallery. ‘An Unreachable Country. A Long Way to Go’ will explore how things may transcend their given forms to create the vehicles for humankind to journey beyond the fragile and temporal world.

There is more information on events and activities surrounding the Ultrasuros’s stay in Southsea over at www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Image : www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Image : Aspex

Tags: Luna Park, Ultrasauros

Deep South – Clarence Pier #2

James Weaver has put his latest illustration up online over at www.deepsouth-illustration.com. It’s the far side view of Clarence Pier to pair up with the last illustration of the Pier & Gift Shop and is available for £19 (A4) and £39 (A3). Head over to The Deep South Shop and grab one now. I can’t get enough of these illustrations. Definitely some of my favourite works this year.

“Clarence Pier was built in 1861, channeling steamboats over to the Isle of Wight. It was heavily bombed in World War II, and reopened in its present form with amusement arcades and funfair in 1961. A decline in interest to traditional British seaside attractions led to the Pier coming close to bankruptcy in recent times, and its days are surely numbered, although Pirate Pete’s, the legendary childrens indoor playground (social leprosy would be dead cert if any self-respecting primary schooler declined to hold their birthday party there in the late 80’s – early 90’s) is still in use, as is the Skyways rollercoaster, and one of the few remaining Wimpy bars can be found there.”

Tags: Clarence Pier, Deep South

Alien Invasion Exhibition has landed

Ever wondered how thrilling it would be to come face-to-face with a Martian? Or how about Darth Vader, or even The Predator?

Well, visitors will find out when they attend the remarkable one-off “Alien Invasion” exhibition, which brings together an army of famous – and infamous – aliens, monsters, props and costumes from some of Hollywood’s biggest sci-fi blockbusters.

26th June 2010 until mid-January 2011, at the City Museum and Records Office

Sifer Design have also been involved in creating some great vinyls in Guildhall Square to advertise the event.

Tags: Alien Invasion, City Museum, Local Events, Portsmouth

Don’t mention the war…

I trust everyone got through the blackout okay? Although we didn’t get to see the second half of Steves (Soulwax) set in LJR we did get to experience the whole town in darkness. We quickly made an exit back to our house for a candle lit supper and to grab the bikes and go for a moonlight ride down to the seafront. The photos don’t really show a lot but it was so much fun riding round in total darkness. We had lights of course! Be safe, be seen!

If anyone has any cool photos from the blackout we’d love to see them and hear any stories. Drop us an email at contact@strong-island.co.uk/a>.

Tags: Porrtsmouth Blackout

Hilsea Lido Exhibition

Hilsea Lido Pool for the People are collaborating with Portsmouth City Museum to create an exhibition to celebrate 75 years of Hilsea Lido. If you’ve got memories, photos, your granny’s old swimsuit or swimming cap or anything that you feel recreates the glamour & fun of Hilsea Lido in the past they would love to meet up with you! Exhibition organisers will be at Portsmouth City Museum on Sunday 27th June between 11am-4pm.

Tags: Hilsea Lido, Hilsea Lido Pool for the People, Portsmouth City Museum

Big Bike Ride Portsmouth 2010 on June 27th

The Royal British Legion has teamed up with Portsmouth City Council again to put the ride back on. It is happening this Sunday 27th June and will start and finish at Castle Field where there are three different routes, starting and finishing at Castle Field, catering for everyone from experienced cyclists to those who may still have their stabilisers on. It follows the success of the Round the Harbour Bike Ride, which the charity ran as part of last year’s D-Day 65 celebrations.

It’s free to sign up to but they do ask that you raise some sponsorship for the incredibly important work of The Royal British Legion and you will be sent everything you need to help you with this – fundraising tips, sponsorship forms as well the route map and details of how to get to the start.

The ride officially starts at 10.00am although you can turn up anytime between 10.00 and 12.00 to start. Everyone who signs up and raises at least £20 will receive a free t-shirt on the day. After the event there will be a super prize for the person who raises the most amount of money for the Legion. The cycling festival will continue through the day until 3.00pm.

There will also be other cycling related fun happening throughout the day with try out areas, skills testers, stunt demonstrations as well as free bike tune ups.

Get more information and register over at www.britishlegion.org.uk

Tags: Big Bike Ride

Breakin’ & Contemporary Dance live in Guildhall Square

Hot off the press another live event at Guildhall Square. Ballet and Breakdancing with BMX Bikes!

Extreme Sport, Physical Theatre, Breakin’ & Contemporary Dance live in Guildhall Square.
In association with the New Theatre Royal, Creative Campus Initiative and the Big Screen

“Kompany Malakhi continue to create their unique brand of cutting edge work with this gritty yet graceful exploration of cause and effect. It comes to Guildhall Square, Portsmouth on Friday 25 June at 12pm and 1.15pm and it is FREE for everyone!

Fusing BMX flatland, Breakin’ and contemporary dance, Kompany Malakhi premiere their latest work, Rotations, in Portsmouth ahead of a national tour.

Hailed as “powerful and enlightening” by critics, Rotations began as Project 360° in 2008 and was a great success, the new show is anticipated to be one of the most exhilarating outdoor performances witnessed this year.”

The event will also feature a short experimental film about the Portsmouth Olympian Cyclist, Clarence Kingsbury. All created with the BBC, the Big Screen and Creative Campus Initiative from the University of Portsmouth as part of the developing Portsmouth History Project.

Each performance lasts 20 minutes (12pm – 12.20pm and 1.15pm – 1.35pm) so make sure you are in Guildhall Square on Friday 25 June to catch this stunning display!

For more information please contact the box office on 023 9264 9000 or visit www.newtheatreroyal.com

Tags: Ballet, BMX, Dance, New Theatre Royal, University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth Festivities – Victorians ~ Age of Wonder

The Portsmouth Festivities is an inspiring ten day annual arts festival presenting a diverse programme of events appealing to all sectors of the community, celebrating Portsmouth’s history and heritage, and providing opportunities for the community – with a focus on young people and children – to engage with the arts. Events feature professional artists, speakers and performers of international renown; a wide ranging programme of concerts and talks; free community events; education projects; exhibitions; and a platform for local performers.

Celebrating Victorians – Age of Wonder, the 10 day programme of 70 events, features, concerts, talks, workshops and free events for all the family from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to Southsea Bandstand, the New Theatre Royal to Portsmouth Cathedral.

From Corsets to the Cosmos, Penny Farthings to Punch and Judy and from Mendelssohn to Mumbai, the 2010 Portsmouth Festivities will take you on a journey to Victorian Portsmouth and the world beyond. Inspired by the 150th anniversary of the building of HMS Warrior 1860, an 10 day programme of events will explore all aspects of Victorian life and culture, from the huge advances in industry and engineering to the opportunities for leisure and recreation.  With music from the Romantics to the music hall; discovery and exploration; science and engineering; literature and architecture, The Victorians – Age of Wonder will celebrate this extraordinary period which brought such enormous change to the face of Portsmouth.

For much more information on the whole festival please visit www.portsmouthfestivities.co.uk

Tags: Age of Wonder, Portsmouth Festivities, Victorians

Portsmouth Green Fair 2010

Portsmouth Green Fair 2010 is on Sat 17th July from  11- 4 in Portsmouth Guildhall Square and Victoria Park. The event is part of the Green Week Campaign and organised by Portsmouth Climate Action Network.

The current action packed line-up includes:

• 2 stages with 15 live bands powered by Electric Pedals bicycle generators organised by the Portsmouth coalition.
• DJ Danny Turbo.
• A bicycle powered cinema showing some of the latest eco activist films.
• Steam Boat Willy pedal powered hovercraft, where YOU can fly by pedaling.
• The Interdimensional Wizard who will show you some amazing sun powered energy machines.
• Clowns and Street entertainers doing workshops on juggling etc.
• Lodge Arts giving spray painting workshops and showcasing entries for the Big Green idea for Portsmouth
• Green motor show including vehicles which run on waste gas (Organic Power) waste oil (Veggiepower) and electric vehicles
• Healing Area including massage, reflexology,reiki etc
• Talks on permaculture, environmental gardening tips ,money saving guerrilla gardening etc.
• Portsmouth Beekeepers association where you can find out how to keep your own bees and buy some local honey.
• Art Displays and competitions from local schools
• Children’s games and activities inc building a monster using recycled materials, bouncy castles and Face painting. Also roundabouts and children’s rides. And story-tellers
• Bicycle maintenance demos + Trick bike display and skateboarders.
• Live broadcasts by Express FM and filming by Portsmouth Live
• Demos of green technology plus information and campaigning stalls
• Green Crafts inc Cob ovens and woodworking
• Pedal powered smoothie maker.
• Farmers Market for local Organic fruit and vegetables etc.
• 4 cafes selling local Organic fair-trade food and drinks including a cafe in a yurt.
• + almost 100  Stalls selling local produce, inc. clothes, eco-gifts, arts and crafts

They are currently looking for cyclists to power the generators – contact chriskennett01@hotmail.com to find out more. There are also other opportunities to get involved.

Tags: Climate Change, green, Green Fair 2010, Local Events, pcan, pedal, Pedal Power, Portsmouth

Hilsea Lido Splashpool

Portsmouth City Council have decided that Hilsea Splashpool is “life expired” & therefore they will not be opening it for the 2010 season. They are currently considering the future of this space. An option they are keen on is to demolish the splashpool and replace it with a water play park, similar to those recently constructed in Southsea. Their argument seems to be that the splashpool costs money to maintain, whilst the play park will cost much less – no need for water treatment or lifeguards.

Hilsea Lido Pool for the People have suggested that Portsmouth City Council should consult with the people who use the splashpool to find out what they want for the future of that space and have created a website to encourage everyone to join the debate. Tell them what you want – is it the traditional splashpool or a water play park? What improvements could be made to the site?

All suggestions and comments can be made at the following website:

www.hilsea-lido-splashpool.co.uk

(Photo by Mike & Kate Stillwell, click on image to see more)

Tags: Hilsea Lido

Irving & Co. Local Brewery

Seeing as Portsmouth has such a rich history for pubs and naval culture I thought i’d bring your attention to something that combines the both.  Irving & Co brewers are situated at Railway Triangle in Farlington and have their doors open for tourists as well as turning out a fine range of real ales to a huge number of pubs in and around the Portsmouth area.

Irving and Co brings the welcome return of brewing to Portsmouth and a brewery to excite the taste buds of drinkers in Hampshire, Sussex and beyond. The company aim is to produce the highest quality traditional cask beers supplying the local market within 45 miles of Portsmouth.

Malcolm Irving ably assisted by Mark Doswell bring together 29 years of combined brewing industry experience to produce beers that they thoroughly enjoy and about which they care passionately. It’s not just a job, it’s definitely not just beer, it is a way of life.

Tags: Brewery, Irving & Co.

Deep South – Clarence Pier

James Weaver has put his latest illustration up online over at www.deepsouth-illustration.com. Clarence Pier is available for £19 (A4) and £39 (A3). So nice, and the detail is amazing. A real icon from our wonderful seaside town.

“Clarence Pier was built in 1861, channeling steamboats over to the Isle of Wight. It was heavily bombed in World War II, and reopened in its present form with amusement arcades and funfair in 1961. A decline in interest to traditional British seaside attractions led to the Pier coming close to bankruptcy in recent times, and its days are surely numbered, although Pirate Pete’s, the legendary childrens indoor playground (social leprosy would be dead cert if any self-respecting primary schooler declined to hold their birthday party there in the late 80’s – early 90’s) is still in use, as is the Skyways rollercoaster, and one of the few remaining Wimpy bars can be found there.”

Hilsea Lido – Breaking News

Hilsea Lido Pool for the People have been battling away raising awareness and funds for the restoration and re-opening of the landmark and iconic Hilsea Lido for some time. Word just came through that tomorrow Hilsea Lido Pool for the People will be at Portsmouth City Council signing a 99 year lease for both Hilsea Lido and The Blue Lagoon.

Congratulations to everyone involved for the success all of their hard work has achieved!

More information about Hilsea Lido and the work done to save it can be found at their Facebook group.

Tags: Hilsea Lido, Hilsea Lido Pool for the People

Collective Summer Show – University of Portsmouth

Collective
Summer show of work for graduating students from Art, Design and Media plus Creative Technologies.
Opening Evening 4 June, 5-8pm
Open to the public Monday 7th-Friday 11th June, 10-4 daily and Saturday 12th June 10-3pm
To complement this, there will be a small exhibition of personal collections from staff in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries.
What is collection and why do we collect?
Members of staff from the Faculty reveal their collective treasures. There will be a small programme of lectures around this event.
CCi Space and Eldon Gallery are open to the public from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Access is from the Winston Churchill Avenue entrance.

I took some photos earlier of the Collect staff exhibition being installed at The University of Portsmouth.

Below a taster of BA Illustration student work.

Tags: Design, eldon, SPACE, Students, University of Portsmouth

Ride around the race track – Halfords Tour Series

On Tuesday June 1st Round 3 of the 2010 Halfords Tour Series takes place in Portsmouth and between 2pm and 3pm the public can sign up for a turn around the track. There are 4 sessions 2.00/2.15/2.30/2.45 for about 20 –30 riders each session. First come. first served…man, what a day to be at work and I’ve booked Friday off so I’ll never be able to blag it. Gutted…

This will be followed by some races organised by British Cycling and then the big race at 7pm, ending at 8.15 with the podium presentations at 8.30pm.

The 2010 Halfords Tour Series takes place across ten cities, and sees ten teams of five professional cyclists battle it out to be crowned the best team in the country. In each round of intense, fast paced and gladiatorial circuit racing, the teams compete to place their top three riders in the highest positions. The 2010 Halfords Tour Series boasts the strongest line up yet of the UK’s elite riders, competing to wear the Halfords leader jersey and to be crowned the champion team in Britain!

Riders will include Olympians Chris Newton, Rob Hayles and Ed Clancy, as well as Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Malcolm Elliot and 2008 National Criterium Champion Dean Downing.

Mick Bennett, technical director for the Halfords Tour Series, said: ‘We are extremely pleased to have Portsmouth join us as a host venue. Bringing residents and business together in an afternoon packed full of activities based around cycling, Portsmouth will help celebrate the best of British cycle racing as well as promote a healthier way of living.’

Drusilla Moody, Portsmouth City Council’s tourism and visitor services manager, said: ‘We’ve worked hard to bring this event to Portsmouth. Cycling has become more and more popular, with the success of British riders in the Olympics and a new British team in the Tour De France. And of course, more and more people are making cycling part of their lifestyle. This will give our efforts to promote cycling another boost and showcase Portsmouth to a big TV audience.’

Check out the Tour Series webiste for all the relevant information at www.tourseries.co.uk/

Tags: Halfords Tour Series

FA Cup Final 2010

Pompey finished their season with a disappointing loss in the FA Cup final against Chelsea.  Despite the result a great day was had by all that travelled up to support the team and from what I hear it was the same back in Portsmouth.  What has been labelled by some of the travelling faithful as well as the national press as ‘The Dunkirk Spirit’ just goes to show the passion of the city and it’s population.  Time for a new start next season for the Blues with hopefully a bit better fortune.

Tags: FA Cup, Portsmouth Football Club

Panoramics

I was up on Portsdown Hill the other day so took a couple of panoramic photos, one of the Southdowns and one of Portsmouth (including both harbours). Below are small sections, to see the whole images look at the original size (via All Sizes) on Flickr for the Portsmouth and Southdowns photos (the Portsmouth one is 1000px high by 13158px wide so loads of detail).

Tags: Panoramic, Portsdown Hill, Potsmouth, Solent, Southdowns

FA Cup Final

Tomorrow sees Portsmouth FC take part in their second FA Cup final in three years.  A turbulent year for the club which has been well documented has lead to something Pompey fans wouldn’t have expected to see once in their lifetime let alone twice in quick succession.  Whether you’re going to the match, heading down to Southsea common to watch the big screen, taking residence in a local pub or getting your friends and family round to watch it from home be sure to get behind the team.  Play up Pompey!

Kick off is at 3pm

Tags: FA Cup, Portsmouth Football Club