Portsmouth people will sing the Pompey Chimes from their windows at 3pm today - this is why

Those are the rousing words of Portsmouth Football Club super fan, John Westwood, as the clock ticks on a city-wide effort to sing the Pompey Chimes at 3pm today (Saturday, March 28).

The News is calling on everyone in Portsmouth to get to a window, garden, balcony or safe space to sing the song or unite for a round of applause in a stunning show of solidarity.

The initiative was floated by Pompey’s Haji Mnoga on Twitter, but now has the backing of The News, Portsmouth International Port, the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth Guildhall, the Diocese of Portsmouth and Pompey mainstay Alan Knight.

On the prospect of Portsmouth bellowing its football club’s hallowed chant during lockdown, Mr Westwood said: ‘This would show this city’s amazing support even though there’s no football.

‘The support of this club and this city will never die – after all people went to war from Pompey – and Thursday’s clap for the NHS was a show of the support we can bring together.’

The chimes of St Mary’s Church in Fratton are set to ring for the event at 3pm as well at Portsmouth Guildhall's, after the council agreed to delay switching off the landmark's clock so it could be changed on Sunday.

Pompey’s record-breaking former goalkeeper, Alan Knight, has also pledged to sing the song from his home.

He told The News: ‘If this could be the same as the emotional clap for the NHS it would show that everyone is in this situation together.

‘And if it gets people’s morale lifting then all the better, because it looks like we’re in this for a long stint.

‘I’ll be giving it a go – that’s the Pompey spirit.’

A poster marking the tuneful gesture has also been seen by thousands of people across social media.

Andy Grays, the CEO of The Guildhall Trust, said: ‘We are proud to unite with the people of Portsmouth as the chimes of our city’s beloved Guildhall clock ring out, and add to those filling the air at 3pm on Saturday. The Guildhall Trust sends its love and support to all who are suffering in these uncertain times #PompeyChimes.’

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus in Portsmouth: latest updates as city leaders join in call for Pompey Chimes to ring, Pompey cases rise to 42, public turn out to clap NHS workers

Cementing the 170m-high landmark’s support of the cause, Tony Sammut, general manager of the Emirates Spinnaker Tower, added: ‘Portsmouth is a city of community spirit and resilience, with the community always pulling together in the most extraordinary circumstances.

‘We’re proud to be standing tall in Portsmouth and invite everyone to join in with the Pompey Chimes on Saturday at 3pm as an act of solidarity to show that the city of Portsmouth is a united one.'

Will you be joining in with the Pompey Chimes?

Tell us why and send your videos of the event to The News on Facebook, or [email protected]