Meet the influential figures announced as patrons of Portsmouth’s UK City of Culture 2029 bid

Acclaimed figures who ‘found their voices’ in Portsmouth are backing the city’s campaign to become the UK’s City of Culture 2029.

Rooted in the spirit of inspiring the city's diverse community, the We Are Pompey campaign is celebrating its new high-profile patrons, who have strong connections to the city and will help raise the profile of the bid to see the island become the official City of Culture.

Record-breaking sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston CBE, artist Paul Stone aka My Dog Sighs, comedian and author Suzi Ruffell, Portsmouth FC legend Alan Knight MBE, yachtsman and disability sports ambassador Geoff Holt MBE DL, swimmer Katy Sexton MBE, musician Spike Edney and Mark King, lead singer of Level 42 have all been announced as Patrons of We Are Pompey 2029.

Powered by the people, stories and rich heritage, the movement is hoping to cement the city as the latest area that will receive a £10 million boost to improve its current cultural scene. The City of Culture title is awarded every four years by the UK government via the department for culture, media and sport, with Bradford the current status holder.

Gemma Nichols, chief executive officer of Portsmouth Creates, which is leading the bid, said: “Our Patrons have each achieved remarkable things in their own fields, but what unites them is their connection to Portsmouth and their belief in its future.

“They represent the pride, creativity, resilience and ambition that define our city. Their support sends a powerful message that Portsmouth is ready to step onto the national stage.

“As we prepare to submit our full UK City of Culture 2029 bid, we are incredibly grateful to have such passionate and influential advocates helping us tell Portsmouth’s story.”

At the heart of the bid is an ambition to deliver a mostly free programme of events that reaches communities across Portsmouth and enables as many people as possible to take part.

The programme would celebrate the city’s creativity, heritage and community spirit while creating new opportunities for residents, artists and young people, including those who may face barriers to cultural participation. The community will be at the forefront of the bid which will aim to use culture as a catalyst for long-term regeneration, wellbeing, opportunity and civic pride across Portsmouth and the wider region.

Meet the patrons

My Dog Sighs (Paul Stone) - International street artist based in Portsmouth

He said: "Portsmouth has always been a city full of creativity. Not just in galleries and venues, but in its streets, neighbourhoods and the people who call it home. It's a place where ideas take shape, where creativity flourishes in unexpected places, and where people aren't afraid to do things differently. That's why I'm proud to support We Are Pompey 2029.

“Over the years, I've watched Portsmouth's creative community grow in confidence and ambition. Through projects like Look Up Portsmouth and the incredible artists, makers, musicians and performers across the city, we've shown what can happen when creativity is given the space to thrive.

“Becoming UK City of Culture 2029 will shine a spotlight on those voices and give Portsmouth the platform it deserves. We're a city with remarkable stories to tell, and now is our chance to tell them to the world.”

Katy Sexton MBE - Former British Olympic and world champion swimmer

Katy was born and raised in Portsmouth and attended Springfield School before representing Great Britain in four world championships and three common wealth games.

She explained: "Portsmouth gave me my first opportunities to dream big. From training in local pools to competing on the world stage, I learned that talent can come from anywhere when people are supported, encouraged and given the opportunity to thrive.

That's why I'm proud to support We Are Pompey 2029. This bid is about much more than culture for a single year, it's about creating opportunities, inspiring ambition and helping more people believe in what they can achieve.

Portsmouth is a city full of creativity, resilience and heart. It's a place where communities come together, where people look out for one another, and where there is an unmistakable sense of pride in who we are.

Becoming UK City of Culture 2029 would shine a national spotlight on everything that makes Portsmouth special while helping to create a positive legacy for future generations. Portsmouth has shaped who I am. I would love to see the rest of the country discover that Portsmouth is a place with the talent, passion and potential to achieve great things."

Geoff Holt MBE DL - Disabled sports ambassador and yachtsman. Founder of Wetwheels Foundation.

He said: “As a Portsmouth lad, born and raised in this great city, I am immensely proud to be a Patron for Portsmouth’s UK City of Culture 2029 bid. Portsmouth’s extraordinary maritime heritage has shaped not only our city, but my own life and the creation of Wetwheels, which I founded here in Portsmouth.

Through Wetwheels, thousands of disabled people, together with their families and friends, have been able to experience and enjoy our magnificent coastline, harbour and maritime heritage, often in ways they never thought possible. For me, culture must be something everyone can experience and be part of, including disabled and disadvantaged people who are too often excluded from everyday opportunities.

Portsmouth is a diverse, resilient and wonderfully distinctive waterfront city, and this bid is our opportunity to celebrate our remarkable past while showing the country what a genuinely inclusive and ambitious City of Culture can look like.”

Suzi Ruffell - Comedian, writer and actress

Suzi said she is backing the bid because "Portsmouth gave me the confidence to find my voice.”

She continued: “Growing up here, I was lucky enough to discover opportunities through a local youth drama group that opened up a world I never imagined for myself. This experience helped shape the person I am today and ultimately led me to a career doing what I love.

“That's why I'm proud to support We Are Pompey 2029. This bid is about celebrating the people, stories and creativity that make Portsmouth such a unique place. It's about recognising that culture can inspire confidence, open doors and help people see new possibilities for themselves.

“Portsmouth is a city full of character, humour and resilience. It's a place where people from all backgrounds can find their community and be proud of who they are. Becoming UK City of Culture 2029 is an opportunity to showcase that spirit to the nation, while creating opportunities for the next generation to discover their own voice, tell their own stories and play a part in shaping Portsmouth's future."

Alan Knight MBE - Former footballer

Alan Knight MBE said the city he has spent “most of my life representing this city” and it "isn't just where I'm from, it's part of who I am.”

He said: “One thing I've always known is that in Portsmouth people stand together. We back each other, we're proud of where we come from, and we never stop believing in our city. That's why I'm proud to support We Are Pompey 2029. This bid is a chance to celebrate everything that makes Portsmouth special, our people, our stories, our creativity and our community spirit.

“We're a city with real character, shaped by resilience, hard work and a fierce sense of identity. Becoming UK City of Culture 2029 would give us the opportunity to share that story with the rest of the country and inspire future generations. Portsmouth has always punched above its weight. I believe we're ready to show the nation exactly what Pompey is all about."

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston CBE - Record-breaking sailor

Robin said: "Throughout my life, sailing has taught me the value of ambition, resilience and the confidence to set a course towards something bigger than yourself. When I became the first person to complete a non-stop solo circumnavigation of the globe, it reinforced my belief that bold ambitions are worth pursuing. Portsmouth is a city that understands those qualities better than most.

“As one of the world's great maritime cities, Portsmouth has always looked beyond the horizon. It is a place shaped by exploration, innovation and a determination to take on challenges that others might shy away from.That's why I'm proud to support We Are Pompey 2029. This is an opportunity to showcase Portsmouth's unique character, rich heritage and remarkable creativity, while demonstrating the ambition and confidence that continues to drive the city forward.

“Becoming UK City of Culture 2029 would give Portsmouth a powerful platform to share its story with the nation and beyond. We are a city with global connections, extraordinary people and a bold vision for the future. I believe Portsmouth is ready to seize this opportunity and chart an exciting course for the years ahead."

Spike Edney - musician and Queen keyboardist

Spike said he is supporting the bid because the city is “full of talent, creativity and individuality, with a commitment to the arts.”

He explained: "Music has taken me all over the world and given me the privilege of performing alongside some of the biggest bands and artists in the world. Throughout my career, I've always been proud of my Portsmouth roots and the inspiration that came from seeing legendary artists across the city, set me on me on my path. I owe a debt of gratitude to Pompey’s music loving community and the venues across the area, which were known for supporting emerging local talent.

“It's a place where people are encouraged to forge their own path, where culture is woven into everyday life and where there is no shortage of ambition or support for local talent. That's why I'm delighted to support We Are Pompey 2029. This bid is an opportunity to celebrate not only our rich heritage and unique identity but also the incredible artists, who continue to shape the city's cultural life both today and in the future.

“Becoming UK City of Culture 2029 would help shine a spotlight on our talent, inspire the next generation and show the country that Portsmouth is a city that appreciates and supports its talent and where creativity thrives."

Mark King - musician in Level 42

He said: "Portsmouth is an amazing place, home to the Royal Navy of course and the birthplace of Charles Dickens. It is also home to the Portsmouth Guildhall, where my band Level 42 has played many, many times and where I've seen so many great concerts from the 1970s right up to the present day.

“I sincerely hope Portsmouth wins the UK City of Culture 2029 title. Portsmouth needs the input. It needs the cash that it would generate. There's a lot of poverty in Portsmouth, and that needs sorting out. Good luck, Pompey."