First 'Pompey people' named as Portsmouth takes a next exciting step in city of culture bid

Portsmouth’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 has taken another exciting step forward with the announcement of the first group of ‘Pompey People’.

Six local champions who embody the spirit, creativity and diversity of the city have been named to help tell Portsmouth’s story through their voices, experiences and networks, celebrating what makes the city unique.

It is hoped this will help to get other people behind the bid which has seen Portsmouth long-listed for the prestigious title.

The first Pompey People are:

• Clare Martin MBE, CEO of Pompey in the Community
• Nathaniel “Natty” Crutchfield, founder of Natty’s Jerk award-winning Caribbean restaurant chain and champion for community.
• Becki Simmons, founder of SPARK Community Space in Fratton
• Clair Martin and Steve Baker, artists and founders of Seekers Create
• Terence Carvalho, a Portsmouth Ambassador for Shaping Portsmouth, known as The Pompey TikToker, and a trustee of The Literacy Hub

Clare Martin said: “Portsmouth is a city with an incredible sense of identity and belonging. Through Pompey in the Community, I see every day the difference that culture, sport and community connections can make to people.

“I’m proud to support the We Are Pompey 2029 bid because it is about celebrating our city’s strengths, creating opportunities for future generations and showing the rest of the country the talent, kindness and ambition that exists in every corner of Portsmouth. This is a chance for all of us to tell our story.”

As previously reported by The News, Portsmouth is bidding to become UK City of Culture 2029 under the banner We Are Pompey 2029. The bid is community-led and aims to use culture as a catalyst for long-term regeneration, wellbeing, opportunity and civic pride across Portsmouth and the wider region.

Portsmouth is one of nine places currently on the longlist, with the full bid due to be submitted in August. Organisers of the bid said these community voices formed the core campaign, with the shortlisted cities set to be unveiled in the autumn.

Gemma Nichols, CEO of We Are Pompey 2029, said: “Pompey People are at the heart of our bid. They are the storytellers, champions and changemakers who show the world what Portsmouth is really about.

“Each of these individuals represents the passion, creativity, resilience and community spirit that makes our city special. Their voices will help us build pride, inspire others to get involved and demonstrate that this is a bid shaped by and for the people of Portsmouth.

“We are delighted to welcome our first Pompey People and look forward to introducing many more over the coming weeks.”

The bid is led by Portsmouth Creates, supported by Portsmouth City Council and a wide range of community partners.

The We Are Pompey 2029 campaign is built around a simple idea: that culture can improve everyday life, strengthen communities and help shape a brighter future for Portsmouth. By celebrating local people and their contributions to the city, Pompey People will play a key role in sharing that message and encouraging residents to become part of the journey.

Further Pompey People will be announced over the coming weeks as the city continues to build support for its UK City of Culture 2029 bid.

To find out more and back Portsmouth’s bid, visit wearepompey2029.co.uk