Festivities promise to be '˜electrifying'

The city’s annual celebration of arts and culture will be putting on more than 100 events, many of them free, during its 10-day run from Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 26.

With an overall theme for the festivities of ‘electric’, things kick off with a concert from the London Contemporary Orchestra. Other highlights include the creation of a series of artworks using sound and visuals being projected on to some of the city’s most iconic buildings, as well as numerous concerts, exhibitions, workshops, talks and much more, including The News-backed annual All About The Song competition.

Chairman of Portsmouth Festivities, James Priory said: ‘I’m excited by this year’s Portsmouth Festivities, especially our electric theme which has sparked some brilliant ideas for the programme in June.

‘We also have a brand new look this year and are hoping to see even more people attending events and getting involved.’

Festivities director Erica Smith added: ‘We have a great line-up for 2016 and with the electric theme to boot it will be a fantastic year in our history.

‘Seventeen years on, the festivities are going from strength to strength and our passion for placing great events for all in Portsmouth is only growing.

‘No year is ever the same but I think we are striking the right balance with more events than last year.’

The private launch event takes place at 1000 Lakeside in North Harbour this evening.

Ticketed events go on sale on Friday.

Discover more about the events taking place at portsmouthfestivities.co.ukn See The News tomorrow for our pick of the events at this year’s festivities.