Portsmouth Markets unveil new look and events programme

Portsmouth City Council has announced the relaunch of Portsmouth Markets, unveiling a bold identity and a new programme of events designed to celebrate the city’s creativity, culture and community.

The markets in Commercial Road, Cosham High Street and Southsea have been revitalised with a new look and an exciting calendar of activity rolling out over the year. Residents and visitors can look forward to new regular hot food market, a performance stage, Spark‑it’s family doodle‑fun activities, pop‑up speciality and seasonal markets, and a major new exhibition Portsmouth 100: Your Museum, Your Stories, Your City.

A number of new and returning events will anchor the programme this year:

• Foodie Fridays – a new hot food market launching monthly in the city centre from March.
• South East Surrey Farmers Market – running monthly every third Sunday in Southsea’s Palmerston Road.
• Love Southsea Market – continuing monthly on the first and third weekend with the addition of a brand‑new performance stage celebrating local talent.
• Spark‑it’s Doodle Fun – delivered by local creative company Seekers Create, popping up across Portsmouth Markets throughout the year.
• Cosham Market expansion – enhanced power supply enabling larger markets and more special events.
• Portsmouth 100: Your Museum, Your Stories, Your City - the story of the markets will be featured in this new exhibition and hosted by Portsmouth Markets in Commercial Road
• Speciality markets – including the return of last year’s vegan market in Southsea, plus planned trials of Vintage and Sports markets in the city centre.
• Major annual events – Southsea Food Festival and the Portsmouth Christmas Market will also return.

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibilities for economic development said:
“Our markets play a vital role in supporting local businesses, driving economic growth and bringing energy to our high streets. Strengthening our markets strengthens our local economy, and this relaunch demonstrates our commitment to helping independent businesses thrive while creating vibrant, welcoming spaces for our communities.”

Proudly Portsmouth, the redesign has been shaped with local traders to reflect the city’s character and entrepreneurial spirit. The relaunch is central to the council’s aim to boost high streets, increase footfall and support local business growth.
For updates on events, traders and visiting times, visit rediscoverportsmouth.co.uk/portsmouth-markets

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