Residents in Portsmouth are invited to share their personal stories about the city’s literary history and local authors at a community event held at Central Library on Wednesday 29 April 2026. The free, drop-in session takes place from 2pm to 5pm as part of the ongoing Portsmouth100 celebrations, which mark 100 years since the city was officially granted city status.
Visitors can meet researcher and artist November Tan at a traveling collection booth. Those who attend can share their own memories and tales regarding local literary figures and places. These collected stories will eventually be incorporated into a lion sculpture designed by Tan for the Pride of Portsmouth, an art trail featuring dozens of unique lion sculptures that will be displayed across the city throughout the summer of 2026.
The event also offers the public an opportunity to learn more about the city’s rich writing heritage through displays and guided visits to the writers room at the Portsmouth History Centre. Located on the second floor of the library, the centre holds a significant collection of 1,500 books featuring works by authors with local connections, including Charles Dickens, Neil Gaiman, and Michelle Magorian.
This initiative is part of the library’s local heritage storytelling project organised by Portsmouth City Council. In addition to the storytelling project, the council is also searching for a new Poet Laureate for 2026-2028 to further celebrate the centenary year. More information regarding these events and heritage projects is available through the local library service.
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