We Shine Portsmouth dazzles visitors as it celebrates its 10th year anniversary

We Shine has once again returned to the waterfront city, celebrating its 10th year anniversary, with a free three-day art and light festival.

After a break in 2023 due to a lack of funding, Portsmouth’s art council was pleased to announce that the festival would welcome another year of fun-filled activities to Hampshire’s families.

‘Portsmouth creates’ CEO Gemma Nichols said,

“We are so excited to be able to bring back We Shine this year, with huge thanks to all of our partners who have made this possible.”

We Shine took place on November 21, 22 and 23 from 5pm to 9pm with interactive light-based artworks created by both local and international artists across three hubs – Victoria Park, St Mary’s Church and Hilsea Lido.

The city-wide event saw parks, streets and historic spaces transformed with dazzling installations and geological projections, completed with a community-led Lantern parade and the pulsating beats of Fratton’s batala samba drummers.

Highlights included ‘Once a Sea’ a large scale sound, light and projection installation inside St Mary’s Church, an immersive piano at Victoria Park, and a light installation across Hilsea Moat.

Amidst the festival, local makers, designers and artists came together for We Shine’s ‘We Create Market’ to offer a vibrant space for the community to shop for the perfect seasonal gift.

The festival also dedicated a market area which highlighted young talent of students from Portsmouth College, where they showcased unique items crafted by upcoming creators.