The Pride of Portsmouth

The Pride has arrived!

Get ready to roar with excitement as The Pride of Portsmouth takes over the city in a spectacular celebration of creativity, community, and culture! As part of the Portsmouth 100 centenary celebrations, we’re thrilled to partner with Wild in Art to bring you an unforgettable public art trail.

For over eight roaring weeks next year, Portsmouth will come alive with a pride of lion sculptures, each uniquely designed by talented artists and inspired by the spirit of our vibrant city. Whether you're a local or a visitor, young or young at heart, this trail promises discovery, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun.

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of Portsmouth’s rich heritage with art that’s bold, beautiful, and bursting with pride.

Trail map

Ready to track down every lion? A digital trail map will be available for you to plan your adventure. Physical versions will also be made available across local libraries for £1 each — but here’s a roar-some tip: show your library or leisure card and you’ll get one for free! Don't have a library card? You can sign up for free! It’s the perfect way to join the pride and support your local library at the same time.

Apply to be an artist

Are you a local artist with a passion for Portsmouth? This is your chance to be part of something truly special!

We’ll be inviting talented creatives from across the city (and surrounding areas) to help bring The Pride of Portsmouth to life by transforming our lion sculptures into works of art. Each lion will be a unique celebration of Portsmouth’s people, history, culture, and creativity — seen through your eyes.

What we’re looking for:
• Artists of all backgrounds and disciplines—whether you’re a painter, illustrator, street artist, or designer.
• Creative concepts that reflect the spirit, stories, and soul of Portsmouth.
• Designs that are bold, vibrant, and family-friendly.

What you'll get:
• A lion sculpture as your canvas.
• Promotion across the trail, website, and social media.
• The chance to be part of a high-profile public art event that celebrates 100 years of Portsmouth.

How to apply

We will be accepting applications through an online form - check back here for details over the coming weeks and months.

Let your creativity roar and help make this trail unforgettable!

Sponsors

Roar with us – become a sponsor!

We’re on the lookout for proud partners to join The Pride of Portsmouth! Each lion sculpture on our vibrant art trail will be sponsored by a local business or organisation and brought to life by talented Portsmouth artists.

This is your chance to be part of something truly special and will celebrate our city’s creativity, boosting your brand visibility, and supporting the community in a bold and unforgettable way.

Interested in sponsoring a lion? Contact us at portsmouth100@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. We will also be publishing a sponsorship brochure with more details very soon — check back for details.

Let’s make Portsmouth roar — together!

Auction

Give a Lion a forever home!

Could one of our magnificent lions become part of your pride?

Join us for The Pride of Portsmouth auction once the trail has concluded, where these stunning sculptures will find their forever homes. The evening event will be a celebration of art, community, and creativity.

Tickets will include:
• Your official bidding paddle
• An exclusive auction brochure
• Delicious canapés
• A sparkling glass of fizz on arrival

Don’t miss your chance to own a one-of-a-kind lion and support a host of local charitable organisations.