IN OUR WORDS is a year-long festival of literature, literacy, and storytelling – designed to inspire, engage, and connect people of all ages.
From celebrating Portsmouth’s famous literary figures to everyday reading In Our Words will bring books, writing, and creativity to life through events, workshops, and community-driven projects.
Whether you’re a book lover, aspiring writer, or want to read more but unsure where to start this is your year to discover, learn, and share in the power of words!
Coming to an event?
Get ready for a fantastic lineup of literary experiences, from author talks and poetry slams to interactive storytelling, creative writing workshops, and family-friendly book-themed events. Whether you’re here to listen, learn, or create, there’s something for everyone!
Want to contribute?
We’re calling on writers, artists, educators, and community groups to bring fresh, bold, and creative ideas to the programme. If you have a passion for words and storytelling, this is your chance to shape Portsmouth’s literary legacy. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember! Email projects@portsmouthcreates.co.uk for more information.
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EDITING CLUB ONLINE – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Editing Club Online
Date: 5th November
Time: 19.00-20.30
Location: Online
Cost: Pay what you can.
Tackle this crucial part of the writing process.
WRITING FOR WELLBEING – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Writing for Wellbeing with SanPau
Date: 6th November
Time: 13.00-15.00
Location: Buckland United Reformed Church
Cost: £5 donation
WRITING FROM FOLKLORE AND NATURE WITH VICRORIA LESLIE – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Writing from Folklore and Nature with Victoria Leslie
Date: 14th November
Time: 14.00-16.00
Location: New Theatre Royal
Cost: £20 (free places available, contact williamgeorgesutton@gmail.com)
Tease out the mystical threads of old tales to explore the magic of writing your own folk tale.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHT LANTERN PARADE – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Festival of Light Lantern Parade
Date: 14th November
Time: 19.00-20.30
Location: Rear of Victory Business Centre, Somers Road to St Mary’s Church, Fratton.
Cost: Free.
Come to watch the parade or take part in it yourself!
SEAWORDS SCRIBBLING SOCIAL – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Seawords Scribbling Social
Date: 17th November
Time: 18.15-20.30
Location: Coffee @ The Pier
Cost: Free
Scribbling Social: Penultimate Pensmiths
WRITE TO BE HEARD – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Write to Be Heard
Date: 18th November
Time: 16.00 – 18.00
Location: Motiv8 – Unit 2 & 3 Cumberland Gate, Cumberland Road PO5 1AG
Cost: Free
No experience needed—bring your voice, your ideas, and your curiosity. Write it. Share it. Be heard.
KETTLE TALES WRITING GROUP – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Kettle Tales Writing Group
Date: 1st December
Time: 10.30-16.00
Location: Cosham Community Kettle
Cost: Free
WRITING FOR WELLBEING – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Writing for Wellbeing with SanPau
Date: 4th December
Time: 13.00-15.00
Location: Buckland United Reformed Church
Cost: £5 donation
POET LAUREATE SIMON ARMITAGE INSPIRES PORTSMOUTH PUPILS IN FREE LIVE LITERATURE EVENT – In Our Words 2025
Poet laureate Simon Armitage inspires Portsmouth pupils in free live literature event!
Poet Laureate – and Portsmouth University alumnus – Simon Armitage has brought his trademark blend of honesty, humour and insight to the New Theatre Royal stage, as part of Portsmouth Creates’ Year of Literacy, “In Our Words”.
Portsmouth “year of storytelling” sparks record-breaking summer reading challenge – IN OUR WORDS 2025
PORTSMOUTH “YEAR OF STORYTELLING” SPARKS RECORD-BREAKING SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
School children across Portsmouth are being encouraged to take part in one of the city’s biggest-ever summer reading challenges, thanks to a new initiative from Portsmouth Creates…
YEAR 5 BOOK AWARDS – IN OUR WORDS 2025
Hundreds of Year 5 pupils from across Portsmouth came together at the Kings Theatre on Wednesday 25 June to celebrate a shared love of reading at the annual Year 5 Book Awards…
MEET MAJID: A VOICE AT THE HEART OF REFUGEE WEEK
As we approach Refugee Week 2025, we invite you to be part of a city-wide celebration of resilience, community, and the transformative power of storytelling…
MEET PORTSMOUTH’S WRITERS, POETS & WORDSMITHS
MEET PORTSMOUTH’S WRITERS, POETS & WORDSMITHS
As part of In Our Words our city-wide celebration of literature, language and storytelling and through the Portsmouth Creative Directory, we’re proud to shine a light on the brilliant writers, poets and wordsmiths shaping Portsmouth’s creative voice.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY AND STAGECOACH SOUTH FOR SUPPORTING IN OUR WORDS
The invaluable support of South Western Railway and Stagecoach South, whose generous contributions ensured that children from across Portsmouth could attend the launch event…
IN OUR WORDS LAUNCHES WITH OVER 350 LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN
IN OUR WORD is a year-long festival of literature, literacy, and storytelling – launches with over 350 children at Fratton Park with famous author…
IN OUR WORDS – GET INVOLVED IN PORTSMOUTH’S 2025 YEAR OF LITERATURE
We invite artists, writers, performers, and community groups to take part in a year-long celebration of Portsmouth’s rich literary heritage and future – IN OUR WORDS…
