Councillors have criticised two flagship Portsmouth100 centenary projects, saying they overlook the north of the city and risk reinforcing a perception that some areas are treated as an afterthought.
Complaints over film and Lion Trail
The city-wide programme marking 100 years since Portsmouth was granted city status includes a 12-minute promotional film and the “Pride of Portsmouth” Lion Trail, which invited residents to find 45 lion sculptures displayed around the city.
Conservative councillor Spencer Gardner, whose Drayton and Farlington ward was not allocated any sculptures, said residents were asking why some locations had multiple lions while his ward had none. He highlighted a number of potential sites he considered suitable for inclusion.
"Residents are understandably asking why some locations have multiple sculptures while our ward has none. If this is intended to be a city-wide attraction, then every part of Portsmouth should have the opportunity to participate and benefit from it,"
Gardner listed local landmarks he believes could have hosted a sculpture, including Drayton Park, the Drayton Centre, The Parade shopping area, Farlington Playing Fields, Farlington Marshes and The George on Portsdown Hill.
North of city given limited screen time, councillor says
Reform UK councillor Russell Simpson, representing Hilsea, also raised concerns about the centenary film. A 1 minute 15 second trailer is already available on the Visit Portsmouth website, while the full 12-minute version is due to premiere in September. Simpson said the longer film contains only a small amount of footage of the north.
The councillors’ complaints point to broader questions about how city-wide celebrations are planned and whether they distribute visibility and economic benefit evenly across neighbourhoods.
- Projects criticised: 12-minute promotional film; Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail
- Number of lions: 45 sculptures across the city
- Ward mentioned as having none: Drayton and Farlington
What this means locally
For residents, the row raises practical issues about access to civic events and who benefits from them. Councillors argue that placing sculptures and film focus unevenly not only affects local pride but may also influence footfall and spending in different parts of the city.
Organisers of Portsmouth100 will face pressure to explain the selection process for sites and filming locations and to demonstrate that the anniversary programme genuinely reflects Portsmouth as a whole. For now, at least two north-of-city councillors remain unsatisfied that their communities have been included proportionately.
