Is Portsmouth Guildhall Open?
Covid-19 Update: Venue closed from 19th December following Tier 3 restrictions. Check future show dates here. For the most up-to-date information visit their official website via the link above or view our list of Hampshire attractions.
About This Attraction
Portsmouth Guildhall is the primary Events and Conference Centre in the South!
With a packed entertainment programme of live music, comedy, classical, dance and family shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy within this historic and iconic venue in the heart of Portsmouth.
The Guildhall has seen some of the world’s finest music acts perform including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Status Quo and Elton John and more recently, Take That, Kelly Jones, Mumford & Sons, Chase & Status, Gorillaz, Rick Astley, Zara Larsson and Busted. Many of the icons of comedy have also performed at the Guildhall including Sarah Millican, Greg Davies, Jack Whitehall, Catherine Tate, Jimmy Carr, Micky Flanagan, Tim Minchin and Lee Mack to name just a few.
An exciting programme of annual events is also on offer including Guildhall Games Fest (Feb) a retro board and computer gaming event and Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics (May), which is the largest event of its kind in the South featuring international artists and guests and interactive fun in the form of VR experiences, robots, retro and board gaming plus cosplay, exhibitions, displays, workshops and a Comic City packed full of merch and collectables.
By day, the Guildhall offers a range of activities, groups, courses and workshops and is open for visitors to its bustling Square Kitchen Café and exhibitions which include The Portsmouth Music Experience, a free exhibition detailing the history of the Guildhall and the wider music scene in Portsmouth, and a programme of changing temporary exhibitions.
The grandeur and history of Portsmouth Guildhall is something to behold. Only the outer walls and tower of the original Guildhall survived a WWII bombing raid on the city in 1941, which was rebuilt and opened as a Concert Hall by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1959. Monthly tours offer a fascinating insight into the heritage of this elegant venue and the acts that have performed within.
Seating plan
A full seating plan for the main auditorium can be found here.
Box Office Open:
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Sunday & Bank Holidays, from 1 hour before performances.*
*We are closed on Bank Holidays if there are no performances.
Varies with each show/event – please see website.
