Attractions > Portsmouth Guildhall

Portsmouth Guildhall

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Is Portsmouth Guildhall Open?

Covid-19 Update: Show cancellations. 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.

Opening times

 

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.

Admission price

 

Varies with each show/event – please see website.

Why should I visit?

    • A packed programme of live entertainment with something for everyone! Music, Comedy, Classical, Dance & Family.
    • Portsmouth Comic Con – the largest event of its kind in the South.
    • Take a guided tour for a fascinating insight into the magnificent building’s heritage and artists that have performed there.
    • Explore the venue’s free exhibitions including the Portsmouth Music Experience to discover the city’s music scene over the years.
    • Enjoy the best pizza, salad bar, waffles and cake at the venue’s Square Kitchen eatery.

Facilities

Assistance dogs allowed
Baby changing facilities
Cafe
Disabled access
Hearing loop / hearing aids available on request
Suitable for ages 12 and above
Suitable for ages 3 and above
Suitable for ages 5 and above
Suitable for ages 8 and above
Tour Guide – we require booking for this facility
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Next event

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Voucher / Offer

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Where to find us

Address

Portsmouth Guildhall
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 2AB

Tel:

023 9387 0200

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

http://www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/

Find us online

By Car

There is easy access into Portsmouth on the M275 from Junction 12 of the M27, with links to the M3 and A3 connecting the city with Southampton, Chichester, London and beyond. Car parks nearby. There is a Park & Ride service situated at a purpose built location on the M275 entrance to Portsmouth.

By train

Just a couple of minutes walk from Portsmouth & Southsea Train Station with frequent services operating from London Waterloo, Southampton and Brighton.

By bus

Local and regional bus services stop at Commercial Road City Centre which is a 5 minute walk from Portsmouth Guildhall. National coach services will stop at The Hard Interchange, a 15 minute walk or short taxi ride away.

Kids activities

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  • There are a great range of shows suitable for families throughout the year.
  • Portsmouth Comic Con – the largest event of its kind in the South
  • Guildhall Games Fest and Clocktower Classics Car & Family Fun Day are the perfect day out for families.
  • Portsmouth Guildhall has a fab programme of workshops and activities for children.
  • Enjoy the best pizza, salad bar, waffles and cake at the venue’s Square Kitchen eatery.