The festival is completely free, both indoor and outdoor and indoor installations.

The festival is completely free and tickets are not required for the majority of attractions.

Octopuses and Other Sea Creatures
Portsmouth Cathedral, High Street Old Portsmouth is a ticketed event to guarantee a place but is FREE. There will be a small percentage of walk ups available but we’d recommend booking a ticket to avoid disappointment. You can secure your free ticket – HERE. Limited availability – please book early.

Installation hours:
Thursday 17th – 5pm – 9pm
Friday 18th – 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 19th – 5pm – 9pm
Unless otherwise stated on the project page.

We Create Market hours:

Thursday 17th – 5pm – 9pm
Friday 18th – 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 19th – 10am – 9pm
Sunday 20^th – 10am-4pm

There’s no right or wrong way to explore We Shine Portsmouth! Just visit one or two installations of your choice, make a weekend of it and visit different hubs each day, or make it round them all at once – it’s up to you!

But if you are unsure, check out our suggested route maps for inspiration – HERE.

The Festival is entirely accessible to all, both the indoor and outdoor sites. All sites are wheelchair accessible.

Public toilets are accessible and can be located at:

– Guildhall Square
– University of Portsmouth – Eldon Building (accessible)
– Central Library 3rd floor (accessible)
– St. Mary’s Church, Fratton (accessible)
– Paulsgrove Community Centre – Open 17th and 18th (accessible)
– Portsmouth Cathedral (accessible)
– Alexandra park Portable Loos(accessible)
– Paulsgrove chalk pits Portable Loos (accessible)

The festival will go ahead in all weathers so wrap up warm and wear your waterproof coats if necessary for a lovely British autumnal stroll.

The weather has been wet recently, and some of the installations are on grassy areas so we recommend wellies.

Dogs are welcome to join you on your journey as you explore We Create Market and most outdoor installations at We Shine Portsmouth. However, please note Victoria Park, Central Library and the Eldon building do not allow dogs unless they are Assistance dogs.

If you are local, We Shine Portsmouth is the perfect excuse for a Winter walk, alternatively, Portsmouth is a well-connected city with lots of great public transport options.
Trains
The most central train stations to some of the We Shine Installations are Portsmouth & Southsea Station and Fratton Station.
Buses
There are plenty of bus routes around the city. To find out more visit https://www.firstbus.co.uk/portsmouth-fareham-gosport
Park & Ride
The Portsmouth Park & Ride service operates from the Tipner Interchange. Park up and catch the bus directly to the City Centre- Victoria Park. For timetables & more information please visit – https://parkandride.portsmouth.gov.uk/times.shtml
Driving
See below for information on car parking in the city.
Voi e-scooters
Voi e-scooters can be found located around the city. They are a great way to see the city.

We recommend the following car parking options for the festival. Find out which is closest to the project you are visiting.

• Clarence Street,  PO1 4AY
• Isambard Brunel Multistorey, Alec Rose Lane, PO1 2BX
• Isambard Brunel Surface, Alec Rose Lane, PO1 2BX
• The Podium, Charles Dickens Street, PO1 2AH
• All Saints, Church Street, PO1 4NB
• Guildhall Walk Carpark, Alec Rose Lane, PO1 2DX
• NCP Carpark, Marketway, PO1 4AH
• NCP Carpark, Crasswell Surface, PO1 1RS
• St Andrew’s Court, Anglesea Road, PO1 2PR
• University House Carpark, Waltham Street, PO5 4BE

Please note there will no parking available on site at St Mary’s Church or Sainsburys.

Popular pop-up market We Create Market will be making an appearance at the old Sainsbury’s near Commercial Road.
Address: The Old Sainsbury’s building- 315 Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4BS.

Dates & Times:

Thursday 17th – 5pm – 9pm
Friday 18th – 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 19th – 10am – 9pm
Sunday 20^th – 10am-4pm

The market will be the perfect place to stop by and shop local in time for Christmas!

Sainsbury’s car park will be closed for parking. However, there will be pedestrian access to the market entrance- Sainsbury’s front door via Frederick Street (opposite Cascades car park).

If you are a local talented makers, artists, designers or creators, apply to trade here – https://wecreatemarket.co.uk/apply-to-trade

We Create Market Opening Hours:

Thursday 17th – 5pm – 9pm
Friday 18th – 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 19th – 10am – 9pm
Sunday 20^th – 10am-4pm

Please spare a moment to fill in our online survey – HERE

The responses help us work towards bringing the event back next year. Thank you!