SouthseaScene

This year's BookFest- run by Portsmouth City Council Library Service in partnership with The Hayling Island Bookshop- offers a packed programme of events with something for everyone. The Festival runs from Monday 17 February- Sunday 8 March and highlights include: Harry Potter parties for children at Alderman Lacey and Carnegie Libraries during half-term Children's author and illustrator Tracey Corderoy at Beddow and Paulsgrove Libraries on Friday 21 February Children's illustrator Neal Layton at North End and Southsea Libraries on Saturday 22 February Scientist and writer Professor Jim Al-Khalili talking about his first novel Sunfall on Friday 21 February 7pm. Former hairdresser to The Beatles Leslie Cavendish talks about his life and book - The Cutting Edge - on Saturday 22 February Designer of iconic film posters Graham Humphreys on Tuesday 25 February Music journalist and presenter David Hepworth on Thursday 27 February Portsmouth MysteryFest with authors L.C...

Portsmouth's annual fireworks display at King George V playing fields will take place on Wednesday 6 November. The children's funfair opens at 4pm and the bonfire will be lit at 7pm. The fireworks display will start at 7:30pm following the countdown from Deputy Lord Mayor of Portsmouth. This year's display has been supplied by Pains Fireworks and there's also stalls selling hot food & refreshments. Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development said: "The fireworks display is always popular and attracts lots of people from across the city so get there early to enjoy the spectacular display." Visitors are asked not to bring their own fireworks or sparklers to the display for health and safety reasons. Travel: Car parking will be available at Lakeside for £2 which will be donated to the Rotary Clubs of Southsea Castle, Portsmouth and Southsea and Rotaract. Please avoid crossing Western Road which is a h...

Signage has been unveiled at Landport playpark asking people not to smoke or vape there. This is the first park in Portsmouth to go smoke free. This move follows consultation with visitors at the playpark, which saw 94% in favour of the park being smoke free. This support was shared by both smokers and non-smokers. Children at nearby St John's Cathedral Catholic Primary School took part in a competition to design signage for the park asking users not to smoke there. Marsela Pervataj, aged 8, was chosen as the winner with her designed sign now prominent at the entrance to the playpark. Compliance with the request not to smoke at Landport playpark will be monitored to make a decision on whether to implement this approach at other playparks in the city. Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care at Portsmouth City Council, said; "I'm pleased to be unveiling this signage in what feels like an important step for the city. Children shou...