Activity and events

Community

Events and activities in the park

We’ve spoken to hundreds of local residents and community groups about what type of events and activities  they would like to see in the park. Using the ideas put forward from through consultation, future activity in the park will focus on:

• Increasing park users’ enjoyment of the park
• Improving park users’ understanding of the park’s unique history
• Providing opportunities to improve health and wellbeing
• Creating a sense of community through positive activities for all members of our community.

Not all the ideas put forward can be funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, but they will be recorded for the future.

activity plan

We will focus on five key themes, with many delivered in partnership with local organisations:

1. Volunteering

Recruiting local residents as volunteers to help develop the physical elements of the park and community garden, manage events and market the park. Litter picks, takeover days and the Portsmouth ambassadors will all show the pride that can be felt about Victoria Park.

2. Events

Empowering the local community to deliver a variety of events and activities, from board game days to bio blitzes and a Dickens festival. Creating activities offering intergenerational opportunities and ensuring that mental and physical exercise classes are accessible to all.

3. Increasing aspirations

We want to offer a range of options from a simple coffee with the community engagement officer, to taster courses and resources for schools, to a formal horticultural apprenticeship.

4. Raising the profile of Victoria Park

We will have a variety of free and paid for festivals, fairs, music events and activities, including an exploration of the role of Victoria Park in Portsmouth’s history in the Second World War, and the return of favourites such as Opera in the Park.

5.Consulting and co-creating

We will continue talking to the local community throughout the delivery of this project to ensure the events and interpretation are relevant to your needs and interests.