This event has now sold out – no tickets will be available on the day.
Portsmouth’s annual Mayor Making Ceremony will take place on Tuesday 13 May at Portsmouth Guildhall.
This traditional civic event marks the transition of leadership, with the current Lord Mayor stepping down and a new Lord Mayor being elected. The new Lord Mayor of Portsmouth will be formally elected during the annual council meeting, starting at 10am. Guests are kindly asked to be seated by 9.30am.
Councillors will make nominations for the new Lord Mayor before voting to decide who will hold the role for the coming year. Once a Lord Mayor is selected, they will take up the post and nominate the charities they plan to raise funds for throughout the year.
As part of the ceremony, the new Lord Mayor will receive the Keys to the City and be presented with the Portsmouth Sword, symbolising the historic and ongoing relationship between the Royal Navy and the city of Portsmouth.
The Mayor Making Ceremony also honours individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the local community. During the event, the Lord Mayor will present civic awards to those who have positively impacted Portsmouth and its people. This year, Alan Knight MBE will be honoured as a Freeman of the City, and the Joint Hospital Group (South) will receive the Freedom of the City.