There’s a new pride in Portsmouth this summer as 45 colourful lion sculptures – and one cheeky roaming unicorn – have taken over the city for the Pride of Portsmouth lion trail.
Part of Portsmouth100, the trail celebrates 100 years of Portsmouth being a city and shines a spotlight on the creativity, community spirit and culture that make Portsmouth special.
Each scuplture has been uniquely designed by talented artists, creating a roarsome outdoor gallery for residents and visitors to explore. From Port Solent and Hilsea Lines to the city centre, and Southsea seafront, the trail offers the chance to discover Portsmouth in a new way while uncovering the stories behind the lions and the people who inspired them.
The free trail promises plenty of family fun throughout the summer. Whether you’re hunting down every lion, seeing who can spot the most, or simply enjoying a day out, there’s something for everyone.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “The Pride of Portsmouth trail is one of the flagship events of Portsmouth100 and a fantastic way to celebrate everything that makes our city special. It showcases the creativity, talent and community spirit that can be found across Portsmouth, while encouraging people to explore and take pride in our city. As we celebrate 100 years of city status, the trail also helps shine a spotlight on Portsmouth’s cultural ambitions as we work towards our UK City of Culture 2029 bid.”
Trail maps are available from Portsmouth libraries, and the official Pride of Portsmouth app can help you track down each sculpture, learn more about the artwork and make the most of your lion-hunting adventure.
So, gather your pride, get out and explore, and see how many lions you can find. It’s set to be one of the mane events of Portsmouth100 this summer. Visit prideofportsmouth.co.uk for more information.