Towns of Culture 25 Updates
With just one month remaining in 2025, Portland and Weymouth have had a year to remember as Towns of Culture. From exciting performances and vibrant exhibitions to lively festivals, creativity has been everywhere.
Take a look at some of the events that have brought the towns to life and don’t miss the exciting events still to come before the year ends!
Cultural Passport
The Cultural Passport is a printed booklet designed to encourage 12–15 year olds in Weymouth and Portland to explore local culture through hands-on experiences. Developed through Portland and Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025, the initiative connects young people with a wide range of free or low-cost cultural activities taking place across the community.
Participants collect stamps in their passport by attending approved events and completing activities at venues across Weymouth and Portland. Once eight activities are completed between September 2025 and January 2026, they become eligible for the final reward. All experiences are designed to be inclusive, accessible and youth-friendly, with the programme shaped in part by the young people taking part.
This initiative aims to empower young people to build confidence, try new things and celebrate the unique culture of their towns.
b-side Big Weekend
b-side big weekend honoured the spirit of Portland and Weymouth as Towns of Culture 2025, revealing untold stories from the island. With over 33 events, exhibitions and performances taking place over one weekend in September.
Below you can watch videos on 4 projects that have been funded by Towns of Culture Launchpad grants
Painting by Pauline Podi Lawrence
Wind Phone, Portland
Born from conversations about life’s final journey, this project unites 25 local voices in artful reflection on death, grief, and remembrance. In partnership with the Grief Café,and Dorset Downs Burial Meadows.
They worked on various topics connected to death, dying and grief, which included their own experiences, how different cultures deal with death and dying, how we imagine our own death and about grief and those we leave behind.
The group used guided imagery, films and documentaries, introduced stories from their own lives, researched different belief systems, read and wrote poetry and finally created an artwork reflecting their views.
This exhibition was held at the Royal Manor Theatre from 15-19th of November
An important part of this project is the creation of the first Wind Phone on Portland in Dorset, the 5th Wind Phone in the UK. The phone line is disconnected and people use the wind phone to “call” and have a one-way conversation with deceased loved ones.
Upcoming events
Under The Stars
Nov 28th 7pm Sandsfoot Castle Gardens, Weymouth
A free, family-friendly night of stargazing!
Explore Saturn, the Moon & constellations with local experts from Weymouth Astronomy Club, plus enjoy storytelling, art & sky tours.
Come wonder with us — under the stars!
Part funded by Reveal - Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025
Hats Off
30 November Portland , 6th Chickerell, 7th Weymouth, 13th Weymouth, 19th Weymouth, 20 Wyke Regis & 21 December Portland
Portland and Weymouth have been named the 2025 Towns of Culture, and we’re celebrating in style! Join our FREE arty workshops and create your own Big Party Hat to show off your imagination and flair.
There’s a special surprise coming at the end of the year — when we’ll be able to literally throw our hats off to Towns of Culture!
Advent(ure)
Portland Dec 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th,15th, 18th, 19th, 20th
Portland Advent(ure) is coming this December!
Get ready as the island transforms into a living advent calendar — with 12 surprise pop-up performances appearing in unexpected places, from pub corners to schoolyards - a touch of winter magic across the island.
Featuring local and visiting artists, Destination Opera, the Voices Unbound Community Choir, and a heartwarming finale at The Cove House Inn.
FREE
Funded by Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025
Tudor Christmas
Dec 6+7th, 10.30-3.30pm Tudor House, Weymouth
Step Back in Time at Tudor House Museum!
Join us for a magical weekend where history comes alive! Hands-on Tudor crafts, carol singing, and Renaissance music performed on heritage instruments.
Experience the sights, sounds, and even tastes of the past as local storyteller guides bring Tudor tales to life.
Part funded by Reveal - Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025
Yule Be Merry
21-23 DEC 2025 St Nic's Gallery, Weymouth
A heartwarming, family-friendly show a pay-what-you-can festive treat for ages 5 yrs +. The antidote to panto — shorter, sillier, and bursting with joy!
Keep your eyes peeled for Noel & Holly sharing their Cracking Christmas Tips to cure your seasonal stresses in Weymouth town centre too.
Funded by Reveal – Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025
Big Hat Fling
30 DEC 12-2pm The Rectory (formerly The Clipper) 81 -82 St Thomas Street, Weymouth
Join artists from Houseworks Dorset CIC to craft your own fantastical headpiece—perfect for the Runaway Runway and the Giant Hats Off Fling at 1.30pm, celebrating the end of Portland & Weymouth’s Towns of Culture 2025 year.
Enjoy family-friendly activities, live music from Voices Unbound and Weymouth Community Choir, tasty bites from local vendors with free food options available to help fuel your winter fun!
PLUS
The Company of International Artists
Look out for art detectives Agents Kahlo and Dali breaking cover to conduct art investigations on the street. They’ll turn your theories into lyrics for a brand new song!
PLUS
Eurotrash presents: The Runaway Runway
Come and grab your five minutes of fame on our pop-up catwalk! Dance to the tunes of house-band Eurotrash and show the world that the high street is drop dead gorgeous. High camp, low budget, maximum glitter!
IT’S ALL FREE AND EVERYONE IS INVITED!
Funded by Reveal - Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025
Town of Culture is an initiative created by Arts Development Company and funded by Dorset Council. Reveal - Towns of Culture 2025 is also funded by Portland Town Council and Weymouth Town Council.