A Sea of Words for Portsmouth
Step into a sea of light, memory and hope. A Sea of Words for Portsmouth is a large-scale immersive experience by acclaimed Hong Kong artists Kingsley Ng and Stephanie Cheung.
Presented by Crying Out Loud and 432 Nomads, this specially created experience is shaped by the many voices of Portsmouth. Over one hundred single-word contributions – gathered from across the city – will be displayed on delicate paper boats, and ten Lighthouse stories offer deeper reflections on sanctuary and belonging.
As the experience unfolds, visitors are welcomed by the project’s Captains, who help them contribute their own word – releasing it into a growing sea of light and sound, joining the flotilla.
Presented in the atmospheric Boathouse 5, A Sea of Words is a poetic and thoughtful experience – and a beautiful addition to a day spent exploring the Dockyard’s museums, ships and harbour views.
Open for just nine days this October, the experience is part of Our Sanctuary: Ocean of Voices – a seven-month, community-led arts project. It is also presented as part of In Our Words – Portsmouth’s 2025 celebration of literature and storytelling, led by Portsmouth Creates.
Crying Out Loud are creative producers based at the Dockyard, bringing bold, visual performance and participatory projects to unexpected places. A Sea of Words is their first major production in the Historic Dockyard, supported by Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Arts Council England and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure their preferred timeslot – details will be released on the Crying Out Loud website (sign up to the Newsletter for news). A small ticket fee applies for adults; entry is free for children aged 16 and under, and for Portsmouth residents who declare their postcode when booking. Once booked, simply show your ticket on arrival at the Visitor Centre to gain entry.
