Portsmouth Historic Quarter Marks 80 Years Since VE Day with a Spectacular Celebration
10:00 – 16:00
Boathouse 4 & Boathouse 5
Free entry with a Historic Quarter Pass or your Ultimate Explorer Ticket
This full-day event will transport visitors back to 1945 with live music, dance, historic vessels, costumed interpreters and family-friendly activities, all commemorating eight decades since Victory in Europe Day.
Visitors can step onto the dance floor in Boathouse 5 with Portsmouth Lindy Hop, who will be leading energetic swing dance sessions inspired by the era. Music lovers can enjoy the uplifting harmonies of The Charlalas in Boathouse 4, a 1940s-style singing trio, whose nostalgic tunes will fill the air.
For those eager to explore Portsmouth’s naval history, the event offers the chance to get up close to historic vessels on the Boathouse 4 pontoons, including Motor Gun Boat 81 (1942) and High-Speed Launch 102 (1936), both of which played key roles in wartime operations.
Alongside the entertainment, visitors can try their hand at vintage games, sample delicious food, and soak up the atmosphere of a community coming together to reflect and celebrate.
Portsmouth Historic Quarter invites everyone to join in this free event, included with a Historic Quarter Pass, to honour the resilience, joy, and unity of the wartime generation.
FREE
