Hundreds of young voices celebrate Portsmouth's centenary at Portsmouth Guildhall

More than 500 children and young people from schools across Portsmouth came together at Portsmouth Guildhall for a spectacular evening of music celebrating the city's 100th birthday.

The Portsmouth Music Hub showcase, presented as part of Portsmouth100, featured a collection of original songs inspired by the people, places and stories that have shaped Portsmouth over the past century. Performed to a packed Guildhall, the concert culminated in a standing ovation as hundreds of young voices united for a powerful finale.

Every song in the showcase was specially composed by Portsmouth Music Service's award-winning composition team, with several composers in attendance alongside civic dignitaries, representatives from Arts Council England and the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.

The showcase took the audience on a musical journey through Portsmouth's history and heritage. The Writer with the Magic Touch celebrated Portsmouth-born author Charles Dickens, while Brunel Boogie paid tribute to engineering pioneer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was also born in the city.

Heroes of the Mary Rose, honouring the divers who help salvage the Ship from the Solent and a song telling the tale about the city's iconic Guildhall Clock, and the eerie creatures that live inside.

Portsmouth's vibrant and diverse communities were celebrated through City of Languages, performed by pupils from Solent Junior School. The uplifting performance reflected the many cultures, languages and communities that make Portsmouth such a unique place to live, learn and grow.

The concert concluded with On Shining Waters, the official anthem commissioned for Portsmouth100. As hundreds of young singers filled the Guildhall with music, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation celebrating not only Portsmouth's rich past, but also the bright future being shaped by its young people.

Sue Beckett, Head of Portsmouth Music Service, said:

"Portsmouth has so many remarkable stories to tell, and music is such a powerful way of bringing those stories to life. This concert celebrated everything that makes our city special – its history, heritage, diversity and community spirit.

Seeing more than 500 children and young people performing together was truly inspiring. Events like this show the incredible impact that music can have in bringing schools and communities together, while giving young people unforgettable opportunities to perform on one of the city's biggest stages."

The showcase formed part of Portsmouth100, the city's year-long programme celebrating 100 years of city status, and highlighted Portsmouth Music Service's ongoing commitment to providing inspiring musical opportunities for every child and young person across Portsmouth.