With a standing capacity of 2,500, Portsmouth Guildhall is one of the largest indoor venues on the south coast of England, and has hosted a truly dazzling array of talent since becoming a live events venue in 1959. Everyone from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, from Pink Floyd to Jimi Hendrix and from The Beach Boys to the Arctic Monkeys have graced the stunning city centre building, making it one of the most famous live music venues in the country. And, heads up Pink Floyd fans, it was the first venue in the world to get a full live airing of the band’s seminal Dark Side of the Moon album – oh to have been a fly on the wall for that show!
Portsmouth Guildhall
Portsmouth Guildhall
Portsmouth Guildhall
Built in 1890 as an official town hall, it was closed and rebuilt after extensive bombing during World War Two, becoming a multipurpose venue perfect for weddings, conferences and live music. As well as an impressive reputation for live music, the Guildhall also hosts regular comedy nights, Q&A talks, live music cinematic screenings and even pro wrestling events, making it the number one entertainment space in Portsmouth. There are events on most nights of the week with recent events and guests including Gary Barlow, David Baddiel, Revolution Pro Wrestling, Jools Holland, The Proclaimers and Joanna Lumley – a truly eclectic line-up!
A well-equipped venue, the Guildhall is home to several cafés and bars where you can grab a mid-show pint or even sit down for a pre-show two or three-course dinner. And, very cunningly, you can even pre-order your drinks via the Guildhall app cutting down on your waiting time.
The Guildhall is currently in a redevelopment phase, with £15 million earmarked for updates including the creation of a 250-capacity studio, new exhibition spaces and improving the seating, air conditioning, toilet and bar facilities.
Located a short walk from the New Theatre Royal and our City Centre hotel, the Guildhall is perfectly located in the bustling heart of Portsmouth. The Isambard Brunel multistorey car park, 200 metres from the Guildhall, is the closest with 460 spaces and special rates for Guildhall guests.