– Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025 Reveals there’s more than meets the eye on Dorset’s ancient and rugged coastline –
Portland & Weymouth, the proudly designated Towns of Culture 2025, are set to shine as they officially launch REVEAL – a year-long cultural programme celebrating the extraordinary creativity, heritage, and talent embedded within the local community. As the Towns of Culture board work with the local communities of Portland & Weymouth the uniqueness of small coastal locations like this will shine through. Whether that’s groups of swimmers braving the cold for a morning swim, or the incredible subversive art that takes place here, the feeling of togetherness, community and creativity is strong and often unexpected.
REVEAL is more than a series of events—it is a movement to uncover and amplify the vast cultural wealth that already thrives in Portland and Weymouth. From music and theatre to heritage crafts, food, festivals, and everyday creative moments, the initiative will bring culture directly to the heart of the community, where people live, work, and gather.
As part of this exciting launch, applications are now open for the REVEAL Launchpad Fund, offering funding of up to £1,500 for individuals, freelancers, and organisations looking to create and deliver cultural activities in Portland and Weymouth throughout 2025. Applicants can submit proposals here.
Celebrating the Culture of Portland & Weymouth
Culture in Portland and Weymouth extends far beyond traditional arts—it encompasses any activity that people define as cultural. From ballet and brass bands to natural history walks, local crafts, food, drink & hospitality, heritage projects, pottery, film clubs, DJ nights, and festivals, REVEAL will highlight and support a rich mix of creative expression. Pushing back against preconceived ideas about towns that sit in rural or coastal settings, on the periphery of larger cultural centres and cities, Portland & Weymouth will showcase the wealth of art, community, experience, talent and culture right here, right now.
Director, Rocca Holly-Nambi, Towns of Culture Project Management from b-side comments: “b-side is delighted to be coordinating Portland and Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025, on behalf of Portland and Weymouth Town Councils.
Our communities have so much to offer creatively, and our places are rich with culture. We see this year as a springboard for working together, celebrating who we are, and putting in place solid foundations for a thriving cultural sector for years to come.”
Councillor Carralyn Parkes of Portland Town Council and Councillor Alex Fuhrmann of Weymouth Town Council – nominated representatives on the Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture project board said: “Portland & Weymouth have long been places of vibrant culture, creativity, and community, and REVEAL gives us the opportunity to showcase these qualities on a larger stage. From our rich heritage to the dynamic cultural projects taking place today, this initiative will highlight the depth and diversity of talent that thrives in our towns.”
The REVEAL Launchpad Fund will support new events and enhance the cultural offering in the towns, ensuring an inclusive, vibrant programme that engages residents and visitors alike. Successful applicants will have the option to receive mentorship from a member of the Project Board, supporting their event’s growth and impact.
Commissions will be awarded to projects that align with the mission of REVEAL – and can really nurture the culture of the towns.
Portland Parade b-side festival 2024 Portland Photo Jayne Jackson
A Year to Remember
The Towns of Culture Project Board, a diverse group of partners from the public, private, and charity sectors, is developing a comprehensive cultural calendar for 2025, inviting event organisers to contribute and benefit from wider audience reach.
Organisers are encouraged to submit their cultural events to be included in Towns of Culture 2025, amplifying the visibility of Portland and Weymouth’s creative energy.
Join the Movement
REVEAL – Towns of Culture 2025 is funded by Portland Town Council and Weymouth Town Council and delivered in partnership with The Arts Development Company and Dorset Council.
To apply for a Launchpad Fund, contribute to the cultural calendar, or find out more about REVEAL, please sign up for our newsletter here.
https://www.theartsdevelopmentcompany.org.uk/whats-happening/town-of-culture-2025
