A Tale of Two Towns - Launch weekend

- Towns of Culture 2025 Kicks Off with Bold and Unmissable Launch Events in Portland & Weymouth -

Towns of Culture 2025 is revealed with a weekend of vibrant, thought-provoking and immersive cultural events in Portland & Weymouth. Taking place on 25th and 26th April, the launch celebrations will showcase live performances, music, and artistic experiences, all free to attend.

Weymouth: Towns of Culture 2025 Launch Party – Friday 25th April

St Nics, 11 St Nicholas Street, Weymouth DT4 8AA19:00 – 22:00///warns.pencil.mount

Weymouth’s cultural year opens with a high-energy launch party at St Nics gallery, paying homage to Weymouth’s vibrant music scene.   Featuring The Vinyl Van and guest DJs, the night will deliver an eclectic mix of sounds to set the dancefloor alight. Meanwhile, students from Weymouth College will transform St Nic’s Gallery into a dynamic creative space filled with art, music, and inspiration.

Free entry | Bar & food available

Weymouth: Street Performance and Theatre – Saturday 26th April

Weymouth Town Centre11:30 & 14:30

Ramshacklicious & Hijinx Present: TRUTH!An interactive, outdoor street performance bringing together a playful ensemble of mischief-makers. TRUTH! is a theatrical exploration of power, control, and collective joy – a quiet rebellion that invites audiences to take part in a unique, evolving spectacle.

You Can’t Stop the Beat by RemixThe Remix is an inclusive youth performance company open to young people aged 12 to 17, both disabled and non-disabled from across Dorset.  This dynamic and inclusive musical performance guaranteed to bring energy and rhythm to the streets.

Free | Wheelchair & family-friendly

Supported by Arts Council England & Arts Council Wales | Presented by Activate Performing Arts

Portland: Immersive Sound and Music at High Angle Battery – Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April

High Angle Battery, New Ground, Portland DT5 1LF///spectacle.detect.official

Weymouth Concert Brass | Saturday 26 April | 13:00 – 13:30A special performance from Weymouth Concert Brass, welcoming audiences to this striking historic site with a stirring brass ensemble.

State of Alarm by Mark Anderson & Liam WalshSaturday 26 & Sunday 27 April | 14:00 – 19:00

State of Alarm is presented by Oxford Contemporary Music and b-side. And supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Portland Town Council, Castletown D-Day Centre, and the Fine Family Foundation.

A thought-provoking and mesmerising sound installation using sculptural instruments, bells, gongs, and rhythmic compositions to create a pulsing, hypnotic atmosphere. State of Alarm is a powerful response to contemporary social and environmental concerns, reimagined for the tunnels and architecture of High Angle Battery.

Free | Wheelchair & family-friendly

Presented with Oxford Contemporary Music | Supported by Reveal

Director, Rocca Holly-Nambi, Towns of Culture Project Management from b-side comments:  “Towns of Culture 2025 is about igniting creativity, fostering connections, and celebrating the unique spirit of Portland & Weymouth. This launch weekend is just the beginning of a year-long journey that will REVEAL all our towns have to offer and will bring people together through art, music, and performance. We invite everyone to take part and experience the power of culture to transform spaces and communities.”

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 are rich in culture, heritage, and creativity, and Towns of Culture 2025 gives us a fantastic opportunity to REVEAL that to residents and visitors alike. This initiative is not just about performances and events; it’s about strengthening our communities, supporting local artists, and making culture accessible to all. We look forward to seeing people of all ages come together to celebrate everything that makes our towns special."

A Year of Culture Begins

Towns of Culture 2025 is a celebration of creativity and community. The launch weekend is the beginning of a year-long programme of events, performances, and collaborations. Everyone is invited to take part, whether dancing in the streets, exploring immersive art, or experiencing live music in unexpected places.

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. For full programme details and event information, visit: www.portlandweymouthculture.com

ENDS

Issued by In The Bag PR on behalf of Portland and Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025 

For more information please contact Pippa Gibb, Director In The Bag PR

EMAIL: pippa@inthebagpr.co.uk or TEL: 07970441046

Town of Culture is an initiative created by Arts Development Company and funded by Dorset Council. Reveal – Towns of Culture 2025 is also funded by Portland Town Council and Weymouth Town Council.