Colour Loft is a free, immersive experience bringing together light, sound, making and the stories of the city. 

Taking its name from the original colour lofts of Portsmouth’s dockyards, where skilled women cut, stitched and assembled the colourful sails, pennants and flags used by the Navy to communicate across the water, Colour Loft shines a light on a fascinating and often-overlooked part of Portsmouth’s maritime heritage. 

For three days, Portsmouth Guildhall will become a colourful, hands-on workshop, with a moving projection and light installation.  

Come along and have a go at sewing and traditional rigging techniques, make flags, tote bags or simply wander in and enjoy the atmosphere. No experience is needed and there are no fixed start times, drop in whenever you like and stay for as long as you want. 

At the heart of Colour Loft is a spectacular new moving lioness, inspired by the symbol of Portsmouth 100. Made from a patchwork of sails and flags created by people across the city, she celebrates Portsmouth’s people, maritime history and the colourful patchwork of communities that make the city what it is today.  

The lioness transforms throughout the day, with sails rising and falling through traditional rigging techniques. Light and projection will sweep across the sails, bringing stories and images to life. 

Come in from the cold, get involved, discover something new and see what happens when all our pieces come together. 

Colour Loft will be open at Portsmouth Guildhall from 8-10 January 2027. Entry is free.