Rawkus City is Portsmouth’s free hip-hop arts and movement festival. It returns to Guildhall Square on 13 September 2026, with a Creative Conference the day before and a two-year artist development programme running through to June 2028. Sponsorship packages start at £600.
Why now
Portsmouth is longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029, one of seventeen cities nationally. The shortlist is announced in autumn 2026. The September festival lands inside that window, alongside Portsmouth 100 and the city’s centenary year.
The festival is free to attend, accessible and family friendly.
In-kind partnership
You can back the programme with what your business already does. Supply any of the below and you become a partner, with recognition agreed directly with you and matched to what you give.
Flyers, posters, programmes, info cards, festival t-shirts and lanyards.
Banners and signage
Stage banners and the DJ booth backdrop, large-format roll-up or PVC.
Food and refreshments
Food and drink for the team and volunteers on festival day.
Content, media and PR
Photography, videography, social content, press release writing, media introductions and copywriting support.
Production and equipment
Stage, sound systems, tables and chairs, cables and power, and vehicle hire for equipment transport.
Security, health and safety
Stewarding, security and first aid provision on festival day.
Get in touch
Packages are allocated first come, first served basis. Confirming early gives you the widest choice.
Rawkus City 2026 is delivered by Funk Format Soul Rawkus CIC. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, and supported by Portsmouth City Council.
