Events List Navigation
March 2023
Songs of Home and Circle/دایره
Songs of Home is a unique sound and light installation, including stories and lullabies from local communities. On selected dates, you can also join us for special Circle/دایره performances – intimate live performances combining original music, mesmerising lights and unique choreography, exploring themes of identity & migration. Songs of Home is open from the 15th-19th March, and there are three special Circle/دایره performances, spread across the 17th and 18th March. To find out more, and to book your FREE tickets,…
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Mothering Sunday – 19th March 2023 – St Mary’s Church Portsea
To watch online, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: 5th Sunday of Lent – 26th March 2023- St Mary’s Church Portsea
To watch online, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
April 2023
Messy Holy Week
A morning of free crafts & activities as we explore together Holy Week & the hope and joy of the Easter story.
J.S. Bach’s St Matthew Passion by the Portsmouth Choral Union
The St Matthew Passion is a passion oratorio, which sets to music the 26th and 27th chapters of St Matthew’s Gospel from the German Lutheran bible. These chapters detail the last days of Christ’s life, retold here by solo voices, double orchestra and double chorus. The choral piece is one of two passion settings by Bach that survive today, and so when, in 1829, the composer Felix Mendelssohn discovered the music of the St Matthew Passion, he decided to perform…
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Palm Sunday – 2nd April 2023 – St Mary’s Church Portsea
Join us in walking through the streets from St Faith’s to St Mary’s Church at 9:30; or just come to your door and enjoy our procession as we pass with music, singing and free palm crosses and streamers as we remember the journey Jesus made to Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. The Parish Mass at St Mary’s at 10am will be livestreamed. To watch online, you can go to our Facebook page or our YouTube stream. To follow along,…
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Mass and Reflections for Holy Week
Join us at 7pm on Mon 3rd, Tues 4th and Weds 5th April for mass and reflections for Holy Week. These will be led by The Reverend Canon Kathryn Percival, Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean of Portsmouth Cathedral, who was recently announced as the next Archdeacon of Meon. To watch along on Monday, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymns for Monday here. To…
Eucharist of the Last Supper & Vigil of Prayer for Maundy Thursday at St Faith’s
Join us as we remember the last supper Jesus shared with his friends; how at that meal he washed his disciples’ feet and then led them to the Garden of Gethsemane where he invited them to “watch and pray”.
Eucharist of the Last Supper & Vigil of Prayer for Maundy Thursday
Join us as we remember the last supper Jesus shared with his friends; how at that meal he washed his disciples’ feet and then led them to the Garden of Gethsemane where he invited them to “watch and pray”. To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here.
Good Friday, Explored by Young People & Families
An opportunity to explore the journey to the cross for young people & families, following the Stations of the Cross found around the church.
Reflections On and Liturgy Of the Cross
Join us at 1pm for Reflections on the Cross, and 2pm for the Liturgy of the Cross, as we join Christians throughout the world in gathering at the foot of the Cross and praying for the world and ourselves. To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here.
Good Friday at St Faith’s – The Liturgy of the Cross
You are invited to join Christians throughout the world as we gather at the foot of the Cross and pray for our world and ourselves.
The Vigil and First Mass of Easter
A service which begins in the darkness of the night and celebrates the coming of the Light of the world, marking the new life in Christ with joy! To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here.
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Easter Sunday – 9th April 2023 – St Mary’s Church Portsea
Come join us as we come together to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Surrexit Christus! To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here.
Choral Evensong & Benediction for Easter Sunday
The choir of St Mary’s sing a traditional service of Choral Evensong, which is followed by the Benediction, a time of adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament which concludes with the congregation being blessed by it.
The Organ Project Recital Series 2023 – Nigel Stark
Our 2023 Organ Recital series continues with a recital given by Nigel Stark, Director of Music at St. Martin’s and St. Mary’s Stamford, performed on our recently-restored 1889 J.W. Walker & Sons pipe organ. Refreshments will be included, with no booking required. While this event is free, there will be a retiring collection in support of St Mary’s Church Music Foundation. For programme details, please visit The Organ Project’s website. Nigel Stark originates from Chester, where he studied piano and…
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: First Sunday after Easter – 16th April 2023 – St Marys Church Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Easter Bunny Drive: A Fundraiser for Social Justice
A Beetle Drive with a seasonal difference to raise funds for our Social Justice work.
Celebrating Christs Presence: Second Sunday after Easter – 23rd April 2023 – St Marys Church Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Fourth Sunday of Easter – 30th April 2023 – St Mary’s Church Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along here, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
May 2023
St Mary’s May Fayre
A celebration of life in Fratton, the May Fayre sees around 10,000 visitors come to the church and grounds to enjoy the community and the variety of activities available, including a real ale tent, arena displays, a bouncy castle, bands, funfair rides, and over 100 stalls. If you would like to book a place for your stall, please contact mayfayre@portseaparish.co.uk or call into the church between 9am and 12pm. Pitches are £40, with a reduced rate for charity.
The Organ Project: Organ Recital by Peter Gould
Our 2023 Organ Recital series continues at 7pm on 5th May, with a Coronation-themed recital given by Canon Peter Gould, former Master of the Music at Derby Cathedral. Join us for a fantastic FREE recital, performed on our recently-restored 1889 J.W. Walker & Sons pipe organ. Refreshments included, no booking required. For programme details, visit The Organ Project’s website. Born in Portsmouth, Canon Peter Gould studied Organ, Piano and Cello at the Royal Academy of Music, London. Whilst there he…
Broadcasting the Coronation Service
Come and join us at St Mary’s Church as we watch the Coronation together, broadcast onto our large screen, with sparkling wine and cake! Doors will open at 10am, with the actual coronation starting at 11am. Entry is free, with a retiring collection for the church.
Celebrating Christs Presence: Fifth Sunday of Easter – 7th May 2023 – St Marys Church Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along here, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Big Lunch Community Picnic and Celebration of Thanksgiving for the Coronation
In partnership with Fratton Big Local, we will be hosting a Big Lunch Community Picnic in the Churchyard. There will be entertainment from various groups, including a brass band, the ukulele group Pompey Pluckers, and Black Hat Theatricals. Afterwards, there is a service of thanksgiving for the new King and Queen at 3pm in the church, marking this special occasion with music and readings. Feel free to come to either or both of these events, entry to both is free,…
Portsmouth High School’s Junior Musicians Concert, in aid of St Mary’s Music Foundation
Come and enjoy the music of Portsmouth High School’s performers as they give their time and talents to support the work of St Mary’s Music Foundation, which provides local children with the opportunity for musical education and training from which they might not otherwise be able to benefit
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Sixth Sunday of Easter – 14th May 2023 – St Mary’s Church, Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Christian Aid Big Brekkie!
Want to change the world over breakfast? Then come and tuck in at our Big Brekkie! We’ll be serving a delicious morning meal, while raising money to fight poverty and injustice worldwide.
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Seventh Sunday of Easter – 21st May 2023 – St Mary’s Church, Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
National Church of England Recording
We have been invited to pre-record a service for streaming by the National Church of England for a Sunday in June. You are invited to join us for a ‘Sunday service’ to help take part in the congregation of this service.
Thy Kingdom Come Prayer Breakfast
Join us as we share breakfast together and fruitful times of prayer.
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Pentecost – 28th May 2023 – St Mary’s Church, Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. You can find our notices for the week here.
June 2023
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Trinity Sunday – 4th June 2023 – St Mary’s Church, Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: 1st Sunday after Trinity – 11th June 2023 – St Mary’s Church, Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Choral Evensong with Dickens Fellowship
Evensong with the Dickens Fellowship to commemorate the death of Charles Dickens, with readings and refreshments following at 4:30pm in the church hall.
Reflecting on the Caribbean Experiences of Portsmouth, with Bishop Garth Minott
The Anglican Bishop of Kingston, Jamaica is visiting Portsmouth. As part of his visit, Bishop Garth Minott would like to meet members of the Caribbean Community to reflect and share their experiences of Portsmouth and life in the UK. Join us at Natty’s Jerk Kitchen from 12-2pm as the Bishop meets members of the Caribbean Community (please RSVP to Fr Rajiv, rajiv.sidhu@portseaparish.co.uk), or at 2-4pm at St Mary’s Church as the Bishop shares in fellowship and faith, ending with a…
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Second Sunday after Trinity – 18th June 2023 – St Mary’s Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Music Foundation Concert: Zephyr Winds
The Music Foundation will be welcoming back the Zephyr Wind Ensemble, who will be performing a varied recital of music, including pieces by Mozart, Fauré and Janefelt, amongst others. We hope you’ll be able to join us for this free concert of music, with a retiring collection in aid of the Music Foundation, which helps to provide young people in Portsmouth with musical education and opportunities.
Portsmouth Choral Union’s Summer Concert: Life’s Journey
Join us as we host Portsmouth Choral Union’s summer concert, which will also involve Castle Primary School’s Choir singing the traditional prominent role for children’s voices in the following pieces. Rare for music in Portsmouth, the union will be performing Benjamin Britten’s Cantata ‘St Nicolas’. In addition to this, the union will be giving the first Portsmouth performance of Alec Roth’s ‘The Traveller’ with ‘The Age of Man’ as its theme. Tickets for this concert are available from choir members,…
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Third Sunday of Trinity – 25th June 2023 – St Mary’s Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
July 2023
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: Fourth Sunday after Trinity – 2nd July 2023 – St Mary’s Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Music for a Summer Afternoon, Strawberry Tea, and St Mary’s Tower Opening
Join us on a lovely summer afternoon with music, strawberry tea, and a chance to climb the church tower! From 1.30pm various musicians will be performing in the churchyard for free, with a collection in aid of the Music Foundation. Then, at 2.30pm you can enjoy a Strawberry Tea with a scone, jam and cream, and, of course, strawberries! Tickets for the strawberry tea cost £4 and are available in the church, or can be booked through 02392 822 990…
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: 5th Sunday after Trinity – 9th July 2023 – St Mary’s Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. If you would like to sing along, you can find the hymn sheet here. You can find our notices for the week here.
Organ Recital Series 2023: Harvey James Stansfield
The Organ Project’s 2023 Organ Recital series continues at 7pm on 14th July, with a recital given by Harvey James Stansfield from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Harvey Stansfield is in much demand as an accompanist, liturgical organist, and recitalist. He is currently in his final year of study for a BMus degree in organ performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, studying organ, harpsichord, and choral conducting. He has also performed in masterclasses given by David Briggs, Eric Lebrun and Steven…
Come and Sing: Your Favourite Choral Anthems
Come along and take part in an afternoon of singing glorious choral works in the majestic setting of St Mary’s Church in Fratton, concluding with a short informal concert at the end. This event is FREE, with an option of donating towards the St Mary’s Music Foundation, which helps support young musicians in Fratton with their musical education and opportunities. Feel free to come and sing along, or just to hear the final results at around 4:30pm! The choir will…
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: 6th Sunday after Trinity – 16th July 2023 – St Mary’s Portsea
To watch along, you can go to our YouTube stream, or our Facebook page. To follow along, you can find the order of service here. The hymn sheet is available here The weekly notices from the 16th July are available here.
Victorian Mo’Jive Tea Dance
As part of our Annual Organ Festival, and following the success of our 2022 Tea Dance, we are excited to be hosting another alternative interpretation of the Victorian Tea Dance, taking inspiration from the Mo’Jive dance style. During the Victorian era, dance halls across the country were opened for people to come in, enjoy tea and small sandwiches, and dance to the latest music trends. Derived from swing, lindy hop, salsa, and more, Mo’Jive relies on certain key moves which…
Eco Church Coffee Morning at St Faith’s
Join us for coffee, cake and chat as we support and recognise how we are caring for God’s earth in different areas of our life and work. In particular, we will be raising funds for A Rocha, who organise Eco Church, and celebrating St Faith’s Church achieving the Silver Eco Church status!
Celebrating Christ’s Presence: 7th Sunday after Trinity – 23rd July 2023 – St Mary’s Portsea
On Revd Sam’s final Sunday in the parish, we will gather to express our thanks for her ministry and to pray for her as she moves on. The service will be followed by a cake and a chance to chat. If you would like to make a donation towards a farewell gift for Revd Sam, please do so in a clearly marked envelope, or if paying by BACS reference: ‘Sam Gift’ After the cake and chat, for those who wish…
Parish Skittles Night
Come and join us for a fun night of skittles, food and conversation, and an attempt to beat the clergy at the Portsmouth Maritime Club! Tickets, £9 for adults or £5 for under 18’s, are available in both churches, or can be booked by emailing officeassistant@portseaparish.co.uk or phoning 02392 822990. Please provide your name with your menu choice from the following basket meals: Scampi, Sausage, Chicken Breast, Beefburger or Veggie Burger (all with chips and coleslaw).