Portsmouth Book Fest returns for 2025, with a host of literary events taking place across the city. There will be interactive events, workshops and appearances from big names in the literary world.

Senbla presents Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent production of Verdi's La Traviata - the love story that gripped Paris - featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

The year is 1544 and King Henry, the Eighth of that name, is engaged upon royal progress about his realm. He has halted here to afford his loyal subjects the opportunity to have 'audience' with their Sovereign Lord and King. The King, recently married to his new, and sixth, wife - Queen Catherine Parr - is in poor health; his leg continues to cause him considerable pain and he is often in a poor humour!

Step inside the family seat of the Earls of Bessborough and explore the beautiful state rooms, furnished as though the 10th Earl was still at home.  During the tour you will learn more about those who called Stansted Park home, before going downstairs to discover the extensive servants' quarters, offering you the opportunity to enjoy a true 'upstairs, downstairs' experience - described by one visitor as 'one of the very best I have seen in England'.