Step into a sea of light, memory and hope, in Portsmouth from 18-26 October 2025.

A Sea of Words for Portsmouth is a large-scale immersive experience presented by Crying Out Loud and 432 Nomads.

This specially created event is shaped by the voices of Portsmouth. One hundred single-word contributions, gathered from across the city, appear on paper boats, alongside ten featured stories offering deeper reflections on sanctuary and belonging.

The participatory activity began in June 2025, when Kingsley and Stephanie visited Portsmouth during Refugee Week and worked with 432 Nomads to collect ocean-related stories from local communities. These will then be shaped into an participatory experience at Portsmouth Historic Quarter’s Boathouse 5 in October 2025.

A powerfully atmospheric circular trail leads you to the heart of the installation, a 20-metre illuminated pool, creating a shared space for reflection and connection. Together with projections, sound and archive footage, it forms an evolving portrait of the city through stories of journey, belonging and shared experience. As the experience unfolds, you’ll be welcomed by the project’s Captains who will invite you to contribute your own word and release it into a growing sea of light and sound, joining the flotilla.

Installed in the atmospheric Boathouse 5, A Sea of Words is a poetic and thoughtful experience.

Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure their preferred time slot. A small ticket fee applies for adults; entry is free for children aged 16 and under, and Portsmouth residents who declare their eligible postcode (PO1–PO6) when booking. Once booked, simply show your ticket on arrival at the Visitor Centre to gain entry to the experience.

A Sea of Words for Portsmouth is developed and commissioned in partnership with 432 Nomads and our other partners listed below.

Credits

Created by Kingsley Ng and Stephanie Cheung

Partner Credits Crying Out Loud, 432 Nomads

Technical design – Jason Wong
Lighting design – Lee Chi-wai
Fabrication support – Nicky Liang and Felix Yiu
Film – Port of Call Media
Production – Crying Out Loud (Rachel Clare and Lucy Babb)
Community Engegement – 432 Nomads (Majid Dhana)
Project Manager – Ana Gillespie
Production Manager – John Sackett
Event Managers – John Ashlin and Kate McGillicuddy

Supported by Arts Council England, Hong Kong Arts Development Council and Portsmouth City Council with partners Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Portsmouth Creates, Aspex Portsmouth, Sustainable Conservation Trust and Portsmouth City of Sanctuary