Award-winning artists Trigger will transform Portsmouth Guildhall into a working colour loft, inspired by the Portsmouth women who cut, stitched and assembled the sails, flags, pennants and signals used by the Navy in the 1800s.
At the centre of the 2026 Colour Loft will be a leaping Lioness, inspired by the lion on Portsmouth's city crest and is made from large, handcrafted flags created by people across Portsmouth. The installation will bring together individual stories, histories and perspectives; celebrating both the spirit of the women who worked in the historic colour lofts and the many people who make up the city today. Over the January weekend, participants will help bring the Lioness to life as new flags that make up her body are stitched, raised, and rigged during a free, three-day event at the Guildhall.

We're recruiting a team of people who are confident using a
sewing machine to work alongside Trigger and
community participants during the live event at Portsmouth
Guildhall.
You'll help turn fabric pieces made by people of all ages visiting
the Guildhall into the flags that form the
Lioness. Your sewing skills will help bring together the contributions of local people to create the large-scale,
collaborative artwork celebrating Portsmouth and its communities.