Porty Festival 2025: A Community Celebration to Remember

Written By Carmen Chalmers

Two days. Four venues. Over forty events. And one big beautiful vision that brought Portobello to life.

The very first Porty Festival took place in May, and we’re still feeling the buzz. Co-founded by Carmen from Support the Makers and Seb from Seb’s Urban Jungle, the weekend was a true collaboration—brought to life by a shared love for community, creativity and all things Porty.

With just a tiny budget but huge ambition, they rallied a town, gathered incredible local talent, and gave us a festival that felt like it had always belonged.

From Portobello Town Hall to Unity Vintage, from beachside music to storytelling under fairy lights, the whole neighbourhood came alive with energy and joy.

A Weekend of Unforgettable Moments

Across the two days, we saw:

  • Live music and DJ sets that had the town dancing.

  • Workshops, from circus skills to wild swimming.

  • Talks, walking tours, judo, street food, and even a mobile sauna experience.

  • A magical dog show hosted by the amazing Dog Port and Old Man Gray.

It wasn’t just about entertainment, it was about connection. Whether you were wandering the artisan markets, chatting with local makers, or catching a gig, you could feel it: this was something special.

The Numbers

  • 2,500+ visitors through the doors at Portobello Town Hall

  • 400+ at Unity Vintage Pop-Up

  • 40+ events

  • Countless memories made

Locally-Made & Loved

This was a festival built on collaboration. From the start, we knew we wanted to celebrate the incredible small businesses and independent creators who make Portobello such a vibrant place to live.

 

We had exclusive Porty Festival goodies you couldn’t get anywhere else, including:

Festival-Inspired Treats

  • 🍦 Porty Festival 99 Gelato by Basement Gelato

  • 🍸 Porty Festival Spritz by Lind & Lime

  • 🍰 Porty Festival Bake by Baby Faced Baker

  • 🍪 Porty Festival Cookie by Go Go Beets

  • 🦴 Porty Festival Dog Treats by Harry’s Treats

Locally-Made Merch & Keepsakes

  • 🕯 Candles by Edinburgh Candle Maker

  • 🫧 Soap Pebbles by Dook

  • 🎨 Brooches by Bird Stamp Designs

  • 👕 Totes & T-Shirts by The Embroidery Shop 

These one-of-a-kind items flew off the shelves and we loved seeing them out in the wild all weekend.

Powered by People

Behind the scenes, a small but mighty team made the magic happen - volunteers, stage managers, local businesses, sponsors, and more. Without them, there would be no Porty Festival. Thank you to everyone who gave their time, creativity and kindness so freely.

And let’s not forget the weather-sunshine from start to finish. Couldn’t have asked for more.

What’s Next?

We’re already dreaming about the next one. Porty Festival will be back in 2026, and we want it to be even bigger, even bolder, and even more joyful.

Until then - thank you, Porty. What a weekend. What a community.

Carmen Chalmers