The older residents were able to socialise with friends and enjoy the top-class entertainment and food on offer, whilst engaging with the fire service and receiving valuable safety advice including helpful cooking tips from the Recipe for Success COOK Campaign.
The hugely popular event is a staple in the Portsmouth calendar and free to attend for pensioners from across the city.
Sunday’s event featured two jam-packed hours of performances from firefighters and volunteers from other organisations.
Three of the local station’s watches put on performances, and they were joined on the bill by a clarinet performance, Chinese dancers, a new dance school and the return of the Irish band.
Among the attendees was the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin, with this being his final time attending in his role.
Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin said:
“It’s been a pleasure to attend this event over the years. I’m always proud to see Southsea Fire Station, other staff and our volunteers pull together to deliver an event that has become a staple in the calendar of many over 65s in Portsmouth.
“Not only is this show a fantastic way for the Service to engage with some of the most vulnerable people in Portsmouth’s community, but it provides an opportunity socialise whilst enjoying top class entertainment.
“My thanks go to everyone who was involved in or performed at the show, with special thanks to Beth Medway and Southsea Green Watch for leading on the event planning.”
WM Beth Medway, one of the organisers, said:
“We had an influx of volunteers this year, which really helped with making this event a success.
“We couldn’t do this event without our amazing performers and hard-working volunteers and Fire Cadets, so thank you to everyone involved.
Southsea Station Manager Dan Burden said:
“It was great to see so many colleagues pull together to deliver an event which means so much to older people in Portsmouth.
“The cost of the event is covered by fundraising that the Southsea crews undertake throughout the year, and is just one of many ways that Southsea gives back to the local community.
“Well done to everyone involved. I feel incredibly lucky to have been posted to such a proactive and engaged station”
Thank you all our helpers, organisers and performers for their incredible support.