Portsmouth International Men's Day 2024

International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. We highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being.

Portsmouth's only official International Men's Day event returns for its third consecutive year and is being organised by IMD Partners, Dadzclub who want to do all that we can to promote positive male voices from our community that inspire and help others. That is why on International Men's Day we are hosting an inclusive event that brings people and organisations together to listen, share and inspire.

The Venue

We are excited to unveil The Forge, a place where men can step into the unknown and emerge stronger. Like its namesake, The Forge is a space for transformation, where challenges become opportunities for growth and resilience is crafted. This isn't just a support centre—it’s a community where men connect, rebuild, and shape new futures. Join us for the opening of this powerful space, and experience what it means to forge strength, not alone, but together. Something extraordinary awaits.

The highlight of the evening will be the Appreciation Awards Ceremony that will shine a light on some truly inspirational men, boys and masculine identifying people.

We will be presenting 6 awards during the evening in the following categories:

Dadzclub Parenting Award

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Community and Inclusion

Unsung Hero

Inspiring Young Male

Overcoming Adversity

The ongoing UK themes for International Men's Day 2024 are:

Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys

Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity

Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing

We are excited to announce that Colin MacLachlan, former SAS soldier and original star of SAS: Who Dares Wins, will be our guest speaker for International Men’s Day 2024, on Friday, 22nd November, at The Forge.

This event, hosted by Dadzclub, offers a unique opportunity to hear from one of the UK’s most inspiring figures, known for his incredible resilience, leadership, and commitment to personal growth.Colin’s military career spans over 25 years, with much of it spent in the Special Air Service (SAS), the UK’s elite special forces unit. He has served in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan and played key roles in some of the most dangerous missions of modern military history. His experience and deep understanding of leadership in high-pressure environments have made him a respected figure both in the military and beyond.

After leaving the SAS, Colin became a public figure through SAS: Who Dares Wins, a Channel 4 series where contestants are pushed through intense physical and mental challenges inspired by SAS training. Colin’s authentic and approachable style made him a standout star, resonating with viewers and participants alike.

Beyond his military achievements, Colin has been a powerful advocate for men’s mental health, drawing on his own experiences of managing stress, trauma, and the mental toll of military service. His willingness to speak openly about mental health struggles brings vital attention to the challenges many men face, especially those from military backgrounds.

At our event, Colin will share his personal journey, insights on mental resilience, and how the lessons he learned in the SAS can apply to everyday life. His talk will inspire men to push through their own challenges, offering practical advice on developing mental strength and building supportive communities.

Mantando, Portsmouth's very own contemporary male voice choir, will fill the room with powerful harmonies, bringing a fresh twist to male choral singing.
Ricky Tart, the master of surreal storytelling, will entertain with his unique blend of poetry, rap, and theatre – expect tales that are as imaginative as they are thought-provoking.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

PO1 1SL, The Forge, Portsmouth, United Kingdom