Arts by the Sea, Bournemouth’s annual arts extravaganza, kicks off today with a weekend of art, culture and community.
Organisers say the town will come alive with an eclectic mix of dance, light installations, workshops and circus performances.
This year’s festival theme, TASTE, invites attendees to explore and challenge their taste in art.
Taking part will be both UK-based and international talent, including headline artist Rebecca Strickson who is known for her eye-catching illustrations; artist-in-residence, circus performer and multi-hoop specialist Jasmin Edwards and Canadian multimedia artist Louis-Robert Bouchard.
Visitors can enjoy everything from light installations to circus acts and everything inbetween.
Ten performance area will bring art to life across Bournemouth.
Features include:
- Skate Ramp at The Square, presented by POSCA and hosted by King Ramps, with skateboarding masterclasses, BMX stunts and a doodle wall to unleash creativity.
- Performances from the likes of inclusive theatre companies Ramshacklicious and Hijinx showcasing their latest works, TRUTH as well as Lost Dog Dance with Nikki & JD who will be retelling the story of Beowulf in dance, circus and live music on Sunday evening.
- Levantes Dance Theatre sharing its colourful and curious take on the world through sequins, glitter and costumes as they roam the gardens.
The Lower Gardens will host light displays and interactive installations from award-winning duo Atelier Sisu with Evanescent as well as Kaleider’s Twist and Shine with sculptures and giant structures.
There are also performances featuring Gary & Pel’s 7ft walkabout swan pedalo and interactive cooking show Fussy Foodies by Just More Productions and supported by Without Walls.
Sustainability takes centre stage at this year’s Green Hub in the Lower Gardens with eco-friendly crafts and workshop.
In Westover Gardens, local illustrators and crafters will showcase their illustrations and magazines on Saturday at the Zine Cuisine market, followed by craft workshops on Sunday led by Bournemouth & Poole College’s Art and Design department.
The Bandstand Field will host a mix of live music with performances from musical ensemble Bass Choir, singer-songwriter Vanity Fairy, country-rock band Dr Beatroot and more.
Tonight features a special Bandstand Takeover by Bournemouth & Poole College while artist-in-residence Jasmin Edwards will perform her satirical K*TCHEN.
Those under ten can join The Story Works for a weekend of writing workshops at the Picnic Park Deli or listen to poets and spoken word artists at the Speaker’s Corner.
The Poetry Takeaway encourages participation, inviting attendees to speak with locally selected poetry chefs while in the Street Food Corner, Artist in Residence, Rebecca Strickson, will debut The Bureau of Good and Bad Taste.
A range of street performances are taking place in Beale Place and Pier Approach from Sonia Sabri Company and Linden Dance.
Ghetto Fabulous is showcasing its Family Catwalk Extravaganza before a panel of drag queens and drag kings.
Light art displays will feature at the Pavilion and the Upside Down House.
The festival finale will be a sensory spectacle centred around The Honey Pot, created by Pyrite Creatives exclusively for Shambala and Arts by the Sea.
Closing the festival with a visual display, the Arts by the Sea big finale invites visitors to cheer on a Torchlight Trail through the festival, as they set alight The Honey Pot structure alight on the beach at East Cliff Zig Zag.
It will culminate in a display of fireworks marking the changing of seasons as summer ends and autumn begins.
For the full programme of events and further details on artists, performers and artworks, visit Arts by the Sea website and follow the festival on Instagram @artsbythesea, X @artsbythesea, and Facebook @artsbythesea.
Arts by the Sea is a free festival, founded by BCP Council.
It receives regular funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.
From 2023-26 BCP Council is receiving more than £150,000 per year to increase opportunities and improve access to creativity and culture in the region.
- Pictures: James Bridle.