Three new live acts have been announced for this year’s Arts by the Sea festival, taking place in Bournemouth from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September.
The free event will include Autin Dance Theatre’s *Parade*, a twelve-foot high moving sculpture powered by five performers. The giant wheel symbolises unity and shared journeys, and will feature involvement from Performing Arts students at Bournemouth and Poole College.
Live music at the Bandstand will include The Scribes, a hip hop act known for their dynamic beatboxing and interactive shows. Their appearance supports the festival’s 2025 theme *We Are Here*, which explores identity and community.
Walkabout puppets Buddy and Rustle – also known as The Vortexes’ *Spring-a-lings* – will appear throughout the weekend, engaging with festivalgoers using humour and bold floral costumes.
Festival Director Andrea Francis said the acts each highlight a different part of this year’s theme, from the poetic and powerful to the playful.
Councillor Andy Martin from BCP Council said the programme promotes identity, inclusion and community.
Arts by the Sea is supported by BCP Council and receives regular funding from Arts Council England. More acts will be announced ahead of the September weekend.
**Background info:**
* *Parade* by Autin Dance Theatre previously featured at the Birmingham 2022 Festival and has toured widely across the UK.
* The Scribes have performed at Glastonbury, WOMAD, Latitude and Boomtown Fair.
* The *Spring-a-lings* puppets are created by The Vortex Creates, known for large-scale costume-led walkabout acts.