Arts by the Sea Festival returns to Bournemouth this weekend with a packed weekend of free art, culture and performance.
Now in its 15th year, the festival is the South West’s largest free celebration of creativity, founded and delivered by BCP Council and supported by Arts Council England. This year’s theme, We Are Here, is designed to celebrate identity and community through performances, installations and interactive experiences.
Eight festival zones from the Lower Gardens to Pier Approach will feature light trails, live music, walkabout performers and more. The headline show is Bourne to Love by Cirque Bijou, a specially commissioned production blending circus, dance, music and community participation. It will open the weekend on Friday evening at the Town Hall.
A new addition this year is the Arts by the Sea Fringe, which began on 18 September and runs until 5 October. Powered by We Broke Free, the Fringe involves independent venues across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, including Lighthouse Poole, Russell-Cotes, Pavilion Dance South West and Brownsea Island.
The Lower Gardens will also host the Community Zone and Green Hub. These spaces will offer workshops, AR games, live portrait drawing and sessions focused on environmental creativity. Contributors include Bournemouth and Poole College, Dorset Wildlife Trust and Dorset Scrapstore.
Festival Director Andrea Francis said this year’s programme reflects “the incredible talent and spirit that lives here” and aims to make everyone feel included and inspired.
Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Customer and Communications, said the event is “a vital part of our cultural calendar” and a reminder of the strength and diversity of the community.
Arts by the Sea is free to attend, with sustainable travel options promoted through its partnership with South Western Railway and local bike hire schemes.
The festival runs across Bournemouth town centre and seafront from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September, with full details available at artsbythesea.co.uk.
Who are we? We're building a new independent free news source for BCP and east Dorset, with fewer ads, less clutter, and no filler articles. And we'd love your support. Please help us grow locally by letting your friends know about us on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.