Arts by the Sea Festival

Arts by the Sea is a weekend-long, free celebration of art, culture, people and place.

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Arts by the Sea brings together large-scale spectaculars, diverse music, intriguing installations, dance, street theatre, participatory experiences and much more, in one unique and celebratory festival. Originally launched in Bournemouth in 2011, the festival has now expanded into Christchurch and Poole, bringing cultural experiences out into neighbourhoods, working with schools and communities across the area.

We champion local artists and creatives, providing a variety of opportunities to support their development including our Associate Artist and Artist in Residence schemes. We feel privileged to bring you inspirational experiences and we put inclusivity, diversity and sustainability at the heart of everything we do.

We’re back to take over Bournemouth town centre between Friday 26th - Sunday 28th September, bringing you weird and wonderful art installations, performances and walk about acts! This year's theme is WE ARE HERE - celebrating Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and its people.

New for 2025 is our first ever Arts by the Sea Fringe Festival, taking place between Friday 19th September and Sunday 5th October, where venues across the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole area will be showcasing a huge programme of diverse entertainment, workshops and exhibitions.