Bournemouth is buzzing with excitement as the Arts by the Sea Festival gears up for a spectacular finale. This year, the free festival is set to conclude with a breathtaking event that promises to captivate and inspire the local community and visitors alike. Introducing The Honey Pot, a unique installation set to light up Bournemouth Beach in a display that symbolises creativity, community and the changing of the seasons.

What is “The Honey Pot”?

The Honey Pot is a striking, honeycomb-shaped art installation designed by the innovative minds at Pyrite Creative. This imaginative piece has been co-commissioned by the Arts by the Sea Festival and Shambala, bringing together a fusion of creativity and collaboration. The structure will be on display at Bournemouth Beach for the entirety of the festival weekend, from Friday, 27th September to Sunday, 29th September. During this time, art enthusiasts can explore the installation and immerse themselves in its intricate design.

The finale of the festival will be the ceremonial burning of The Honey Pot at 8:00 pm on Sunday, 29th September. This dramatic event will serve as a symbolic farewell to summer and a warm welcome to the autumn season. In the lead-up to the burn, The Torchlight Trail will guide festivalgoers along the promenade to the bottom of the East Cliff Zig Zag, with community leaders lighting the way. This procession of light will culminate at The Honey Pot, setting the stage for a grand finale that celebrates unity and the power of community.

The festival finale burn is more than just a visual spectacle; it symbolises the rich tradition of fireside storytelling in the South West of England, where communities gather to share stories and mark the change of seasons. This year, the burn will celebrate the transition from summer to autumn, encouraging attendees to reflect on the natural and cultural shifts this time of year brings. All materials used for the fire are recycled, highlighting the festival’s commitment to environmental consciousness and sustainability.

A feast for the senses

This year’s Arts by the Sea Festival is themed around “TASTE,” inviting the community to come together to celebrate shared experiences, cultural diversity and artistic expression. The Honey Pot burn is more than just a spectacle; it is a symbolic act of burning away the old to make way for the new, encouraging everyone to savour the sensory and cultural richness of the festival.

The opportunity to host a burn on the beach has been made possible through a rigorous safety protocol developed in partnership with local authorities and fire safety experts. All necessary precautions have been taken to ensure that the event is both safe and enjoyable for everyone, with a detailed safety plan in place to manage and mitigate risks effectively.

Don’t miss this exceptional event as Bournemouth bids farewell to summer and embraces autumn with a stunning visual display of fire, light and community spirit. Join us at Bournemouth Beach for The Honey Pot and experience the magic of Arts by the Sea.

For more information about the Arts by the Sea festival and The Honey Pot, please visit www.artsbythesea.co.uk.

Arts by the Sea is a free festival that brings together large-scale spectaculars, diverse music, intriguing installations, dance, street theatre, participatory experiences, and much more. Founded by Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, it receives regular funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation. This funding helps increase opportunities and improve access to creativity and culture in the region. Special thanks to taxpayers and National Lottery players for making this possible.