The highly anticipated Arts by the Sea Festival returns to Bournemouth from Friday 27 - Sunday 29 September 2024, and the festival proudly unveils its bumper full lineup. Now in its 14th year, Arts by the Sea continues to celebrate creativity, culture and community, offering a diverse program of free events for all ages.

With the theme of TASTE, this year's festival is a feast for the senses, blending visual art, music, dance, installations and performances across Bournemouth’s iconic locations, including Lower Gardens, Pavilion Terraces, Pier Approach and the beach. Festival Director Andrea Francis encourages visitors to “challenge their tastes by sampling the eclectic and vibrant array of acts and performances on offer.”

Among this year's standout features is Evanescent by Atelier Sisu, an interactive bubble sculpture that will illuminate the Lower Gardens throughout the weekend. The festival finale, including The Honey Pot, will see a stunning bonfire and fireworks display at the East Cliff Zig Zag beach on Sunday evening, capping off a weekend of awe-inspiring spectacles.

Photo Credit: Atelier Sisu

Rebecca Strickson, the festival’s Artist in Residence, will showcase her vibrant work, while Jasmin Edwards, the Associate Artist, presents K*TCHEN, a satirical circus performance that reflects on women’s roles in life and art.

Other notable performances include:

Gugge 2000: This Bournemouth-based band draws inspiration from the Swiss ‘Guggen’ carnival tradition, and will deliver an upbeat, brass-heavy street performance. With a mix of brass and percussion, Gugge 2000’s vibrant sound has made them a popular fixture at festivals across Europe, promising a lively and infectious energy.

Dr Beatroot: A five-piece band from Bournemouth, Dr Beatroot fuses bluegrass, country and skiffle with Appalachian roots. Their high-energy, percussive style will have audiences clapping along and stomping their feet as they perform a unique take on traditional folk music with a modern twist.

Bass Choir: Bringing an unconventional twist to choral music, Bass Choir blends genres like drum and bass, breakbeat and UK garage. Known for their experimental and boundary-pushing sound, this vocal ensemble will deliver a high-energy performance that highlights the underground urban music scene.

Vanity Fairy: Known for her theatrical performances and comparisons to musical icons like Barry Gibb and Kate Bush, Vanity Fairy will deliver a bittersweet, whimsical disco experience. Audiences should expect soaring falsettos, glittering outfits and a performance that combines the playful and the profound, offering a disco dreamlike escape.

Delly Black & Saxy J: Bournemouth’s Delly Black, alongside award-winning saxophonist Saxy J, blends Afrobeat, jazz and contemporary sounds. Their dynamic collaboration brings together London’s cutting-edge music scene with Black’s Nigerian heritage, promising a captivating performance at Arts by the Sea that merges Afro-fusion with infectious stage presence.

Four Corners Collectif: This Bournemouth-based collective offers a fusion of African and Caribbean rhythms, blending afrobeat, soukous and reggae. Their multicultural sound is perfect for anyone who loves to dance and immerse themselves in vibrant, rhythmic music.

Funky Little Choir: Dorset’s largest contemporary choir will take audiences on a musical journey through classic hits and modern favourites. From KT Tunstall to The Beatles, this talented choir will invite Arts by the Sea-goers to sing along and celebrate a wide range of beloved songs.

The Honey Pot , The Torchlight Trail and Fireworks: One of the festival’s most anticipated events, The Honey Pot, is an artistic installation that will serve as the centrepiece for Sunday’s grand finale. Starting with The Torchlight Trail, community groups and schools will walk along the Bournemouth promenade towards The Honey Pot, where the structure will be ceremoniously set alight on the beach, along with a spectacular fireworks display, bringing the festival to a dazzling close.

Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Culture, notes: "This festival is a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With so many free, accessible and family-friendly activities, there truly is something for everyone."

For further information on the full lineup and festival details, visit artsbythesea.co.uk or follow the festival on social media.

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, in one unique and celebratory festival. It is founded by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) Council. Arts by the Sea festival receives regular funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation. From 2023-26 BCP Council will receive more than £150,000 per year to increase opportunities and improve access to creativity and culture in the region. With thanks to taxpayers and National Lottery players across the country.