News

Arts by the Sea, the South West’s free to attend premier celebration of arts, culture and community, is set to captivate audiences this September with a vibrant line-up of family-friendly performances and installations. In addition to the main festival in Bournemouth from Friday 27 – Sunday 29 September, two Bitesize Festivals will bring art and culture directly to the communities of West Howe and Bourne in the weeks leading up to the main event.

This year’s festival weekend will feature an array of interactive and inclusive performances designed to delight audiences both young and young at heart. A trail of mind blowing art that is a must-do for families, highlights include:

Bubble Spectacular by Squidge & Pop: A sensory wonderland of bubbles and light, offering interactive fun for both children and adults.

Fussy Foodies by Just More Productions: An interactive cooking game show that takes audiences on a sensory journey through culturally diverse foodie challenges. Fussy Foodies has been supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Arts by the Sea.

Family Catwalk Extravaganza by Ghetto Fabulous: A celebration of self-expression and pride, where dancers compete on the catwalk with the audience determining the winner. Family Catwalk Extravaganza has been supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Arts by the Sea.

Swan in Love by Gary & Pel: A whimsical circus performance transforming a 7ft swan pedalo into an interactive street experience filled with comed, romance and music. A real life, kitsch cartoon!

Truth by Ramshakalicious and Hijinx: A thought-provoking theatrical performance exploring themes of freedom, power and emotion through playful interaction.

Programmed and curated with families in mind, organisers are also extending the festival ethos to the nearby neighbourhood communities of Bourne and West Howe in a bid to bring art to neighbourhoods throughout the region. These free-to-attend events will take place between 11am – 5pm on Saturday 7th September and Sunday 8th September, and feature a variety of workshops, performances and activities designed to engage and inspire local residents. 

Highlights are set to include African drumming, arts and crafts, sensory bubble play and a family-friendly disco and fashion show. A testament to Arts by the Sea’s commitment to making art accessible to everyone regardless of location, those keen to get their art on in West Howe should head to the Henry Brown Centre on Saturday 7th September and those in Bourne to the Bourne Community Hub on Sunday 8th September. 

Tor Byrnes, Creative Director at Arts by the Sea, commented: “We’re thrilled to bring the spirit of Arts by the Sea into the heart of local communities with our Bitesize Festivals. These events offer a fantastic opportunity for families to experience art and culture in a fun, accessible way and we’re excited to see the creativity that will be unleashed in West Howe and Bourne.”

Andrea Francis, Festival Director at Arts by the Sea, added: “This year’s line-up is bursting with interactive, family-friendly performances that celebrate everything from fashion to food. Whether you’re joining us in Bournemouth or at one of our Bitesize Festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

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. 

Without Walls is a network of over 35 organisations presenting the best outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across England. Since its formation in 2007, Without Walls has developed and toured over 200 new shows both in the UK and internationally across 22 countries. Without Walls is supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation. Find out more: withoutwalls.uk.com.

For more information, visit www.artsbythesea.co.uk.