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The programme for the debut Arts by the Sea Christchurch has been revealed. This new pop-up version of Bournemouth’s Arts by the Sea Festival takes place on Saturday 10th September in conjunction with Christchurch BID. Christchurch residents will be thoroughly entertained with experiences from thought provoking dance performances and skateboarding demos and workshops, to a stunning light projection on the Norman Castle and music from around the globe. Also, including comedic and interactive street theatre, Christchurch is in for a real treat as many of these performances can only be found at this new edition of Arts by the Sea. 

“Christchurch BID is thrilled to bring Arts by the Sea to Christchurch. The town is made for arts, culture, music, dance and we hope everyone, whatever their age, will discover how to PLAY in Christchurch” said Christina Pengelly, Lead of Christchurch BID.

Every week throughout August, Arts by the Sea will be revealing more of its 2022 programme with each announcement guaranteed to draw audiences together and ignite a mischievous spark of the imagination.

The first announcement for August focuses on Christchurch. Based across Saxon Square and Druitt Gardens and in unusual pop-up spaces around the town, there will be participatory and intriguing things to see and do around every corner at Arts by the Sea Christchurch.

The headline performance is the dynamic and thought-provoking piece Distant Drums by the charitable arts organisation, Whispered Tales. Both an experience of sound installation and dance, two performers bring to life the poignant story of the Reggae Sound System culture and its role in the fight for racial equality. This exhilarating performance, which will draw audiences of bass chasers, dance fans and history buffs alike, will welcome Mayor Cllr Mrs Avril Coulton to turn on the installation and officially mark the festival opening. 

A visit to the Norman Castle is also a must where visitors can catch a visual spectacle of light by the Bournemouth-based Light Art Creatives. Here the work of contemporary visual artist Marcus Method – also Arts by the Sea Artist in Residence – will project onto the ruins in a way the castle has never been seen before. 

At Two Riversmeet Skate Park, a whole day of fun awaits. Here the world class skate events company, King Ramps will host an action-packed day of skateboarding demos and workshops. Whether a complete novice or proficient on a skateboard, people of all abilities are welcome to learn new skills and try out new tricks as professional skaters lend a helping hand.

There will be so much more to discover throughout the day across the town. People should keep an eye out for numerous street theatre pieces including the bewitching and often hilarious oversized Slinkies (Big Mob by Bedlam Oz), Floris the mystical flower nymph (Enchanted Flower Globe by The Show Globe), the raucous, all-inclusive performance of The Most Dangerous Cup of Tea by the unusual juggling company, Tit for Tat, and the entertaining characters from The Natural Theatre Company. 

Visitors should also keep a look out for The High Priestess of Pop and the Disco Druids. This roaming confession booth is the place to divulge the dance moments which send you into heavenly rapture, or confess to your most guilty pop pleasures. The High Priestess herself, aka the renowned Bournemouth actress Lorna Rees, may even offer audiences absolution by playing the best requests she receives. This is a brand new piece, commissioned by Christchurch BID and comes in collaboration with The Hush Club.

Little ones can get creative in the imaginative pop up playground hosted by the Boscombe-based community group, Big Blue Play. While grown ups and kids alike can be entertained by high energy musical performances from Afon Sistema where traditional Brazilian meets Bristol sounds, and Gugge 2000, the first Guggenmusik band in the UK; it’s lively, loud and highly entertaining, with a huge feel-good factor.