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Arts by the Sea has unveiled the music programme for its 2026 festival, bringing together an eclectic mix of live bands, immersive performances and community musicians as Bournemouth’s town centre transforms into a celebration of creativity, inspired by this year’s ELEMENTAL theme.

Returning on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September, the South West’s largest free festival of arts, culture, people and place will fill Bournemouth with music spanning jazz, funk, Latin, open mic performances and immersive participatory experiences, alongside the spectacular installations, street theatre and performances already announced.

The festival’s music programme begins on Friday with the return of Gugge 2000, whose energetic carnival-inspired brass and percussion will help kick-start the weekend, alongside The Centaur Stage, a unique open-mic venue housed inside a beautifully restored vintage horsebox, giving emerging musicians the chance to perform and audiences the opportunity to discover new local talent. 

Closing the Bandstand on Friday night will be CJP Band, who have been championed by Radio 6 DJ Giles Peterson and have become a staple at festivals across the UK, and will be bringing their blend of disco, soul, funk and jazz into an uplifting live set. 

As darkness falls, the music continues alongside the festival’s previously announced after-dark spectaculars, with audiences able to experience live performances before witnessing the awe-inspiring Frequency Rider by Lords of Lightning, encounter Paka the Uncredible’s extraordinary mechanical creations Elsie the Dragon and Rusty the Horse, and enjoy breathtaking fire performances from Bournemouth’s own Steamship Circus.

On Saturday, the programme builds with Bournemouth favourites Pachango, bringing their blend of Latin, reggae, funk and cumbia to the Bandstand, before the wonderfully eccentric Lords of Veg Funk parade through the festival and deliver a joyous live set packed with funk, disco, comedy and audience participation. Later in the day, acclaimed London group Zeñel take to the stage with their fusion of jazz, electronic music, grime, afrobeats and future bass. Closing the day will be Earth, Wind and Choir, a collaboration which sees Bournemouth’s  Funky Little Choir and The High Priestess of Pop join forces for a playful new collaboration. Audience members are encouraged to sing along, dance and celebrate festival magic with the singers.

Evision Music Group’s AfroSounds System will celebrate Bournemouth’s thriving Afro and Caribbean music scene through performances from emerging artists, one of whom was a volunteer at Arts by the Sea for their 2025 festival and is returning for the first time as a performer.  

Andrea Francis, Festival Director, said: “Music has always been one of the ways people come together and this year’s programme captures that brilliantly. We’ve brought together artists who are joyful, unexpected and brilliantly diverse, creating everything from intimate moments of participation to huge collective celebrations. Whether you’re dancing to Latin rhythms, following a funk procession through the gardens or discovering your new favourite artist at the open mic, the music programme reflects everything Arts by the Sea is about: creativity, connection and shared experiences in the heart of our town.”

Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Customer and Communications at BCP Council, said: “Arts by the Sea continues to champion an exciting mix of internationally recognised artists alongside the incredible creative talent we have here in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. This year’s music programme offers something for everyone while supporting local performers and creating opportunities for audiences to experience an extraordinary range of live music completely free of charge.”

Beyond the main festival weekend, Arts by the Sea Fringe also returns from Sunday 27th September to Sunday 11th October, extending the celebrations across Bournemouth with an expanded programme of live music, theatre, comedy, exhibitions and creative events hosted by local venues, organisations and independent producers. Following a successful launch in 2025, the Fringe once again invites venues to sign up and showcase the town’s thriving creative scene, while celebrating the breadth of talent across the region. Venues wanting to sign up should head to: https://artsbythesea.co.uk/fringe-festival/ 

Arts by the Sea is a free event bringing together diverse music, intriguing installations, dance, street theatre and participatory experiences in one unique and celebratory programme. It is founded by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. The 2026 festival follows a successful extension-year funding award from Arts Council England. While BCP Council, like many local authorities, continues to operate within a challenging financial climate, it remains committed to supporting the festival through Officer resource, partnership development and sponsorship activity, alongside significant national investment to ensure the festival’s continued delivery.