Festival Opportunities

Our Opportunities

Trade at Arts by the Sea

Arts by the Sea returns to Bournemouth on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026, and applications are now open for traders to be part of one of the South West’s biggest free arts festivals.

Inspired by this year’s theme, Elemental, the 2026 festival will transform Bournemouth with spectacular outdoor experiences, immersive installations, world-class performances and creative activities celebrating the forces that shape our natural world.

Trade pitches are available across Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September, placing your business at the heart of the festival as thousands of visitors explore the town throughout the festival.

Whether you’re an artisan maker, independent retailer, food or drink vendor, or offer unique products that complement the festival atmosphere, we’d love to hear from you.

Board Member Recruitment

Arts by the Sea is looking for two new Board Members. For an opportunity to be part of the team improving the lives of local people by providing access to creative and cultural activity, read on for more information.

As a member of the board, you will provide strategic governance and oversight to the festival, supporting and challenging the Executive team, have a direct impact on the work the festival delivers and on the creative opportunities available to local people.

You will be expected to attend a minimum of 3 out of 4 board meetings per year, with a time commitment of a minimum of 6 hours per quarter.

 

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member, please send an email to Leigh Hayler (leigh.hayler@bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

Your CV and a covering letter of no more than 2 pages (or a 3-minute video) detailing
what interests you most about this role and what you could bring to it.

  1. A completed Skills and Experience form. (Download form here)

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Andrea Francis, Festival Director
at andrea.francis@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

 

Please note this is not a paid role.