News

Arts by the Sea Festival returns to Bournemouth from 26-28 September 2025 as the South West’s largest free celebration of art, culture, people and place with a rich and joyful programme of free events, performances and participatory experiences. This year’s theme, WE ARE HERE, is both a statement and a celebration, a rallying call to embrace identity, mark presence and champion the creativity that lives and thrives within the community.

Founded and delivered by BCP Council and now in its 15th year, the festival will once again transform Bournemouth’s town centre and seafront with performances, installations and immersive events, many of which are co-created with and inspired by the communities that call Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole home. 

New for 2025 is the launch of the Arts by the Sea Fringe, a two-week extension of the festival that invites independent venues across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to take part in this year’s creative celebration. With the first events taking place today, Thursday 18 September and running until Sunday 5 October the Fringe is powered by South Coast music curators We Broke Free and will take the festival spirit into unexpected spaces, featuring emerging artists, experimental work and local collectives. Participating venues include the Russell-Cotes, Lighthouse Poole, The Wight Bear, Key West Bar & Restaurant, The Factory Space, Pavilion Dance South West, MakerSpace Markets, Queens Park Golf Course, Brownsea Island and more.

Across the weekend, eight buzzing festival zones stretching from the Lower Gardens to Pier Approach will be transformed, hosting an eclectic line-up of local and national artists, performers and musicians. Audiences can expect everything from glowing light trails to jellyfish on stilts, walkabout performances to live music and everything in between – all completely free to enjoy.

Opening the weekend in spectacular style is Bourne to Love, a specially commissioned, two-part headline show by circus performance company Cirque Bijou. Curated exclusively for Arts by the Sea, the piece blends circus, dance, live music and community participation into a gravity-defying, heart-lifting experience. Pop-up performers between the acts will add to the magic, with local dancers, singers and musicians sharing the limelight with Cirque Bijou’s acclaimed cast. Known for immersive public performances that push the boundaries of storytelling, this new production promises to be a standout moment in the festival’s history. Friday’s performance will begin at 19:00 at the Town Hall and is one not to miss. Festival goers can keep an eye out on socials to have their say in the performance.

In the Lower Gardens, visitors will find the Community Zone and Green Hub – two vibrant, hands-on spaces designed to foster creativity, connection and climate-conscious thinking. Across the weekend, the Community Zone will host street art sessions, AR games, interactive photo booths, live portrait drawing, colourful crafting and drop-in workshops for all ages. Visitors can meet and engage with local organisations including Bournemouth and Poole College, BCP Fostering, BPC Indian Community, LiveWell Dorset, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum and more. Alongside this, the Green Hub offers a family-friendly space to slow down and explore environmental creativity, with local organisations leading workshops, conversations and playful activities that promote conscious living. This year’s contributors include Dorset Scrapstore, The Parks Foundation, Dorset Wildlife Trust and more.

Andrea Francis, Festival Director, said: “Arts by the Sea has always been about bringing people together to celebrate creativity in all its forms and this year’s theme, WE ARE HERE, speaks directly to that purpose. From large-scale spectacle to intimate moments of connection, this year’s programme is a reflection of the incredible talent and spirit that lives here and we’re proud to create a space where everyone can feel seen, included and inspired.”

Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Customer and Communications, added: “Arts by the Sea is a vital part of our cultural calendar, celebrating the creativity and diversity that makes our town so unique. The 2025 theme is a proud reminder of the strength and spirit of our communities and we’re delighted to see the festival continue to grow and inspire.”

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 celebration. Founded and delivered by BCP Council,, the festival receives regular funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.

Visitors can travel to the festival sustainably thanks to Arts by the Sea’s ongoing partnership with South Western Railway. The nearest station is Bournemouth, with regular services from across the South and South West. From the station, the festival site is a 30-minute walk or a short bus ride. For those cycling in, Beryl bike and e-scooter bays are conveniently located throughout Bournemouth and around the festival zones, with additional bike stands available for those bringing their own. 

For those with accessibility needs, all main festival locations, including the Town Square, Lower Gardens and Pier Approach, are on ground level and are connected by accessible pathways. Beale Place has a slight incline, and Pavilion Terraces can be accessed via the beach near the Upside-Down House or by lift from Westover Road and the Pavilion. While some routes into the festival involve slopes or stairs, the Town Square offers the most accessible entry point for step-free access to all major areas.