Arts by the Sea Festival PLAY Christchurch

About Us

Arts by the Sea is thrilled to announce the expansion of its festival programme into Christchurch. The 'Christchurch edition' of Arts by the Sea will take place on Saturday 8th October in conjunction with Christchurch BID.  This day has been made possible with a cultural grant to the BID from central government and BCP Council. 
 
For the first time, Christchurch residents will be able to experience a tailored, playful programme of participatory and intriguing art in its many forms across Saxon Square and Druitt Gardens and in unusual pop-up spaces around the town. Fun for all the family, an event not to be missed!
 
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. 

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. Bargates will see large installations of bean stalks and theatre groups.

There will be so much more to discover throughout the day across the town. 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.

Plus so much more for kids, young adults, and grown-ups!