Bournemouth Soul & House Weekender

This May Bank Holiday, Bournemouth will be hosting the Bournemouth Soul & House Weekender – a brand-new, multi-venue celebration of music, culture and community.

From 1st – 4th May 2026, expect a full weekend of:

✨ Soul & house DJs and live performances

✨ Pop-up venues, record fairs & workshops

✨ Family-friendly daytime vibes

✨ Electric late-night club sessions

Created by local music legend Keith McNicol alongside Bournemouth icons Bump N Hustle, this is more than an event… it’s a revival of the town’s incredible music heritage and a bold step in putting Bournemouth back on the UK dance map. 

With events happening across multiple venues and the stunning backdrop of our 7 miles of coastline, it’s set to be a big weekend!

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About Bournemouth Soul & House Weekender

Bournemouth Soul & House Weekender (BSH) is the brainchild of Keith McNicol.

Keith is well known along the south coast, an integral part of Bournemouth’s heritage, woven into the fabric of fashion and music via his Richmond Classics store since 1988 and various event promotions.

Keith says:

“The synergy of fashion & music has always been there. I’ve been going to various weekenders for decades, going back to the Caister days in the early 80s, through to various Butlins and Pontins venues across the country. I saw how those venues were run, having a central hub and running events in separate ‘arenas’ within the location. I knew that we could easily do this in Bournemouth due to many positive factors in our favour. The next stage was to bring in the music impresario brothers of quality, Messrs Povey & Coomer, aka Bump N Hustle. My enthusiasm and passion were clear to see and I was able to convince them to join me (it wasn’t hard tbh, even for ‘doubting Bob’). The Bournemouth Soul and House Weekender was reborn.”

‍Bob Povey & Jon Coomer are synonymous with Bournemouth’s rich tapestry of music and events, dating back as far as the late 80s.

Jon Coomer says:

“I love the idea of bringing back such an important part of the town’s dance music DNA. There is a hunger and enthusiasm for music travel within our chosen demographic, and we are blessed with a coastline of distinction, 7 miles of golden beaches, great places to stay, standout venues and a food scene that holds its own anywhere.Memories will be reignited, people will gather as ‘One Nation Under a Groove’, and Keith’s vision will no longer just be a dream but it will become a lasting reality, a legacy, if you will.”

When Keith, Jon & Bob discussed plans for this inaugural event in 2026, Jon had not long since returned from the final Vocal Booth Weekender (VBW) in Spain.Vocal Booth itself began in 1999 at Birmingham’s Ministry of Sound Bar, whilst VBW grew organically over 16 years (2009–2025).

Vocal Booth Radio launched in 2025 and has already stamped its mark on a crowded musical landscape by showing what can be achieved when passion and community combine, to continue where VBW left off.

For Jon, having Vocal Booth Radio (VBR) involved with the Bournemouth event was a no-brainer.

Andy Ward says:

“When VBW ended in 2025 I had no intention of doing any major parties for the foreseeable future. However, when I was approached and asked to help bolster up the squad for Bournemouth Soul & House Weekender, it was an opportunity too good to turn down. I am thrilled to help bring Keith’s vision to life and I share his belief that if we build it, they will come.”

Bournemouth is Back, Baby!