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Festivals

With a reputation as an eventful destination, we’re very proud of what we’ve got going on in and around Bournemouth.

It’s our festivals that set us apart from other British seaside towns and it’s what keeps families and enthusiasts coming back to the destination year after year.

Our major festivals take place throughout the year, kicking off with the Bournemouth Bay Run in the spring. Offering a variety of distances, whether you’re a competitive athlete or a fun runner, there’s no better place to work up a sweat than beside the seaside along the Bournemouth coastline.

The summer sun brings with it a host of the world’s most impressive planes as the Bournemouth Air Festival swoops into town. With four days of fun on land, at sea and in the skies, it’s the perfect family festival. The well-loved selection of Britain’s Armed Forces dazzle crowds along our award-winning seafront and best of all, it’s free! Although there are usually pop concerts and rides which are ticketed, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy the festival without paying a penny.

In the autumn, we turn our minds and eyes to culture with Bournemouth’s Arts by the Sea Festival . This multi disciplinary event showcases a packed programme of art, dance, music and theatre, stretching across a number of days and into venues at the heart of Bournemouth as well as further out into our coastal villages.

With acts that appeal to all ages, it’s a great way to learn and discover more about art and culture against a breath-taking coastal backdrop.

We will also have great Halloween events in October until the beginning of November!

In November and into the New Year, celebrate Christmas in Bournemouth.

We also host a variety of smaller and specialist festivals throughout the year. From food and drink to jazz, as well as introductions to other countries and cultures, there’s always a reason to celebrate in Bournemouth.

Looking for accommodation in Bournemouth… a perfect place to stay by the sea…

Bournemouth is well known for its great variety of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self catering options situated along our stunning coastline. You’ll find luxury international hotel groups, national chains, beautiful boutique hotels, independent and family friendly hotels and guest houses, budget friendly hotels, a great choice of self catering options and caravan and camping parks along our neighbouring coastline and countryside.

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Featured Events

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

Bournemouth

Spectacular Christmas tree trail, enchanting illuminations and seasonal family fun! Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of glittering trees from around the world!

Dates

From:

19 Nov 2021to2 Jan 2022
Poole Dream Machines

Poole

Following the Government’s roadmap for the easing of Covid lockdown measures, we are now planning to start this year’s Dream Machines motorcycle season on Tuesday 1 June

Dates

From:

1 June 2022to28 Sept 2022Various Opening Times
Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

*Great Dorset Steam Fair has been postponed until 2022*
If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair!

Dates

From:

25 Aug 2022to29 Aug 2022
Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth

Get set for the UK's biggest free air festival. 4 award-winning days of action and entertainment in the air, on land and at sea!

Dates

From:
1 Sept 2022Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
2 Sept 2022Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
3 Sept 2022Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
4 Sept 2022Open 10:00 - 18:00

Events

BFX Festival

Bournemouth

The 2021 BFX Festival is set to include a 3-day schedule of inspiring talks, followed by a weekend of technical masterclasses delivered by some of the greatest studios from around the world. BFX Festival talks will be live streamed and accessible to…

Dates

From:

2 Nov 2021to7 Nov 2021Various Opening Times
November 5th Fireworks

Poole

FREE Firework Night on Poole Quay! No better way to spend bonfire night.

Dates

From:
5 Nov 2021
Christmas at the Russell-Cotes

Bournemouth

The halls of the historic house are decked with boughs of holly and other truly Victorian decorative delights.

Dates

From:

23 Nov 2021to3 Jan 2022
UK Dance Championships

Exeter Road, Bournemouth

This event has been rescheduled from January 2021. The new dates are Tuesday 18 - Thursday 20 January 2022 and your existing tickets will be valid for these dates.

Dates

From:

18 Jan 2022to20 Jan 2022
The Circus of Horrors

Bournemouth

Imagine a brilliant rock show combined with amazing, bizarre & dare devil Circus acts, a stellar light show and all performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek.

Dates

From:
28 Jan 2022
AXA Health Bournemouth Bay Run

Bournemouth

Whatever your running ability – fun or competitive, there’s a race for you. Set against the backdrop of Bournemouth’s famous seven-mile stretch of golden sand choose from a variety of distances and enjoy the fantastic views as you walk, jog or run…

Dates

From:
3 Apr 2022
FlowerFest

Christchurch

***Cancelled***
Welcome to our second year of FlowerFest, here in our delightful historic town of Christchurch, Dorset. After the success of our first year, we are delighted to announce we will be promoting and supporting the local Macmillan Caring…

Dates

From:

18 June 2022to20 June 2022
Camp Bestival

East Lulworth

***Camp Bestival 2020 will no longer be taking place, but Camp Bestival will be back at Lulworth Castle on 29th July - 1st August 2021***
Welcome to the wonderful world of Camp Bestival a multi-award winning festival that combines an…

Dates

From:

29 July 2022to1 Aug 2022
SandFest

Poole

Sandfest will be back in 2021 with the date of 19 September 2021.

Dates

From:
19 Sept 2022

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