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

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

In November and into the New Year, Christmas Tree Wonderland comes to town again. The festival is complete with a traditional alpine market, ice rink and illuminations in our historic, grade II listed gardens. There are usually a few other surprises throughout the destination, including chances to meet Father Christmas and a star studded pantomime for little ones and big kids alike!

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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Number of results: 41

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Featured Events

Bournemouth Open Golf Festival

West Drive, Bournemouth

Join us in 2020 for another week of seriously good fun! The festival is a mixture of qualifier and fun competitions for individuals, groups, societies and families.

Dates

From:

1 June 2020to6 June 2020
Summer Live

Bournemouth

Welcome to Summer Live in Bournemouth - a free event for all ages! It is going to be even bigger and better this year!

Dates

From:

2 July 2020to16 Aug 2020
SandFest

Poole

For the 3rd year running 5000 sun soaked, music and fun loving Sandfesters will gather on the spectacular blue flag Sandbanks beach to enjoy world class DJs and acts

Dates

From:
12 July 2020Open 12:00 - 22:00
Camp Bestival

East Lulworth

Welcome to the wonderful world of Camp Bestival a multi-award winning festival that combines an all-encompassing family festival experience with an action packed camping holiday; something that we like to call a Festi-Holiday!

Dates

From:

30 July 2020to2 Aug 2020
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:
20 Aug 2020Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
21 Aug 2020Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
22 Aug 2020Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
23 Aug 2020Open 10:00 - 18:00
Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

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:

27 Aug 2020to31 Aug 2020
Bournemouth 7s Festival

East Parley, Christchurch

Renowned as the Sporting Glastonbury, Bournemouth 7s has established a formidable reputation amongst sportspeople and festival-goers alike!

Dates

From:

28 Aug 2020to30 Aug 2020Various Opening Times
Inside Out Dorset Festival

Poole Quay, Poole

Come with us on a performance adventure across Dorset, stay tuned as locations and performances are revealed.

Dates

From:

11 Sept 2020to27 Sept 2020
Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

Bournemouth

After another successful year, Arts by the Sea festival will be back in Autumn 2019 with a brand new new artistic concept to explore, Mind Matter.

Dates

From:

25 Sept 2020to27 Sept 2020
BFX Festival

Bournemouth

BFX is recognised as one of the world’s premier animation, film and games festivals, attracting collaborators from around the world.

Dates

From:

5 Oct 2020to11 Oct 2020Various Opening Times
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:

13 Nov 2020to3 Jan 2021

Events

Cirque Enfant *VENUE CLOSED (until further notice)

21 Kingland Road, Poole

*VENUE CLOSED (until further notice)
Cirque Enfant is a fun packed, high energy circus cabaret for all the family.

Dates

From:
18 Apr 2020Open 12:00 -
Bournemouth 7s Festival - POSTPONED UNTIL 28 - 30 AUGUST

East Parley, Christchurch

POSTPONED UNTIL 28 - 30 AUGUST - Renowned as the Sporting Glastonbury, Bournemouth 7s has established a formidable reputation amongst sportspeople and festival-goers alike!

Dates

From:

22 May 2020to24 May 2020Various Opening Times
Mudeford Seafood Festival **POSTPONED**

Christchurch

The Seafood Festival is one of the South Coasts free community led events, set against the picturesque backdrop of Mudeford Quay, its historic fishing community, Christchurch Harbour and the Iron Age location of Hengistbury Head.

Dates

From:

23 May 2020to25 May 2020Various Opening Times
Cheese & Chilli Festival

Christchurch

We are delighted to announce that the amazing Cheese and Chilli Festival is back in Christchurch for 2020. The event is now in it’s 6th year! The event in 2020 will bring an amazing array of tastes, colours and experiences to town and is a ‘must go…

Dates

From:

6 June 2020to7 June 2020
Poole Harbour Boat Show - CANCELLED

Poole

Poole Harbour Boat Show 2020 Cancelled

Dates

From:

12 June 2020to14 June 2020
Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival

Highcliffe

Highcliffe Food Festival is a two-day event where the streets are revived!

Dates

From:

13 June 2020to14 June 2020Open 10:00 - 17:00
Magic of Thailand Festival in Poole

Poole

A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Harbourside Park is brought to you by Magic of Thailand, previously known as Poole Thai Festival.

Dates

From:

13 June 2020to14 June 2020Open 10:00 - 19:00

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