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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: 29

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Featured Events

Summer Live

Bournemouth

Welcome to Summer Live in Bournemouth - a free event for all ages!

Dates

From:

12 July 2019to26 Aug 2019
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:

25 July 2019to28 July 2019
Beer and Bluegrass Festival

Poole

World class music and beer festival featuring bands from the USA plus the chance to sample real ales, ciders and home-cooked food.

Dates

From:

26 July 2019to27 July 2019Various Opening Times
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:

22 Aug 2019to26 Aug 2019
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:
29 Aug 2019Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
30 Aug 2019Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
31 Aug 2019Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
1 Sept 2019Open 10:00 - 18:00
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:

15 Nov 2019to2 Jan 2020
Aladdin - Pantomime

Bournemouth

From the producers that bought you Jack and the Beanstalk and Sleeping Beauty, comes the thrilling story of Aladdin.
Packed full of everything you’d want in a pantomime including laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and…

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2019to5 Jan 2020

Events

Praise Dance Festival

Bournemouth

The vision of praise dance festival is "to create a medium where we all praise and dance to God in our own way."

Dates

From:
29 June 2019Open 13:00 - 17:00
The Original Shake & Stir Vintage Festival - EVENT POSTPONED

Southbourne

EVENT POSTPONED - See website in event information for further details

Dates

From:

29 June 2019to30 June 2019
Christchurch Schools Singing Festival

Bournemouth

Following the enormous success of their singing concerts in The Priory Church, this year a number of Christchurch schools will perform in Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth on Tuesday 02 July 2019. The event promises to be an amazing mixture of music…

Dates

From:
2 July 2019
Sandbanks Beach Volleyball Festival

Poole

Established in 1988, Sandbanks Beach Volleyball Festival is one of the longest standing beach volleyball events in the UK.

Dates

From:

6 July 2019to7 July 2019
Bourne Free - Bournemouth's Pride Festival

Bournemouth

Bournemouth Pride Festival - Bourne Free. We invite you to join us for a weekend of fun and frolics, good music, great entertainment and of course the famous Parade.

Dates

From:

12 July 2019to14 July 2019
Poole Goes Vintage

Poole

Celebrate all things retro on the Quay as Poole goes Vintage returns to town each summer! This celebration of 1940s-60s music, fashion, memorabilia, entertainment and transport is a feel-good festival the whole family will enjoy.

Dates

From:
14 July 2019Open 11:00 - 19:00
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:
14 July 2019Open 12:00 - 22:00
Rockley's Summer Spectacular with Fireworks on Poole Quay

Poole

Get your groove on for Rockley's Summer Spectacular as fabulous FREE live music, entertainment and fireworks on Poole Quay.

Dates

From:

25 July 2019to29 Aug 2019Various Opening Times
Bournemouth Friday Fireworks

Bournemouth

Come and enjoy our dazzling Friday Night Fireworks!

Dates

From:
26 July 2019Open 22:00 -
From:
2 Aug 2019Open 22:00 -
From:
9 Aug 2019Open 22:00 -
From:
16 Aug 2019Open 22:00 -
From:
23 Aug 2019Open 22:00 -
Stompin' on the Quomps

Christchurch

Stompin’ is a music festival situated in the picturesque surroundings of Christchurch Quay.

Dates

From:
3 Aug 2019
Bournemouth Air Festival Hospitality

Bournemouth

Sit back, relax and enjoy the action from the sea-facing terrace at Bournemouth International Centre. With spectacular views of Bournemouth’s coastline, enjoy unrivalled panoramas of the top-class flying displays with first-class hospitality. A…

Dates

From:

29 Aug 2019to1 Sept 2019Open 10:00 - 17:00

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