Popular Bournemouth festival returns this year, bigger and better than ever.
Arts by the Sea is a festival that celebrates art, people, place and culture. With around 120,000 visitors each year, it’s a huge attraction in Bournemouth.
From the 29th of September to the 1st of October, there are endless events, music performances, fascinating installations, immersive experiences, street theatre performances and so much more.
The chosen theme this year is ‘MOMENT’. With over 100 artists ranging from local to international, the aim is to encourage everyone to have a moment, one they will always remember from the festival.
Arts by the Sea Festival
The Arts by the Sea Artistic Director, Tor Byrnes stated:
“This year we’re really inviting every participant to find their own unique piece of joy, stillness, flow or movement in their own
MOMENT. It’s up to you whether you share that, keep it as a personal present or connect with
others as a collective experience.”
What events can I be expecting?
The opening headline attraction makes it appearance at the Civic Centre, where the mesmerising projection mapping of videos and 3D images will transport you. Created by The Media Workshop, these colourful projections will transform the building. As well as the display, DJ Yoda will be performing so make sure to get down there on Friday evening. Starting at 6PM, and with DJ Yoda taking the stage at 7:30PM, it’ll be an unforgettable evening.
A brand new attraction this year is PORTAL. This installation will be on Bournemouth beach from Wednesday the 27th of September, to Wednesday the 4th of October. From the renowned design studio, Lucid Creates, this tower stands at 15m tall and displays engaging and immersive light shows.
Other performances include:
- Break Down Walls by Pavilion Dance South West
- Love Soul Choir
- engaging artwork from Artist in Residence, The Fandangoe Kid
- Town of Cats
- King Ramps
- The Hush Club
- Funky Little Choir
And still, this doesn’t even cover half of the full amount of events and experiences.
The Arts by the Sea Artistic Director, Tor Byrnes stated:
Multi Award Winning Event & Music Photographer James Bridle www.JamesBridlePhoto.co.uk
Community days
However, it’s not all about the performances and light installations. The organisation are running community days throughout September, in West Howe and Bourne for example. Bringing free theatre, art and fun to different communities and areas of Bournemouth, to give them their ‘moment’.
Since the festival started was started in 2011 by the Council, it has grown substantially. Also, now they’re expanding their work into Christchurch and Poole, this allows all residents of the BCP area to experience the art. In 2015, they became an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
The organisation describe their festival below:
‘From world to contemporary music and vibrant spoken word talent at the new Speakers’ Corner, via a massive injection of family-friendly fun from creative workshops, hilarious street theatre and escapist entertainment, the free-to-attend Arts by the Sea is set to be another stimulating year of arts and culture.’
For more information about Arts by the Sea, visit their page here.