Bournemouth’s seafront and town centre are getting ready for the return of Arts by the Sea, which is set to bring its usual mix of light, art, and performance back to the coast. Scheduled for Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September 2026, this year marks the 16th edition of the free festival. Running from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm each day, it is a great opportunity to wander through the gardens and along the beach to see how local spaces are transformed by creative installations, music, and outdoor theatre.
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This year, the festival revolves around the theme 'ELEMENTAL'. The programming explores the natural forces that connect us, focusing on earth, water, and the spark of new ideas. You can expect to see this reflected in large-scale evening performances featuring light projections, aerialists, and immersive soundscapes, as well as unique commissions from the resident artists, Lost Lines. In the Lower Gardens, a dedicated area called the Green Hub will host local organisations and interactive activities focused on sustainable living and creative ways to look after the planet. The organisers announced the first round of these spectacular performances back in June, building on the initial artist callouts from earlier in the spring.
If you want a preview before the main weekend, there are several smaller "Bitesized" community events happening earlier in September. These local pop-ups will bring art directly to surrounding neighbourhoods, starting in West Howe on Saturday 6th September, followed by Bourne Valley on Sunday 7th September, and Townsend on Saturday 12th September. It is a nice way to get a taste of the festival spirit closer to home before the main hub opens.
During the main event, everything is designed to be easily walkable, with installations spread across key spots like The Square, Beale Place, and the beach. Pavilion Dance South West, located right by the Lower Gardens on Westover Road, is also playing a central role. Aside from hosting activities, they are providing a dedicated quiet space inside their building for anyone who needs a break from the busy crowds. With water refill stations scattered around the gardens and seafront, it is easy to spend the whole day exploring what the artists have put together. Whether you are stopping by the Bandstand Field, checking out the Pavilion Terraces, or just walking along Pier Approach, there is plenty to see across the two days.
The festival is part-funded and delivered by BCP Council, making it completely free to access. This means you can just wander in and out of the different zones at your own pace. Key areas like the Lower Gardens and the beach will host different types of performances, from quiet, reflective art installations to energetic street dance. For those planning to spend the whole day there, the setup is quite practical. There are information points and first aid stations at The Square and the Pavilion, operating from late morning until late evening. If you are bringing kids or just want a more relaxed experience, having these facilities, alongside the quiet space at Pavilion Dance South West, makes the busy festival footprint much easier to navigate.
Published Date
14 July 2026
