The summer calendar in Bournemouth is shaping up nicely, and one of the standout events on the horizon is the Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2026. Scheduled from Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July 2026, this three-day gathering is set to bring a massive celebration of African-Caribbean culture, music, and art to Kings Park in Boscombe. If you are looking for a relaxed, community-focused event with a great soundtrack, this annual gathering has become a staple for the south coast.
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Kings Park is a fitting venue for an event of this scale. Established back in 1902, this large public space is managed by the local council and is well-known to residents as the home of the Vitality Stadium. For the festival weekend, the park's open green spaces will host multiple stages and activities. The daily schedule is set with Friday running from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday opening from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Sunday wrapping up from 1:00 pm to 9:30 pm. It is worth noting that the organizers operate a strict no-re-entry policy, so once you are inside for the day, you are there to stay.
The musical lineup for 2026 brings together a solid mix of established names and rising UK talent. On the Friday, attendees can catch performances from Maxi Priest, Hollie Cook, Apache Indian, and the legendary Channel One Sound System. Another major draw is The Dualers, a nine-piece independent ska and reggae band from South East London. Led by Tyber Cranstoun, they built their reputation through street performing and independent releases, eventually scoring top-ten hits like "Kiss on the Lips". Their energetic, brass-heavy sound is a perfect fit for an outdoor summer stage. The lineup also features artists like Kiko Bun, Da Fuchaman, Don Campbell, and the Akabu Queens, alongside sets from experienced selectors like Robbo Ranx and Martin Jay.
Behind the scenes, the festival is organized by Afro*Disiac Live Radio CIC, a non-profit community radio station based on Christchurch Road. Founded in 2007 by Raymond Nyenje and Sula Kasujja, the station has spent nearly two decades supporting underground genres like reggae, dancehall, and afrobeat in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole area. Their efforts are supported by Arts Council England through the Supporting Grassroots Music fund, which helps keep the community focus of the event intact.
If you are planning to head down, there are several ticket packages available. A standard weekend 2-for-1 ticket is priced at 140 pounds, which covers entry for two adults from Friday to Sunday and includes access to the official after-party. For those wanting extra comfort, the VIP Premium Experience is available at 250 pounds for two people, offering golden circle access and a private bar. Families can opt for the 130 pounds family ticket, and children under 18 can enter for free when booked alongside an adult ticket using the promotional code FREEUNDER18. All tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to others if your plans change.
Published Date
10 July 2026
