Discover The Best Upcoming Bournemouth Events in 2024
Eager to explore Bournemouth’s vibrant event lineup for 2024? Our guide swiftly takes you through essential Bournemouth events, such as festivals, live concerts, artistic performances, and local fairs that define the town’s cultural pulse.
Find out where and when these events take place and start planning your Bournemouth adventures today.
Key Takeaways
- Bournemouth is a hotspot for diverse festivals and events, including the Bournemouth Air Festival, Arts by the Sea, and year-round entertainment at the BIC, with something for everyone from airshows to children’s theatre.
- From the Pavilion Dance’s array of dance classes and performances to family-oriented activities like the Bay Run and RockReef adventures, Bournemouth is packed with cultural and active experiences for all ages.
- Foodies, music lovers, and art enthusiasts can indulge in Bournemouth’s annual Food & Drink Festival, live comedy, music nights, and art and craft fairs, offering a rich tapestry of culinary delights, laughter, and unique finds.
Unmissable Bournemouth Festivals
Nestled within England’s picturesque coastline, Bournemouth is renowned for hosting pivotal annual festivals, namely the Bournemouth Air Festival, Arts by the Sea, and the BEAF Arts Festival. The Bournemouth Air Festival, set for August 29 to 31, 2024, offers three exhilarating days and nights of air displays, entertainment on the ground, at sea, and in the sky. Imagine the thrilling sight of aircrafts performing breathtaking maneuvers over the stunning Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier.
As autumn hues paint the town, Arts by the Sea Festival injects cultural vibrancy into Bournemouth with a lineup of:
- dance
- theatre
- film
- free family-friendly events
From the award-winning visual arts to the passionate dance performances, this festival showcases the diversity of art forms and is a must-visit event in Bournemouth.
Year-Round Entertainment At Bournemouth International Centre
Acting as a key venue, Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is home to an array of events spanning concerts, exhibitions, and conferences.
Ranging from smaller meetings with 550 attendees to large association conferences, the center’s schedule includes a variety of gatherings, such as an exhibition in September and a local association meeting in November 2024.
The venue is expected to accommodate events with varying attendee numbers, peaking with a significant local association meeting expecting around 10,000 attendees.
Aside from professional events, the BIC also offers family-friendly entertainment that runs throughout the year. Some of the events and activities include:
- Performances by international artists
- Art festivals
- Music concerts
- Comedy shows
- Children’s theater
- Exhibitions
The BIC is a hub of year-round entertainment, making it an iconic landmark of Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre: A Hub for Performing Arts
Offering a dynamic year-round programme encompassing:
- Musicals
- Plays
- Ballet
- Opera
Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre stands as a beacon for performing arts. From inspiring dance performances to world-class theatre productions, the theatre plays host to a diverse range of performances, making it a dynamic hub for the performing arts in Bournemouth.
In 2024, audiences can look forward to a slew of exciting performances:
- ‘Stranger Sings’ promises a night of laughter on April 24th
- The mesmerising Compton Organ Shows on April 25th
- ‘An Evening Of Burlesque’ promises a tantalizing spectacle on April 26th
- ‘That’ll Be The Day’ will wrap up the month with a bang on April 28th.
Family-Friendly Fun in Bournemouth
Year-round, Bournemouth abounds with family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Families can celebrate various seasons with activities like children’s Easter egg hunts, summertime fireworks displays on Fridays, and special festive events during Christmas near the beautiful beaches of Bournemouth.
The Bay Run adds a healthy dose of fun for families during the spring with a family-centric 1k fun run with a fancy dress theme.
Adventure awaits families at RockReef during the May Half Term, running from May 25 to June 2, 2024. From thrilling zip lines to exciting climbing walls, RockReef presents families with adventure activities suitable for all ages.
The Fun Fairs & Fairgrounds in Bournemouth come alive with:
- thrill rides
- children’s rides
- games
- side stalls
Ensuring entertainment for all the family on a sunny day with a huge variety, including the latest smash hit.
Bournemouth also offers educational and active activities for kids. The Kid’s Kitchen engages children in cooking by teaching them simple recipes under the guidance of local chefs, blending education with fun.
Free Park Yoga sessions held every Sunday throughout the summer provide a healthy, outdoor activity for families to enjoy together.
Inspiring Dance Performances in Bournemouth
For dance enthusiasts, Pavilion Dance South West offers an eclectic mix of dance performances, including:
- Ballet
- Ballroom
- Contemporary
- Conceptual styles
With modern amenities and a 197 seating capacity theatre, the Pavilion Dance South West is the perfect place to enjoy a captivating dance performance.
Not just for spectators, the Pavilion Dance South West offers over 40 different dance classes available weekly, catering to individuals of all ages and abilities. Some of the dance styles offered include:
- Ballet
- Burlesque
- Parkour
- Yoga
The comprehensive year-round program also includes screenings, a variety of dance classes, and community events, enriching the cultural fabric of Bournemouth.
Marine Life Adventures along Bournemouth’s Coastline
A myriad of marine life adventures await visitors in Bournemouth. The Oceanarium in Bournemouth provides interactive experiences for visitors to engage with a variety of marine animals, from the mysterious deep-sea dwellers to the colorful tropical species.
Visitors can enhance their understanding of marine life through ‘Meet the Creatures’ sessions, coming into close contact with species like starfish and bearded dragons.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, the ‘Feeding Experience’ allows children to participate in the preparation and feeding of turtles, combining education with hands-on activity.
The ‘aquarist for a day’ program gives participants a comprehensive hands-on experience in aquatic life care, perfect for those who dream of diving into the world of marine care.
Experience Bournemouth’s Food and Drink Scene
Each year, Bournemouth honors its culinary landscape with a variety of engaging food and drink festivals.
The annual Bournemouth Food & Drink Festival is a 10-day event offering cookery displays, cocktail masterclasses, and an array of street food from around the world.
Coinciding with this is the Christchurch Food Festival, which occurs from May 25 to May 27, bringing more culinary delights to the area.
Bournemouth’s local chefs put their cooking prowess on display at the Demonstration Kitchen located in Bournemouth Square, providing live culinary exhibits.
The People’s Kitchen invites the local community to engage directly in the food scene through the People’s Cook-Off, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective culinary adventure.
For those with particular dietary preferences, Bournemouth’s food and drink scene offers events that cater to specialty diets, introducing exotic flavors that reflect Bournemouth’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Comedy and Live Music Nights in Bournemouth
Come 2024, Bournemouth is set to stage 37 comedy and live music events, guaranteeing a year brimming with laughter and memorable music experiences.
From top comedians to local talent, there’s a gig or a show for everyone in the town center and coastal villages. The lineup for 2024 includes performances by:
- Howard Hewett on ‘The Greatest Hits’ tour
- Average White Band, the historically rich and Grammy-nominated
- Shalamar, known for its lively shows
- Romesh Ranganathan, the notable comedian
Unique experiences like ‘Bingo That’s Bonkers’ offer an innovative blend of comedy and music, accentuated by larger bingo balls and the chance to win big prizes.
Comedy shows and open-mic nights can be found all across Bournemouth and the surrounding towns, providing locals and visitors with ample opportunities to laugh and enjoy live music.
Active and Sports Events in Bournemouth
Embrace an active lifestyle in Bournemouth with a host of sports events on offer. The Bournemouth Bay Run is a prominent event, inviting runners of all levels to compete along the scenic seven-mile sandy stretch.
Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or a novice eager to take on a new challenge, the Bay Run offers a distance for everyone.
Beach sports enthusiasts can engage in activities like volleyball and football at locations near Boscombe Pier.
Along Bournemouth’s beach, individuals can also enjoy a unique workout experience at the 16-station gym trail overlooking the sea, offering exercise opportunities with a view.
For those interested in water sports and beach games, Bournemouth offers a range of activities including swims, runs, and water-based sports.
Art and Craft Fairs in Bournemouth
The art and craft fairs in Bournemouth present an ideal venue for unearthing unique handmade treasures, antiques, and gifts.
The South Coast Makers Market is a central space in Bournemouth for discovering handmade goods, offering a variety of products like jewelry, ceramics, prints, and more.
The market also includes a handmade makers store, a workshop area, a coffee shop, and a play area, and fosters a welcoming community environment open seven days a week.
Bournemouth’s Craft & Flea offers a diverse collection of local crafts and flea market finds, set to occur at Citygate Church Bournemouth on May 4, 2024.
Art enthusiasts can also enjoy unique experiences such as the Upside Gallery selfie walls in Bournemouth, enriching the artistic landscape of the town.
Nature and Wildlife Activities around Bournemouth
Encircled by diverse countryside sites, including ten designated nature reserves, Bournemouth plays a significant role in local wildlife conservation.
Bournemouth also boasts four Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including Hengistbury Head, which are key for preserving diverse species’ habitats.
Over 300 plant species can be found on Bournemouth’s stunning coastline, with cliffs that contribute to the protection of rare fauna like the Dartford warbler and sand lizard.
Hengistbury Head stands out for wildlife enthusiasts due to its rich variety of indigenous species and provides excellent educational resources at its visitor centre.
Central Gardens in Bournemouth features a tree trail showcasing international tree species and hosts bat colonies in its iconic gothic water towers.
The Stour Valley Nature Reserve located at Bournemouth’s northwest edge is recognized for riverside walks and the presence of unique species like Cetti’s warbler and otters.
Queens Park, apart from being a golf course, provides routes to discover local wildlife including stag beetles, green woodpeckers, and red foxes.
Theatre and Concert Highlights in 2024
In 2024, Bournemouth is gearing up to stage an assortment of theatre shows and concerts. Musical enthusiasts can look forward to shows like:
- ‘9 to 5 The Musical’
- ‘Sister Act The Musical’
- ‘Ghost the Musical’
- ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’
Join us for a fantastic night of entertainment at the Pavilion Theatre, located just a short walk from the Horsemen Pub.
For concert-goers, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Vs The World Live Tour’ is coming to Bournemouth in May 2024. George Benson returns to Bournemouth as part of his highly anticipated UK tour in 2024.
The world’s best professional dancers will be on tour with Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals UK tour in 2024.
Video Games in Concert will showcase awe-inspiring scores from various video games, featuring music from different realms and dimensions.
An award-winning parody musical, Stranger Sings, is available for visitors to join in Bournemouth in 2024. A night filled with all things Abba will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with a tribute performance by Abba’s Angels.
Summary
To sum up, Bournemouth in 2024 promises to be a year filled with a variety of events and festivals that cater to every taste and interest.
Whether you’re a food lover, art enthusiast, sports fanatic, or just looking for some family-friendly fun, Bournemouth has something for you.
So why not join the fun and excitement in Bournemouth in 2024? It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key annual festivals in Bournemouth?
The key annual festivals in Bournemouth are the Bournemouth Air Festival, Arts by the Sea, and BEAF Arts Festival. Experience thrilling air displays and vibrant arts celebrations throughout the year!
What events are hosted at the Bournemouth International Centre?
The Bournemouth International Centre hosts a variety of events such as concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. So, you can look forward to a diverse range of experiences there!
What performances can we expect at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre in 2024?
In 2024, you can expect performances like ‘Stranger Sings,’ Compton Organ Shows, ‘An Evening Of Burlesque,’ and ‘That’ll Be the Day’ at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre. Get ready for an exciting lineup!
What family-friendly activities are available in Bournemouth?
In Bournemouth, families can enjoy children’s Easter egg hunts, summertime fireworks displays, adventure activities at RockReef, Fun Fairs & Fairgrounds, cooking workshops at the Kid’s Kitchen, and free Park Yoga sessions. So, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from.
What are the nature and wildlife activities available in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth offers a range of nature and wildlife activities, from exploring nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest to observing local wildlife like stag beetles, green woodpeckers, and red foxes at Queens Park. Enjoy the diverse plant species on the cliffs and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
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