Bournemouth Arts by The Sea Festival

Intriguing Encounters By The Sea

Bournemouth Arts by The Sea Festival has announced its eclectic initial line up of acts and performers for 2016. Events will include pyro experts Walk The Plank, firing up the Triangle, Gardens and Beachfront with their interactive “Sea of Freaks Torchlit Procession” on the opening weekend.

This will culminate in “The Inferno”—a fiery stage featuring Mr Wilsons Second Liners – a brassy 90s rave ensemble not to be missed. Meanwhile, internationally acclaimed Compagnie Des Quidams’ fantastic, magical, metamorphosing horses in “Fier A Cheval “ close the eight day spectacle of dance, performance art, classical music, theatre, art, workshops and fun activities for all the family.

Festival Director Amanda Barrie said: “the 2016 Arts By The Sea Festival has a bigger, enhanced programme providing the opportunity to view and participate in original and inspiring pieces of work. We are delighted that Bournemouth continues to develop its autumn arts and culture programmes, bringing in ever more innovative and inspiring talent to both indoor venues and outdoor spaces throughout the town.”

New initiatives include “Sounds By The Sea” —to be experienced at a number of locations, including Bournemouth’s iconic Bandstand in The Lower Gardens. This initiative is a fusion stage of artists as
diverse as the folk duo Jack Maguire & Don Kipper, the Caribbean-inspired Merry Makers Steel Pans Band and local legends, the Mother Uckers.

Also fresh in 2016 is an emerging talent programme for artists and composers – which has involved online Open Calls for visual artists, while a series of workshops for the live event and in the run-up is being organised for budding journalists, writers and rising samba stars—all lead by renowned experts.

Roxy Robinson, Creative Producer said: “This year’s varied line up is perfect for Bournemouth – the fusion of music, dance and performance in iconic locations and the emphasis on participation is a really exciting mix for 2016. This year is going to be all about intriguing encounters in beautiful places, and getting involved—so make sure you keep checking our website for more info.”

Bournemouth Arts By The Sea Festival 2016 will be the most interactive to date—audience members will be invited to become Torchbearers for the opening parade; in the run up to Day 1 on October 8th there will be a call out for Festival Volunteers while the Russell-Cotes Museum will encouraging people to take part in its free ‘Visions & Voyages’ Tours.

Councillor Lawrence Williams said: “I am thrilled that this October Bournemouth will be hosting its sixth
Arts by The Sea Festival which promises to be more diverse and creative than ever. The 2016 offering encompasses many genres of visual and interactive art , music , dance and theatre at a host of venues throughout our vibrant resort – embracing Bournemouth’s culturally varied communities as well as the many national and international visitors to the region! I am really looking forward to a fantastic event this autumn.”