From fast jets to jazz festivals, fireworks to adventure golf, zip wires to modern art there is so much to do and see across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole region this summer.
One of the UK’s biggest free land and air events, The Bournemouth Air Festival, is back. From 31 August – 3 September the Red Arrows, Typhoon jets and Chinook helicopters will be thrilling crowds across the four days.
On the ground Air Festival goers can enjoy live music, funfairs, military villages, the STEM tent, hospitality opportunities, unarmed combat displays, Royal Marines Band performances, pop-up bars and restaurants.
Throughout July and August Bournemouth Square plays host to Summer Live, a free music and art event for all ages. GIANT, a free to enter modern art gallery, can be found in Bobby’s department store located on The Square while the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum offers stunning sea views, a terrace café and an extensive, eclectic mix of art, statues and ceramics.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf has unrivalled sea views while the PierZip provides an exhilarating unmissable pier to shore experience.
Christchurch is steeped in history and the 11th Century Priory stands tall in the heart of town. The Castle ruins, Red House Museum and the medieval Place Mill, with its regular summer art exhibitions, are all located nearby. The social history of the town can be followed and enjoyed by following the Blue Plaque Trail.
A short walk from the Priory Quarter is Christchurch Quay, home to the annual jazz festival, Stompin’ on The Quomps, taking place on 5 August.
The Poole Harbour Festival returns to Baiter Park ,28 – 30 July, while Lighthouse Poole has co-produced a landmark community play called SALT, using the talents of over 100 local residents, taking place 27 – 30 July.
Poole Quay will be bustling with residents and visitors enjoying the pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops in and around the historic Old Town. Boats to Brownsea Island and various harbour cruises can be boarded from The Quay. Poole Harbour is perfect for sailing, kayaking, wind surfing and paddleboarding and is made up of many different habitats, which in turn provide a stunning variety of bird life throughout the entire year, appealing to birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts.
Upton Country Park, with its Green Flag Award for 2023 / 24, is open until dusk every day and admission to the grounds is free. Summer holiday events and activities include Get Up & Bounce, A Community Wildlife Adventure Day and The Summer of Fun British Wildlife Challenge while a number of art exhibitions can be seen at The Gallery Upstairs throughout the summer.
Cllr Millie Earl, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, BCP Council, says: “Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are such beautiful places to live, work and visit. I would urge everyone to get out and enjoy our stunning beaches and countryside this summer, have fun at the many fantastic events and support the brilliant tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses that are a key part of our local economy.”
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