Guide to 2025 Festivals in Christchurch, Dorset

From January through to December there are many wonderful festivals in Christchurch, including music, food, cars, and more! Whether it's to celebrate local talent, or just to try something new, Christchurch's festivals are definitely worth attending.

January 2023

February 2023

March 2023

April 2023

Bournemouth Writing Festival (21st April - 23rd April 2023)

Bournemouth Writing Festival is a festival celebrating creativity and talent in Bournemouth's local writing scene. Talks, seminars, panels, and performances are all available over a weekend in April, with something for anyone - from young children to published authors.

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May 2023

Bournemouth Increase The Peace Community Festival (20th May 2023)

Now in it's fifth year, Increase the Peace is a community event designed to showcase a diverse range of music, spoken word, and art. The cross-cultural understanding of other human stories is intended to create peace, acceptance, and inclusivity. The wide range of talents, paired with resources for those in need, makes this festival a wonderful way to improve Dorset and have a good time. 

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Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival (20th May - 21st May 2023)

The Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival celebrates local producers of cheese and chilli related products, hosts a variety of musical and theatrical entertainment, and supports local charities with it's profits. Be it live cooking demonstrations, circus-style performances, live music, taste tents, or chilli eating competitions, the festival is filled with delightful activities for adults and kids alike.

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Bournemouth 7s Festival (26th May - 28th May 2023)

Knowns as the 'Sporting Glastonbury', Bournemouth 7s holds a formidable reputation amongst festival-goers and sportspeople! Along with the multiple awards won, tens of thousands flock to the festival every May, with almost 400 sports teams coming to compete.Over 40 live acts and DJs in 12 themed arenas come together to foster a unique atmosphere, which sets Bournemouth 7s apart from other festivals.

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Christchurch Food Festival (27th May - 29th May 2023)

Launched in 2000, Christchurch Food Festival continues to bring people together in one of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast to share great food and drink. With chef demos, live entertainment, and a delicious selection of local produce, the festival celebrates the pleasure of food while also helping to support small producers and independent food businesses.

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June 2023

Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival (10th June- 11th June 2023)

The Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival takes place every June - its is a two-day celebration of local food & drink. The event is organised and run by a committee of unpaid volunteers who want to ensure the festival promotes local food producers, independent restaurants and retailers in Highcliffe. The objective of the festival is also to increase the profile of Highcliffe as a tourist destination, and to encourage people to eat healthy, homemade and locally sourced food through educations & fun workshops, plus cookery demonstrations.

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Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival (25th June - 26th June 2023)

The Shake & Stir Festival is ideal for any vintage life-styler looking for somewhere to celebrate retro music, vehicles, dancing, or fashion. From the 1920s to the '70s, the bonanza of all things vintage features a variety of performances, displays, traders and more. 

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July 2023

Mudeford Arts Festival (29th July - 30th July 2023)

All weekend long you can enjoy great food, local entertainment, art and handmade craft and activities for the children at this community celebration of the arts!

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August 2023

Christchurch Carnival (19th August - 20th August 2023)

Come and join in the fun for free! The Christchurch Carnival promises a fun weekend which includes a float parade, fireworks, stalls and more!

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Bournemouth Air Festival (31st August - 3rd September 2023)

Bournemouth Air Festival is held every year at the end of August / early September. The 2023 festival takes place from 31st August to 3rd September. Enjoy 4 days of fantastic action on Bournemouth's seafront, including a daily display from The Red Arrows. Entertainment continues into the evening, including Pyrotechnic Night Air Displays with and live music. This amazing Air Show is free to watch and free to enjoy. Friday & Saturday see the skies light up with fireworks at Bournemouth seafront! Site opens at 10am and closes at 10pm (on Sunday site closes at 6pm).

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September 2023

Bournemouth Film and Comic Con (9th September - 10th September 2023)

With around 6000 visitors each year, Bournemouth Film & Comic Con is a must for any fan of pop culture. You can browse the many trader stalls, get those hard to find items, geek out and enjoy the cosplay. There are specific areas for cosplay, retro games, authors, artists, and comics, as well as plenty of opportunities for photos and talks with special guests.

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Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival (29th September - 1st October 2023)

Arts by the Sea Festival is Bournemouth's annual celebration of art, culture and people, normally held at the end of September. Enjoy a weekend of festivity in the centre of Bournemouth including amazing parades, colourful live music, imaginative installations and fun for all ages! Find out more about this year’s artists, performances and events.

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October 2023

November 2023

December 2023