Guide to 2025 Festivals in Christchurch, Dorset

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.

Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival (17th May - 18th May 2025)

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.

Click here for more information: Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival

Bournemouth 7s Festival (23rd May - 25th May 2025)

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 (24th May - 26th May 2025)

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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Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival (14th June- 15th June 2025)

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 (28th June - 29th June 2025)

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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Christchurch Music Festival - 18th-20th July |

Location: Christchurch Quay, Dorset

Set against the stunning backdrop of Christchurch Quay, this family-friendly festival is all about celebrating the vibrant local community while welcoming visitors from near and far.

Visit for an unforgettable weekend of live music, great food, and entertainment for all ages.

This year, the festival organisers are turning up the volume with a diverse lineup of up-and-coming original artists and some exciting household names that will be announced soon.

Whether you're a music lover, a food enthusiast, or a family looking for a fun weekend out, Xchurch Music Festival has something for everyone!

Stompin’ on The Quomps - 2 August 2025

Stompin’ on The Quomps is a  smooth Jazz Festival held at Christchurch Quay. This year it is taking place on Saturday, 2 August 12 noon – 10 pm

Bring your picnic blankets, and enjoy an amazing afternoon and evening of Jazz and dancing!

RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat Funday -Sunday 10 August 2025

The Funday event has been going for around 25 years, with the main theme to have fun and raise money for the local Mudeford Lifeboat station.

The usual spectacles on the day include family themed stalls and the Fun Fair, Raft Race, Duck Race. It's all happening on the Quay and the grassed area and of course, in the water…

The event is FREE to attend and visitors are asked to help on the day to reach the RNLI goal in supporting the station, by giving any loose change or supporting the raffle, stalls and activities.

Christchurch Carnival (15th August - 17th August 2025)

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

Click HERE for more information

Bransgore Beer and Music Festival - 26-28 September 2025

Bransgore Rotary in conjunction with The Three Tuns Inn will hold their 15th Annual Beer and Music Festival Fundraiser on the last weekend of September.

This event will host a wide selection of approximately 75 different real ales, around 20 different ciders and a variety of fine wines. There will be live music throughout the event and a hog roast along with burgers and hot dogs.

The event aims to raise money for good causes. Much of the event will be under cover, alongside the large pub garden where the late summer sunshine can be enjoyed.