As the sun sets over Bournemouth this September, Arts by the Sea 2026 will transform the town centre into an extraordinary playground of fire, light and electricity.
Taking place on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September, this year's festival theme, ELEMENTAL, will come spectacularly to life in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens with an exciting programme of performances and installations inspired by the powerful forces of nature.
Leading the evening entertainment is Frequency Rider by Lords of Lightning, the sister company of the world-famous Arcadia Spectacular. This breathtaking show combines science, art and engineering as performers unleash multi-million-volt bolts of electricity from their bodies, turning raw electrical energy into music in a truly unforgettable performance. Capturing the power and unpredictability of nature, Frequency Rider promises to be one of the highlights of the festival weekend.
Visitors can also look out for the remarkable creations of internationally acclaimed artist Paka the Uncredible. Roaming the Lower Gardens across both evenings will be Rusty the Horse, a quirky half-robotic character bringing playful interactions, surprises and plenty of entertainment for audiences of all ages.
Joining Rusty will be Elsie the Dragon, a magnificent animatronic dragon featuring 36 individual body movements. Breathing smoke and fire as she prowls through the gardens, Elsie perfectly embodies the fiery spirit of this year's ELEMENTAL celebrations.
Adding even more excitement to the evening programme are Bournemouth favourites Steamship Circus. Known for their captivating fire performances, the talented troupe will illuminate the gardens with a dazzling combination of circus skills, choreography and flames, creating moments of wonder throughout both nights.
These spectacular performances are just part of what visitors can expect from Arts by the Sea 2026. Across the festival, audiences will discover a vibrant programme of artists, installations and experiences inspired by the forces that shape our world – from the spark of electricity and the energy of fire to the grounding strength of earth and the renewing flow of water.
Whether you're a returning festival-goer or discovering Arts by the Sea for the first time, Bournemouth's biggest celebration of arts, culture and creativity promises an unforgettable weekend by the coast.
More details coming soon!