…with dates of events taking place in Bournemouth and surrounding areas in 2025
There is so much more to do in the south coast than just socking up the sun, relaxing by the beach or enjoying amazing sea views. Moving to the UK’s south coast is a fantastic idea if you're looking for a mix of stunning scenery, vibrant culture, outdoor lifestyle and a more relaxed pace of life.
Here are some of the festivals and events taking place in 2025 events by date:
COOL COAST ICE RINK AT THE BIC
Dates: November 30, 2024 - February 23, 2025
Location: BIC, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset
Experience the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast. A perfect activity for kids and families during the winter months.
Admission: Adults £13.50 | Children, Students & Seniors (60+) £12.50 | Child Ticket (4-11 years) and Skate Mate (must be under 1.4m tall) £17.50
For more details or to book a ticket:
ILLUMINATE AT THE BLUE POOL
Dates: January 9 – February 23, 2025
Location: The Blue Pool, Wareham, Dorset
Experience a magical light display featuring over a kilometre of professionally designed illuminations, transforming the woodland trails into a dazzling spectacle.
Admission: Children – £8.50 | Adults – £17.50
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BluePoolTeaRooms
For more details or to book a ticket:
VITALITY BOURNEMOUTH BAY RUN
Dates: 23 March 2025
Location: Bournemouth bay, Dorset
Participate in various races along Bournemouth's scenic coastline. Options include a kids' fun run, 5k, 10k, and a half marathon.
Admission: Please check the website for prices and to sign up Vitality Bournemouth
Facebook page:
SOUTH COAST & GREEN TECH BOAT SHOW
Dates: May 9 – 11, 2025
Location: MDL Marinas, Southampton, Dorset
Explore global power and sail brands alongside innovative eco-friendly products at this combined boat show.
Admission: Visitor attendance is FREE
For more details:
CHRISTCHURCH CHEESE AND CHILLI FESTIVAL
Dates: May 17–18, 2025
Location: Parley Lane, Christchurch, Dorset
A staple Dorset festival, this vibrant annual event celebrates the delightful pairing of cheese and chilli, featuring a variety of cheeses, chilies, live music, entertainment for kids, and a chilli eating competition.
Admission: Day Ticket – £9 | Weekend Ticket – £12.50 (Children under 15 free)
For more details:
CHRISTCHURCH FOOD FESTIVAL
Dates: May 24 – 26, 2025
Location: Christchurch, Dorset
A three-day event celebrating locally made food and drink, taking over Christchurch with various stalls and culinary activities, Chefs Demo Stage, live music.
Admission: Free
For more details:
SWANAGE FISH & FOOD FESTIVAL
Dates: June 21–22, 2025
Location: Sandpit Field, Swanage
Celebrating it’s tenth year, this festival offers fresh seafood from local suppliers, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Admission: Free
For more details:
LYMINGTON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Dates: July 11 – 13, 2025
Location: Lymington Marina, Hampshire
Enjoy a weekend of delicious south coast food and music along Lymington’s picturesque marina. The festival features a Chefs Demo Stage showcasing the region’s best cookery, along with BBQ, smoking, and asado fire cooking masterclasses.
Admission: £10 Adult Day Ticket | £25 NEW WEEKEND TICKET entry on all 3 days | Kids £3 (ages 6-16) | Kids 0-6 are free | KIDS GO FREE ON SUNDAY!
For more details:
POOLE GOES VINTAGE FESTIVAL
Dates: July 13, 2025
Location: Poole High Street, Poole, Dorset
From 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Poole's High Street transforms into a retro-lovers paradise, featuring live entertainment, shopping, and activities all infused with the charm of the 1940s to the 1960s.
Admission: Free
For more details:
CHRISTCHURCH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: July 18 – 20, 2025
Location: Christchurch Town Quay, Dorset
Enjoy three days of family-friendly event featuring live music performances, the festival includes thrilling rides at the fun fair and exciting kids' entertainment by The Dorset Children's Foundation. Street food and pop-up bars add to the festive atmosphere.
Admission: Please check website for prices Christchurch music festival
For more details:
WILKSWOOD REGGAE FESTIVAL 2025
Dates: 24 to 27 July, 2025
Location: OUTSKIRTS OF SWANAGE IN DORSET
Experience a weekend of reggae music, live performances in a vibrant atmosphere.
Admission: Please check website for prices
For more details:
POOLE HARBOUR FESTIVAL
Dates: July 25–27, 2025
Location: Poole Harbour, Dorset
Whether you’re looking for monsters of rock and pop, creepy crawlies, clowns, puppets or dinosaur roars, Poole Harbour Festival takes ‘something for everyone’ to the next level. A weekend filled with music, family-friendly activities, and entertainment set against the scenic backdrop of Poole Harbour.
Admission: Please check website for prices
For more details:
SOUTH COAST WINE FESTIVAL
Dates: August 8 – 10, 2025
Location: Highcliffe Castle, Dorset
A weekend filled with exceptional wines and live entertainment. The festival includes masterclasses led by industry experts and an expanded lineup of live performances.
Admission: Wine Tasting General Admission £25.00 | Press & Trade free | Outdoor General Admission £5.00 | Outdoor General Admission - Under 12s free
For more details:
BSO PROMS IN THE PARK: CLASSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA 2.0
Dates: Friday, 8 August, 2025
Location: Meyrick Park, Bournemouth, Dorset
Join the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for an evening of classical music and fireworks.
Admission: £33 adults, £21 u16s and concessions
For more details:
PERFORMANCES AT LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE'S CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
Dates: Various dates throughout 2025 please check ► Ents24
Location: Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset
A diverse lineup of events, including concerts, theatre productions, comedy shows, and dance performances. Notable acts include Jason Manford on July 17 and Rob Beckett on June 20.
Admission: please check website for dates and prices
For more details:
BIKE NIGHTS ON POOLE QUAY
Dates: Typically held on Tuesdays during the summer months - To be confirmed
Location: The Quay, Poole, Dorset
A popular event where motorcycle enthusiasts gather to showcase their bikes, accompanied by live music and refreshments.
Admission: £3 per bike, per evening
For more details:
BOURNEMOUTH AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: To be confirmed
Location: Bournemouth, DorsetExperience the UK's largest free aviation festival with thrilling aerial displays, interactive exhibits, and entertainment along the Bournemouth and Poole coastline.
Admission: Free
For more details:
BOURNEMOUTH FIREWORKS
Friday night fireworks which take place in Bournemouth during the summer holidays.
Kick off your weekend with a bang! (literally!) with a fantastic free fireworks display over the water at 10.00pm.
For more details:
Please note that event dates and details are subject to change. It's advisable to check the official event websites or local listings closer to the event dates for the most up-to-date information and additional events.
List of websites:
For a comprehensive list of events throughout the year, you can visit local event listings such as Lets go out Bournemouth and poole
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