Published on Thursday 04 March 2021
An ambitious programme of outdoor activities and events to celebrate community, talent and performance into late spring and summer, is being planned as part of BCP Council’s Bounce Back plans.
Starting late May, Festival Coast Live! is being developed to entertain and engage residents and visitors with a diverse programme of outdoor activities and events across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
Councillor Beverley Dunlop, Lead Member for Festival Coast Live, said: "I am excited to be launching Festival Coast Live! As COVID-19 measures are lifted, which we hope will be by late May, our focus will be on creating and delivering events and activities engaging with professional and community artists, musicians and dance groups entertaining though a series of outdoor pop-up event experiences. These will celebrate live music, dance, food, heritage, culture, literature, health and fitness, wellbeing, and lifestyle. We really want people to get behind us, get involved and celebrate what we hope will be a fantastic 2021."
Festival Coast Live! is about creating something different, something that will give our towns, high streets, seafront, and open spaces that positive ambience and family atmosphere. Aimed at animating spaces with street entertainment and pop up event experiences at core outdoor locations, Festival Coast Live! showcases what makes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and its communities so special for people who live, visit, holiday, and work here.
Cllr Mohan Iyengar, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Tourism and Culture, added "We are proud to be a diverse resort, looking for ways to give residents and visitors that little bit extra. Once restrictions are lifted according to the Government’s guidance we will be welcoming many visitors this summer. Festival Coast Live! will showcase a terrific mix of local talent and entertainment, and its ‘fringe’ style will take people to a wider spread of locations on the seafront and in town centres. It’s also a way to get things moving again fast – to support businesses, jobs and local talent. Festival Coast Live! will support our recovery this year and in future years as it evolves."
Already confirmed, the Arts by the Sea Festival will be curating a special programme of cultural events throughout the outdoor season showcasing local professional and community performers.
A key component in delivering the Festival Coast Live! events and activities programme is that BCP Council will also be offering small community grants to existing (not for profit) activity organisers to enhance their event and assist with COVID-19 measures, as well as helping individuals, groups or organisations who want to be part of the pop up experiences.