Arts Council England will fund Bournemouth’s award-winning arts festival in 2026
Arts by the Sea will return in 2026 after securing new funding, despite changes to BCP Council’s direct financial contribution
Last updated 17th Feb 2026
Arts by the Sea will return in 2026 after securing fresh backing from Arts Council England.
The annual festival, launched by BCP Council in 2011, has become a flagship cultural event across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
In 2025, the three-day celebration featured more than 150 performers, including live music, circus acts, aerial artistry and community performances.
BCP Council has confirmed it submitted a successful bid to Arts Council England for the 2026 extension year, ensuring the festival will go ahead next year.
However, the council’s £150,000 contribution will be removed from the 2026/27 budget as part of wider financial pressures.
It is understood that while the core cash allocation is being withdrawn, the council will continue to support the event through festival reserves, staff resources and sponsorship activity.
The future of the festival had been the subject of local concern. In September 2025, a petition titled “Save Arts by the Sea Festival” called on the council to continue matching funding beyond 2025 and to reconsider its budget plans.
The petition ran for more than a month but only received 69 signatures, well short of the 2,000 required for it to be debated at a full council meeting.
Councillor Andy Martin, BCP Council’s cabinet member for culture, described Arts by the Sea as an “award-winning celebration of community and the arts” and a key part of the area’s cultural identity.
“We are pleased to confirm that we put in a successful bid to Arts Council England for the 2026 extension year,” he said. “The festival will go ahead in 2026 with our contribution and significant funding from Arts Council England.”
He added that the council has also applied for grant funding to support a 2027 festival and is keen to work with sponsors and community partners to secure its longer-term future.
Cllr Martin ended: “Together we can create experiences that inspire our communities for years to come.”