Huge crowds descend on Bournemouth as arts light up the town

Bumper crowds enjoyed an eclectic mix of free entertainment in Bournemouth Square and at other town centre and seafront locations at the Arts by the Sea Festival headlined on both nights by Hydromania by Avanti Display.

They provided a breathtaking extravaganza incorporating drumming, opera, pyrotechnics, dance, mime and illuminated water jets as thousands looked on in wonder. Festival goers also marvelled at the kaleidoscopic Umbrella Project, a participatory parade that spanned the Square to the beach, an awe-inspiring array of light Installations, giant puppets , film screenings, workshops, museum open days and a dizzying selection of live music.

This year’s festival theme, Plastic Beach and Arts by the Sea 2017, is highlighting the issue of marine pollution.

The festival continues through this week with award-winning talent showing at The Shelley Theatre, Pavilion Dance, The Arts University and Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum plus more astonishing family-friendly outdoor art on Saturday 21 October.

The act closing the proceedings is Sense of Unity by Dundu and Worldbeaters Music, which will bring together enormous strutting puppets and a frenzied percussion group in an enchanting, participatory parade through town.

The Arts by the Sea Festival is funded by Bournemouth Borough Council and Arts Council England and works with a host of local partners, artists and organizations as well as regional, national and international talent.