Events & Entertainment | Posted on September 8th, 2025 | return to news

Retro music festival gets Highcliffe dancing

Visitors to the Cliff Top Music Festival enjoyed glorious weather and brilliant performances, providing the perfect end to the summer season.

A huge crowd was treated to a day of glorious sunshine and spectacular music at the Cliff Top Music Festival on Saturday 6 September.

Held on the field next to Wharncliffe Road in Highcliffe overlooking the beach and sea, the retro music festival is a celebration of 1970s culture, with artists performing soul, pop and funk music.

Large audiences gathered in front of the main stage for musical performances from 11am to 7pm. Many wisely brought camping chairs to bask in the sun. Lots of attendees joined in the mood of the festival and dressed up in vintage fashion and costumes.

For children, there was also plenty of entertainment, with funfair rides, a stilt walker, face painting, and a Punch & Judy stand. There was even a chance to meet Harmony the Mermaid, who greeted arrivals at the gate.

With the sun blazing, there were two long queues for the bar, or kept cool with ice creams or non-alcoholic Pimms served by members of the local Rotary.

Two of the festival’s visitors had come all the way from London. Tony and Sian said: “We were visiting our son and grandkids. The clifftop setting transformed this festival into something magical — pumping sound stage with staggering coastal views and delicious local food. Very enjoyable!”

Organised by Stir Events, the Cliff Top Music Festival served as a great end to the summer season, ahead of some local schools reopening on Monday 8 September.

More photos on the Dorset View Facebook page.