Bournemouth, Events & Entertainment | Posted on January 22nd, 2026 | return to news

Southbourne vintage music festival to honour Armed Forces

The annual Shake & Stir event has now been officially recognised and approved as an Armed Forces Day event.

An annual community celebration of vintage fashion and music will this year honour the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force as part of Armed Forces Day.

Taking place at Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, the Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekend 2026 has now been officially recognised and approved as an Armed Forces Day event, with details published on the national Armed Forces Day website.

Now entering its second decade, the free, two-day community event will feature period fashion and live music spanning the 1940s–1960s. This year’s festival will blend swing, jive, rock ’n’ roll and vintage culture with remembrance, heritage and community pride.

Taking place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, visitors to Shake & Stir can expect to see live bands, dance displays, vintage traders, military and heritage vehicles, cadet and veterans’ parades, a History Hub exhibition, and the moving Beating the Retreat ceremony.

The event is organised by Stir Events CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company, working with veteran organisations, charities and community partners, including BCP Indian Association and Helping Homeless Veterans UK.

To ensure the delivery of this free event, Stir Events is now inviting BCP-based businesses, organisations and volunteers to help bring the 2026 weekend to life through sponsorship, in-kind support and volunteering.

Mandy Jane Polkey, managing director of Stir Events CIC, said: “Shake & Stir has always been about music, style and bringing people together.

“Becoming an officially recognised Armed Forces Day event allows us to honour those who serve and have served, while staying true to the vintage spirit that our community loves. With the support of local businesses and volunteers, we can make 2026 a truly special celebration.”

To find out more about the event, visit: https://www.facebook.com/shakeandstirvintagefest.