12 things to do in the South West this summer
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July
Take Five Arts and Health Festival, Weston-super-Mare
11 – 14 July
Now in its fifth edition, Super Culture’s festival ‘Take Five’ is sure to lift your spirits. The free programme is packed with wellbeing activities, such as bird walks led by BBC Radio 4’s Chris Sperring MBE, acrobatic workshops, and communal sing-alongs.
Exmouth Festival, Exmouth
19 – 21 July
Free for all and buzzing with live music, silent discos and children’s activities, the Exmouth Festival will delight the whole family. The weekender starts with a parade soundtracked by carnival band Baila La Cumbia and closes with a plastic free market to mark Earth Day.
Ventnor Fringe Festival, Isle of Wight
19 – 28 July
Hop over to England’s largest island for fun in the sun with Ventnor Exchange. Over 300 artists and activities will pop up in churches, parks, and locals’ front rooms as part of this year’s Fringe Festival. The programme includes comedy, cabaret, opera, dance, and an unmissable debut from Rebel Puck Circus.
BBC Proms at Bristol Beacon, Bristol
19 July – 14 September
Experience classical music in all its glory at the Bristol Beacon. The new concert hall boasts world-class acoustics and stage technology, sure to dazzle audiences. Look out for performances by NPOs Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Paraorchestra.
Signal Festival, Swindon
22 July – 3 August
Join Prime Theatre and Swindon Dance in a celebration of local talent, championing the town’s young people. Led by six early-career producers, artists aged 28 and under will showcase their creativity across music, dance, theatre, and digital media.
August
Dancing Terraces 2024, Bournemouth
2 – 24 August, every Friday and Saturday
Put on your dancing shoes with Pavilion Dance South West. The NPO will host inclusive dance workshops all August long. From Hip-Hop and Bollywood to Latin and Ceilidh Folk - there’s a soundtrack and style for everyone.
Use a wheelchair? Look out for Disabled dance company Liberate’s commercial pop session on Friday 16 August.
Fun on the Folly, Bodmin
3 – 31 August, every Saturday
Stroll through the streets of Bodmin over the summer holidays and you’ll discover live performances at every turn. Sit or stand outside the Shire Hall to enjoy a series of relaxed shows for all the family, led by NPO intoBodmin.
We Out Here Festival, Dorset
15 – 18 August
NPO Activate will bring their most ambitious line-up yet to Wimborne St Giles. Expect free workshops led by DJ Andy Cleeton, Dorset’s own rap star Isaiah Dreads, plus performances from Working Boys Club and Gobbledegook Theatre.
September
B-side Festival, Isle of Portland
5 – 8 September
A parade titled ‘Keep Portland Weird’ is just one reason B-side has amassed a cult following. Each summer, the quirky festival invites local and international artists to exhibit new commissions around the island. This year’s theme ‘Who Do We Think We Are’ invites the public to explore identity and migration. Expect walks, talks, and one-of-a-kind opportunities for connection.
LookUp Festival, Portsmouth
14 – 15 September
Skilled with a spray can? Head to Portsmouth for an outdoor celebration of street art. The National Lottery-funded event attracts more than 20,000 visitors and an impressive roster of graffiti talent – with a special emphasis on female inclusion. Eye candy comes courtesy of Dog Sighs, Hera, Kashink, Gary Stranger, Mister Samo, and many more.
Arts by the Sea Festival, Bournemouth
27 – 29 September
Watch the sunset at Bournemouth’s award-winning celebration of art, culture, people, and place. Arts by the Sea Festival brings large-scale installations, dance, street theatre, and making activities to the Southern shore. This year’s theme ‘Taste’ and vibrant murals from 2024 Artist in Residence Rebecca Strickson are sure to engage your senses.
Taunton Together, Taunton
28 September
See out the summer with Taunton Town Council’s first-ever festival celebrating community, culture and creativity. The programme designed for young people, by young people will animate the high street with performances from emerging talent.
