Beach Fest – Bournemouth, England 2026
Overview
Beach Fest Bournemouth is a vibrant fusion of beach soccer tournaments, small-sided football, and live music, transforming Boscombe Beach into a high-energy weekend of sport, sounds, and seaside fun for over 3,000 attendees. Founded in 2021 by Paul Darke and Joe Maxwell, the event blends competitive athleticism with eclectic music acts, evolving from a niche soccer gathering into a dynamic coastal festival that celebrates community, fitness, and entertainment against Bournemouth’s golden sands.
In 2026, expect expanded programming with international teams, youth divisions, and headline DJ sets or bands, all while upholding the festival’s eco-commitment to leave beaches cleaner than found. From adrenaline-fueled matches to sunset grooves, Beach Fest delivers an accessible, family-friendly escape that honors the UK’s beach sports heritage, making it a must for athletes, music fans, and casual beachgoers seeking summer’s ultimate hybrid thrill.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Beach soccer championships with adult and youth divisions (5-a-side, 3 sets of 12 minutes); live music stages featuring house, pop, and indie acts (past lineups included DJ residencies and local bands); small-sided football tournaments for teams of 6–8.
- Special traditions or features: Annual “Beach Fest Cup” finals with trophies and awards; community clean-up crews post-event; music after-parties with beach dancers and foam zones; partnerships for youth development in coastal sports.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Interactive beach games, food trucks with global street eats, merchandise marquee, and photo booths; family zones with kids’ mini-tournaments and face-painting; eco-workshops on marine conservation.
About This Event
- Beach Fest started as a passion project for beach soccer in 2021, growing to dual-venue events (Skegness and Bournemouth) by 2025, with over 3,000 participants and spectators.
- Bournemouth edition emphasizes the town’s 7-mile coastline, hosting international teams and music to spotlight Dorset’s vibrant scene.
- All-ages appeal with youth categories (under-16s) and free spectator entry, fostering inclusivity for families and amateurs.
- Sustainability core: dedicated clean-up teams, eco-friendly pitches (biodegradable markers), and zero-plastic policies, partnering with local marine groups.
- Recognized for community impact, it’s a blueprint for hybrid sport-music events, blending competition with coastal culture.
Why Attend
Beach Fest Bournemouth is your ticket to seaside exhilaration, where the crash of waves underscores soccer goals and funky beats, uniting competitors and chillers in a sun-drenched celebration of play and passion. It’s the ideal hybrid escape—cheer teams by day, dance under string lights by night, and connect with a diverse crowd that turns strangers into mates, all while soaking in Dorset’s dramatic cliffs and turquoise tides.
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More than matches and melodies, it’s a feel-good force: empowering youth through sport, nurturing eco-awareness, and amplifying local talent. Whether spiking a volleyball or vibing to a DJ set, the festival’s infectious energy guarantees laughter, triumphs, and that rare post-event glow—pure beachside bliss that redefines summer weekends.
Date & Duration
Friday 14th August 2025 – Sunday 16th August 2026
Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
Boscombe Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 1LR, United Kingdom (Sunny 7-mile stretch of South Coast sands with overground pitches, music stages on the promenade, and easy access to Bournemouth Pier and cliffs.)
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Online via beach-fest.co.uk using the Pebble Booking system; team entry forms for tournaments; early bird for music passes; email for groups.
- Whether admission is free or paid: Mix: free spectator entry to music/sport; paid for team participation and premium music access.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Approximate (£1 ≈ $1.30); Team Entry (Adult Division): $195–$260; Youth Team: $130–$195; Music Weekend Pass: $39–$65; Spectator Day: Free.
- Any special seating or VIP options: No formal VIP; premium pitch-side viewing (~$26 add-on) with shaded areas and priority bar access; accessible zones with companions free.
- Minimum and maximum ticket pricing: Minimum: $0 (spectators); Maximum: $260 (adult team entry, excluding add-ons).
- Additional info: Includes tournament access for teams; under-16s half-price; non-refundable per rules; group discounts for 8+ players; lineup via app.
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Contact Information
- Email: hello@beach-fest.co.uk (general inquiries and bookings).
- Phone: Not specified; use email for direct contact.
- Website: https://beach-fest.co.uk.
- Social Media: @beachfestuk (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X).
- Key Staff: Paul Darke and Joe Maxwell (founders); inquiries to general email.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via hello@beach-fest.co.uk; volunteer roles in clean-up/setup via site.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; newsletter for dates/lineup.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Bournemouth (BOH, ~5 miles/15-minute drive) or Southampton (SOU, ~30 miles/45-minute drive); Ryanair/EasyJet flights.
- Public transport: Train to Bournemouth Station (from London Waterloo ~2 hours), then 10-minute walk/bus to Boscombe; festival shuttles from station.
- Parking: Limited promenade spots via RingGo app (~$6–$13/hour); nearby paid lots like Boscombe Overcliff; arrive early.
- Other access: A338 road; coastal cycle path from town center; Uber/taxis (~$10–$15).
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Not offered; day event with beach focus.
- Beachfront hotels: Boscombe options like The Beach House (~$100–$150/night); family rooms available.
- B&Bs/apartments: Bournemouth seafront Airbnbs (~$80–$130/night, sleeps 4); site-listed with discounts.
- Nearby: Overstrand Manor (~$90–$140); groups in Hengistbury Head (~$120–$180).
- Other: Glamping near cliffs (~$150–$220); all eco-friendly picks.
Reviews
- Beach Fest’s soccer-meets-soul vibe was spot-on—goals on sand, tunes till dusk, Bournemouth’s beach never felt so alive.
- Family win: kids loved mini-tourneys, we grooved to acts; clean-up ethos added heart—back for more.
- Hybrid heaven—competitive edge with chill music; easy access, sunny sets, left pumped and sandy.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What's the balance of sport vs. music at Beach Fest Bournemouth?
A perfect 50/50 split: mornings/afternoons for beach soccer/small-sided football tournaments (adult/youth divisions, 5v5 format), evenings for live music and DJ sets on the promenade stage. Expect 20+ teams competing for the Beach Fest Cup, followed by house/pop/indie acts; past events featured local bands and residencies. It's designed for flow—watch a match, grab a drink, catch a set—making it ideal for athletes and spectators alike. Full schedule drops early 2026; all-ages with free kids' entry.
How family-friendly is the event for young kids?
Super welcoming: free for under-5s, half-price youth team entry, and dedicated kids' zones with mini-pitches, face-painting, and beach games. Matches are safe on marked sands with lifeguards; music volumes taper for evenings. Parents appreciate the enclosed promenade, shuttles from station, and picnic areas—no big-crowd stress. Under-16s need adult supervision for tournaments, but it's multi-gen magic fostering future fans amid Bournemouth's safe coastal vibe.
What sustainability practices are implemented?
Eco-first ethos: clean-up crews leave beaches spotless (post-event audits), biodegradable pitch markers, zero-plastic stalls, and solar-powered stages to minimize impact. Partners with local marine groups for waste audits; proceeds fund coastal conservation. Help by carpooling (shuttle discounts), reusables (refill stations), and public transport—RingGo parking for eco-drivers. It's beach love in action—your participation keeps Dorset's shores pristine for all.
What food and drink options cater to diets?
15+ trucks along the beach with seaside specials: fish tacos, vegan burgers, gluten-free wraps, halal kebabs—~$8–$13/meal, kids' sizes too. Local Dorset seafood and plant-based bowls; allergy stations everywhere. Bars serve craft ciders, Pimms, and mocktails, with BYO water refills free. No outside booze in arena, but picnic-friendly for chill—ethical sourcing supports regional producers, fueling the fun without a hitch.
How do I enter a team or book as a spectator?
Easy: use the Pebble Booking system on beach-fest.co.uk for team entry (select Bournemouth, pay online); email hello@beach-fest.co.uk for groups/custom kits. Spectators free—grab music passes (~$39) for premium access. Rules emailed 7 days pre-event (PDF download); adult/youth divisions separate. Early bird teams save $65; announcements via newsletter—gear up for goals and grooves.
