Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is Bournemouth’s #1 Reggae in the park event.
Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is an independently run 3-day unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and heritage in Bournemouth through reggae music with a full range of entertainment and traditional activities that supports creative arts and performing artists through music, poetry, storytelling, and dance workshops.
The event also hosts an array of artisan traders, and craft stands including traditional wooden art, African clothing and kente designs. The festival is a not-for-profit venture run by a Non-Profit Afro*disiac Live Radio
Embark on a remarkable journey with our event, initially slated for a July 2019 launch but temporarily deferred based on advice from Local Authorities due to an overwhelming response. Determined to make it a reality, we downsized and took a financial hit, rescheduling for July 4th-5th, 2020. However, the global pandemic, COVID-19, threw a curveball, leading to a government-mandated ban on outdoor events and a subsequent postponement to July 2021.
Finally, in July 2021, our event saw the light of day, drawing in 5000 attendees and receiving an official inauguration by the esteemed mayor of Bournemouth. The event’s success was further amplified by the proud sponsorship of Dorset Police – Positive Action. Join us in celebrating resilience, community, and the triumphant spirit that defines our event’s extraordinary journey!
At Bournemouth Reggae Weekender, we take pride in being the first and only local festival to extend our outreach to the cherished elders residing in care homes. As an integral part of our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, we’ve gone above and beyond to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or background, can partake in the joy and rhythm of our festival.
Our Unique Inclusive Approach: Celebrating Diversity: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender embraces the rich tapestry of our community, honoring the wisdom and experience of our elders.
Music that Resonates: Our festival offers a musical journey that transcends generations, uniting young and old through the universal language of reggae.
Connecting Care Homes: We actively collaborate with local care homes, bringing the festival experience to those who may not have the chance to attend otherwise.
Reggae on the Bay | 77 Years of Windrush – Culture, Community, Celebration was born from a vision: to bring families together on the shoreline in honour of the Windrush generation and their lasting legacy in the UK.
In 2024, we welcomed over 500 Windrush families to the beach for a cultural celebration unlike any other. It was no small feat – months of preparation, detailed logistics, and coaches travelling more than six hours to reach the Dorset coast. On top of this, adapting infrastructure to work on the sand brought its own unique challenges.
But what came to life was unforgettable.
This was never just about reggae music echoing across the stunning shoreline of Studland Bay. It was about reclaiming space, celebrating heritage, and amplifying voices that shaped British culture. It was about joy, visibility, and true inclusion. We didn’t just open the gates – we co-created what happened inside them, together with the community.
Reggae on the Bay was made possible through the commitment of incredible partners who shared our vision:
National Trust Studland Bay – for your belief, bravery, and dedication to holding space for Windrush heritage. A special thank you to Tom Clarke and Emma Wright for your steady support.
Turtle Bay Restaurants – for bringing rhythm, spice, and soul to the day’s celebrations.
Southern Entertainment Services LTD – for your seamless production and professionalism.
Land & Wave Ltd – for being the backbone on the ground, energising the event from start to finish.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Coast Guard, Poole Harbour Master & RDHS Ltd – for ensuring safety and cooperation every step of the way.
📸 Photo Credits: Isaac Rujumba
Reggae on the Bay was a cultural milestone. It marked not only 77 years of Windrush but also the power of community, unity, and shared history. From the first beat of reggae on the sand to the last farewell, the day resonated with pride, love, and resilience.
To every individual who made the journey – whether you organised, supported behind the scenes, shared your heritage, or simply came with an open heart – you made this moment matter.
And this is just the beginning.
Reggae on the Bay is more than a one-day celebration; it is a movement to keep the Windrush legacy alive, honour Caribbean culture, and create spaces where community and inclusion are at the heart of everything.
We invite you to join us as we continue building – together.
🌍 #Windrush77 #ReggaeOnTheBay #CulturalCelebration #CommunityPower #LegacyInAction #InclusionInPractice
