Boogie on the Quay at Christchurch Music Festival

04/06/2026

In Conversation With… Michael Artwell

From spinning records at local venues to entertaining crowds across the South Coast for more than five decades, Michael Artwell has become one of the region’s most recognisable DJs and entertainers.

Ahead of his appearance at this summer’s Christchurch Music Festival, we caught up with Michael at Flamingo Ashley Cross to talk about 50 years behind the decks, the changes he’s witnessed in music and nightlife, some unforgettable stories from along the way, and why the South Coast will always feel like home.

Expect plenty of laughs, a few surprises, and a fascinating insight into a career that has soundtracked generations.

Catch Michael live at Christchurch Music Festival on Friday 17th July alongside Trevor Nelson, Heatwave, The Real Thing, Shola Ama and many more.

📖 Read the full interview here: https://www.christchurchmusicfestival.com/in-conversation-with-michael-artwell/

01/06/2026

🎶 One of the originals!

It was great to meet John last week. Having attended Christchurch Music Festival for more than 30 years, he’s seen plenty of memorable moments — and we’re delighted he’ll be spending the whole weekend with us again this July.

Safe to say he’s still got the moves too!🕺

Thanks for stopping to chat, John. We look forward to welcoming you to the Quay for what promises to be a very special new chapter in the festival’s story.

🎟️ Tickets available now:
www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

31/05/2026

Heatwave

We’re thrilled to announce that the internationally acclaimed funk and disco legends Heatwave will headline Christchurch Music Festival 2026 on Friday 17 July 2026. Get ready to dance beneath the summer sky as one of the most iconic bands of the disco era bring their timeless hits to the stunning riverside setting of Christchurch Quay.

Formed in London in 1975, Heatwave became one of the defining sounds of the late seventies, blending funk, soul, and R&B into a smooth, infectious groove. With members from around the world, their multicultural energy and distinctive sound earned them international acclaim and a string of chart-topping hits that continue to fill dance floors to this day.

Their catalogue includes classics such as “Boogie Nights”, the ultimate disco anthem; “Always and Forever”, a soulful ballad loved across generations; and “The Groove Line”, an upbeat floor-filler that captures the spirit of an unforgettable era.

Five decades on, Heatwave are still bringing the party to audiences worldwide. Expect an evening of non-stop feel-good energy as they deliver their greatest hits live at Christchurch Quay. This is set to be one of the standout performances of the summer — a true celebration of disco, soul, and timeless groove.

Tickets: www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

30/05/2026

Site Map

Take a look at the first visualisation of our festival site map and see how Christchurch Quay will be transformed this July for three unforgettable days of music, entertainment, food and summer atmosphere.
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As the event continues to take shape, we’re delighted to share a glimpse of what awaits festivalgoers, from the Frettens Main Stage and 1664 Entertainment Marquee, to the Casamigos VIP Lounge, Premier Sports Solutions VIP Pavilions, Midas Prosecco Bar, Liberation Cocktails Bar, Bournemouth Collegiate School Bandstand, street food village and funfair.

What started as an ambition to deliver something special for Christchurch is quickly becoming a reality. The support from local businesses, sponsors and festivalgoers has been incredible, and we’re excited to bring it all to life this summer.

With thousands of tickets already secured and plenty more announcements still to come, momentum is building fast and tickets are selling out.

​​​​​​​We look forward to welcoming you to the Quay.

Tickets: www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

28/05/2026

Boathouse Christchurch Announced as Official Local Partner

Christchurch Music Festival is delighted to welcome The Boathouse Christchurch as an official Local Partner for the 2026 festival.

Situated just steps from the festival entrance, Boathouse has become one of the town’s most loved destinations – renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, quality food and drink offering, and stunning riverside setting.

Boathouse is partnering with Illy Coffee to bring its premium coffee truck to the festival across all three days. Festivalgoers will be able to enjoy Illy’s renowned Italian espresso alongside a refreshing cold brew. The truck will provide the perfect pick-me-up for guests taking in the festival atmosphere from day through to evening.

The partnership continues Christchurch Music Festival’s commitment to showcasing and collaborating with outstanding local businesses, helping create a vibrant event that celebrates the very best of the town’s hospitality, culture and community spirit.

With tickets continuing to sell quickly and more announcements still to come, Christchurch Quay is set for an unforgettable summer weekend from 17–19 July 2026.

Christchurch Music Festival is delighted to welcome Boathouse Christchurch as an official Local Partner for the 2026 festival. Situated just steps from the festival entrance, Boathouse has become one of the town’s most loved destinations - renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, quality food and drin...

27/05/2026

Great to meet so many people at Christchurch Food Festival this weekend - and amazing to hear the excitement already building for Christchurch Music Festival this July ☀️🎶

A big thanks to Ben for jumping on the CocoLoco Disco Defender and chatting to festivalgoers about who they’re most looking forward to seeing on the Quay this summer.

We can’t wait to welcome you all in July… it’s shaping up to be a very special weekend.



🎟️ Tickets available now
👉 www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

26/05/2026

Bournemouth music maestros Jon Coomer and Bob Povey are joining the Friday line-up at Christchurch Music Festival 2026, bringing the spirit of the iconic Bump n Hustle parties to Boogie on the Quay on Friday 17 July.

The duo will take over the Bandstand from 4pm–8pm, soundtracking the arrival of thousands of festivalgoers as the Quay comes to life for an unforgettable evening of Soul, Motown and Disco.

Established in the early 1990s, Bump & Hustle became one of the South Coast’s most celebrated soul, house and funk club nights, building a loyal following through legendary parties across Bournemouth and beyond. Known for their impeccable music selection, Jon and Bob have spent decades championing rare groove culture across the region.

Bump N Hustle also received national recognition with a MOBO Award nomination in the Best Club category, further cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s most respected names within the soul and urban music scene.

Their set on the Bandstand will help set the tone for the evening ahead, welcoming guests into the festival with timeless classics, soulful grooves and the unmistakable energy that has made the brand such a beloved part of nightlife culture.

Boogie on the Quay takes place Friday 17 July on Christchurch Quay, featuring Trevor Nelson, Heatwave, The Real Thing, Damage, Shola Ama and more.



Tickets: www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

24/05/2026

Current ticket allocations are selling out.
Secure your spot and join 15,000 festivalgoers this July!
Visit www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

23/05/2026

We've just released a few VIP Pavilions for 10-12 guests.

Sponsored by Premier Sports Solutions… a new way to experience the festival.

Your own private pavilion - a dedicated space within the event to relax, host, and enjoy the day with your guests.

Built for groups

• Up to 12 guests per pavilion
• Ideal for birthdays, celebrations and corporate hosting
• Combine spaces for larger parties of 20+

What’s included

• Private Pavilion
• Private garden space
• Covered lounge area
• Comfortable seating, inside and out
• Dedicated service throughout the day
• Prime festival location
• Curated drinks package, including arrival drinks, wines, beers and softs.

Visit the link for more info and to purchase online - https://www.christ churchmusicfestival.com/pavilions/

21/05/2026

Festival Map

We’re excited to share the first look at the Christchurch Music Festival 2026 site map - giving you a glimpse at how the Quay will transform this July for three unforgettable days of food, drink, and live entertainment.

Across the site, you’ll find a mix of stages, bars, hospitality areas and festival experiences, including:

🎶 The Frettens Main Stage
🍺 The 1664 Beer tent
🌴 The Casamigos VIP Lounge
🏟️ The Premier Sports VIP Pavilions
🍾 The Midas Prosecco Bar
🍸 The Liberation Cocktails Bar
🎸 The Bournemouth Collegiate School Bandstand

…and sweeping across the riverside towards the funfair, where the Cocoloco DJ Truck will keep the energy going throughout the weekend in the Family Zone.

There’s still lots more to announce over the coming weeks - and with tickets flying, now’s the time to secure your spot.

Tickets: www.christchurchmusicfestival.com