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 via the link in our bio.

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

Sugababes

Former Sugababes star Amelle Berrabah brings the music of one of Britain’s most successful girl groups to Christchurch Music Festival with her Sugababes Overload show – one of our Sunday special guests.

As a member of the Sugababes during their hugely successful mid-2000s era, Amelle was part of a group that scored multiple chart-topping hits including Push the Button, About You Now, Round Round and Hole in the Head.

Her live show celebrates the iconic songs that made the Sugababes global pop stars, delivering powerful vocals, dancefloor favourites and a huge dose of nostalgia for fans of one of the UK’s most influential pop groups.

Sunday is Family & Community Day
🎟 Secure your spot in advance
Adults £5 | Youths £3 | Under 3s FREE
👉 www.christchurchmusicfestival.com/sunday

31/05/2026

Martin Kemp

We’re delighted to welcome Martin Kemp’s electrifying Back to the 80s DJ set to Christchurch Music Festival 2026 on Saturday 18 July 2026. Best known as the bassist of the iconic 1980s band Spandau Ballet and for his compelling acting career, Martin has seamlessly transformed into one of the UK’s most sought-after 80s nostalgia hosts.

His Back to the 80s show is more than just a DJ set — it’s a full-on immersive journey through the decade that defined modern pop. Expect a non-stop parade of 80s anthems, high-energy sing-along moments, live saxophone breaks, and calls for retro dress-up — everyone’s invited to hit the dancefloor in their big-hair, neon and synth-wave best.

At Christchurch Quay the night will transform into a time-machine of sound, with Martin leading the crowd from the New Romantic era through to chart-toppers, power-ballads and festival-sized sing-alongs. Whether you lived the decade first-time or you’re discovering it now — this set promises to be a highlight of the weekend.

Don’t miss Martin Kemp bringing Back to the 80s to Christchurch Music Festival 2026 — be there for a celebration of one of pop music’s most joyful chapters.

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.

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 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.

28/05/2026

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 to brings its 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

CMF 2026 lineup.
Secure your spot, today!