Events in Christchurch
Want your holiday or break to be full of colour, with fascinating events to give it that special feel?
With a packed calendar of events, there is always something exciting happening in Christchurch, so whatever time of year you decide to visit, you will find discover wonderful festivals, fetes, fairs and more!
Daytime fun and evening entertainment, Christchurch offers a great mix of traditional events and more quirky and unusual festivals.
From music and dance to food, from land-based activities to all things afloat, there’s the perfect event for you, just join in and enjoy!
Events to savour
Every May the town’s streets are filled with the most delicious and tempting aromas as the renowned Christchurch Food and Wine Festival takes place.
Discover wonderful locally produced foods at the street market, try treats from abroad at the Italian market, or watch professional chefs in action.
Book ahead and take advantage of a superb range of offers and special events in local restaurants, hotels, pubs and cafes.
Like things a little hot and spicy? Check out the annual Cheese and Chilli Festival and challenge your taste buds with all things spicy, you’ll be amazed at the range of chilli based products on offer!
A musical mixture
Enjoy chilling out and listening to music, Christchurch offers a fantastic selection of musical events covering many genres, from classical pieces at the Priory church or opera at the Regent Centre, to showcasing local bands and music at the Christchurch Festival.
Make the most of a warm summer evening with a fabulous open-air concert at Highcliffe Castle, or enjoy smooth jazz at the wonderfully named ‘Stompin on the Quomps’ a family friendly music festival on picturesque Christchurch Quay, with fun and activities for all the ages.
An artful affair
Like to soak up local arts and cultural activities on your holiday?
With both visual and performing arts events throughout the year you will find plenty in Christchurch to appreciate.
The area’s galleries host regular art and craft exhibitions and the arts are celebrated at both the Mudeford Arts Festival and the Priory Music and Arts Festival.
Some of the town’s picturesque venues host quality open-air theatre production, so pack a delicious picnic and enjoy some Shakespeare on a summer’s eve.
All afloat
The harbour and coastline are always a riot of colour and activity as local sailing clubs regularly host regattas and windsurfers travel from miles to enjoy the wave sailing at Avon Beach.
Relax on the seafront or harbourside and watch the ever-changing patterns on the water as the sailors compete.
With sailing and watersports such an integral part of the area, the Mudeford Lifeboat Fun Day is a popular and fun event - enjoy the lifeboat and helicopter displays, cheer on the entrants in the raft race and try your hand at a range of watersports.
The dainty plastic ducks in the annual Lions Club Duck Race are all a flutter as they paddle their way down the Mill Stream - give them a cheer or walk alongside them along pretty Convent Walk.
Events coming soon
THE KAST OFF KINKS 2023
Not to be missed! The Kast off Kinks include former members of the legendary band ‘The Kinks’. This great line-up features Mick Avory (Founding member of The Kinks & the original...
CODEBREAKERS – THE STORY OF ENIGMA
This show by Dr Mark Baldwin is one of the Second World War’s most fascinating stories is that of the Allied Codebreakers, who deciphered a vast number of German secret messages and used the...
Children's Author Talk by Alan J Hill - 'Sid Seven-Legs'
A Talk with Alan J Hill about his debut children's novel 'The Yarns of Sid Seven-Legs,' an epic adventure full of colourful characters. With excerpts read from the book and a Q&A...
Durufle Requiem
University Music Choir and Orchestra present a performance of Durufle's Requiem. Also on the programme is Will Todd's serene 'Stay with me Lord', Paul Carr's 'Air for...
Sounds of the 60s live with Tony Blackburn
An evening hosted by Radio 2’s legendary DJ, Tony Blackburn of 60s classics performed live by the Sounds Of The 60s All Star Band & Singers. Every week, more than a million people tune in to...
Cheese and Chilli Festival
The Cheese Festival is the perfect event for cheese lovers who can try and buy from an incredible range of local and regional products. Meanwhile for those who enjoy a slice of spice, The Chilli...
Mudeford Arts Festival
The festival showcases the many and varied forms of arts and crafts, through sales opportunities, demonstrations, exhibitions and performances. We choose our artists & artisans to ensure a wide...
Stompin' on the Quomps
Stompin on the Quomps is a music festival situated in the picturesque surroundings of Christchurch Quay FOOD & DRINK Each year, a host of local food and drink producers provide a wide...