Christchurch Music Festival

19/06/2026

🎶 FOUR WEEKS TO GO 🎶

Four weeks from now we’ll be opening the gates to Christchurch Music Festival 2026.

Three days. Thousands of festivalgoers. World class entertainment, street food, cocktails, and a weekend of unforgettable moments on the Quay.

Secure your spot today.
Tickets: www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

18/06/2026

ABBA Re-Björn

Step into the timeless world of disco-pop with ABBA Re-Björn, one of the UK’s leading ABBA tribute shows, performing live at Christchurch Music Festival on Sunday 19 July as part of our Family & Community Day.

This high-energy production faithfully recreates the magic of one of the world’s most beloved pop groups, featuring pitch-perfect vocals, dazzling costumes and all the iconic hits you know and love, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo and Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!

Performed by a talented cast of professional singers and musicians, ABBA Re-Björn captures the spirit, fun and feel-good energy of the original Swedish superstars. With lively audience interaction, charismatic stage presence and a set packed with singalong favourites, it’s the perfect show for families and ABBA fans of all ages.

Get ready to dance, sing and celebrate as ABBA Re-Björn brings a touch of Eurovision magic to Christchurch Quay this summer.

Tickets: www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

16/06/2026

Christchurch Music Festival Hosts Official Launch Event at Captain's Club Hotel and Spa.

The team behind Christchurch Music Festival officially launched this year’s event on Friday 12 June, welcoming sponsors, partners, media representatives, local councillors and supporters to an exclusive launch party at the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, the festival’s Official Hotel Partner.

Guests were given a preview of what promises to be one of the South Coast’s most exciting events of the summer, with Christchurch Music Festival set to welcome 15,000 festivalgoers to Christchurch Quay from 17–19 July 2026.

The afternoon featured music from festival favourite DJ Martyn The Hat, while the CocoLoco Disco Defender truck was also on display, giving attendees a taste of the vibrant atmosphere planned for the festival weekend. Guests enjoyed canapés and refreshments throughout, before hearing from festival representatives about the exciting plans for this year’s event.

Non-Executive Director Sophie Christy and festival partner Ben Reynolds addressed guests, outlining the vision for the festival and thanking the growing network of local businesses, sponsors and partners helping to bring the event to life.

This year’s line-up features some of the biggest names ever to appear at Christchurch Music Festival, including Trevor Nelson MBE, Toploader, The Real Thing, Heatwave, Damage, Shola Ama, Martin Kemp, Another Level and many more.

Speaking following the event, the festival team expressed their gratitude for the support being shown by the local business community.

“What stood out most was the energy and enthusiasm in the room,” said Sophie Christy. “There is a real sense that Christchurch Music Festival is entering an exciting new chapter, and we’re incredibly grateful to the businesses, partners and supporters helping us create something special for the town.”

With ticket sales continuing to gather momentum and several VIP categories already sold out or running low, organisers say preparations are progressing ahead of schedule.

Christchurch Music Festival takes place on Christchurch Quay from 17–19 July 2026, featuring three distinct days of entertainment:

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks as the countdown to July continues.

Learn more: www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

11/06/2026

🎶 FRIDAY SET TIMES ARE HERE 🎶

The countdown is on as Christchurch Music Festival opens in style at 4pm on Friday 17 July.

From soul icons to disco legends and party favourites, we’ve got an incredible evening lined up on the Frettens Main Stage, alongside entertainment across the 1664 Beer Tent, Casamigos VIP Lounge and Bournemouth Collegiate Bandstand.

Take a look at the full set times and start planning your evening.

Thousands have already secured their place on the Quay and we’re expecting an electric atmosphere from start to finish.

Are you ready to Boogie on the Quay? 🕺✨

🎟️ Last tickets available now:
www.christchurchmusicfestival.com

10/06/2026

Did you get a chance to read our interview with Shola Ama?

The BRIT Award-winning artist talks 90s nostalgia, yoga, why the South Coast is her sanctuary, and her upcoming performance at Christchurch Music Festival.

The BRIT Award-winning artist talks 90s nostalgia, yoga, and why the South Coast is her sanctuary.. When Shola Ama walks into her regular hangout, Flamingo Café Bar in Ashley Cross, Poole, for our interview, there's an ease about her that feels worlds away

10/06/2026

NEWS: Christchurch Care announced as Official Care Partner for 2026.

We are excited to welcome Christchurch Care to our family of local supporting partners. They are a trusted local home‑care provider offering compassionate, personalised support across our community, from personal care and companionship to dementia‑aware, helping people stay safe, independent and connected in their own homes while quietly supporting families and local health partners.

Christchurch Music Festival is delighted to partner with Christchurch Care for the 2026 festival. This collaboration reflects our commitment to celebrating and supporting local organisations that contribute to the wellbeing of our town.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Christchurch Music Festival as their Official Care Partner for 2026,” commented Carolyn Jolliffe, Managing Director of Christchurch Care. “As a proud local company, it is a privilege to support such a vibrant and inspiring event, one that brings people together and celebrates the spirit, warmth, and unique community of Christchurch’”

“We want the event to serve the whole community,” said Sophie Christy, Non‑Executive Director for Christchurch Music Festival. “Working with Christchurch Care helps us reach local residents and families, and highlights the essential services that make Christchurch a caring place to live.”

Christchurch Care will be attending the festival and welcomes festival goers to visit their stand for more information about their services and local support options.

We are excited to welcome Christchurch Care to our family of local supporting partners. They are a trusted local home‑care provider offering compassionate, personalised support across our community, from personal care and companionship to dementia‑aware, helping people stay safe, independent and...

07/06/2026

Toploader

We’re thrilled that Toploader will perform live at Christchurch Music Festival 2026 on Saturday 18 July 2026.

One of the UK’s most loved feel-good bands, Toploader are best known for their anthemic hit “Dancing in the Moonlight”, a song that has become a timeless staple of British summer soundtracks.

Formed in Eastbourne in the late 1990s, Toploader shot to fame with their debut album Onka’s Big Moka, which sold over two million copies worldwide and earned them multiple Brit Award nominations. Their infectious melodies, soulful vocals and uplifting live energy have made them a festival favourite across the UK and beyond.

Audiences at Christchurch Music Festival 2026 can expect a set filled with sing-along hits including “Dancing in the Moonlight”, “Achilles Heel”, and “Just Hold On” — all delivered with the vibrant, feel-good spirit that defines Toploader’s live shows.

Join us on Saturday night at Christchurch Quay for an unforgettable performance from one of Britain’s most enduring live acts, as Toploader bring the sunshine vibes and festival magic to the riverside.

More info/tickets about Saturday at CMF: https://www.christchurchmusicfestival.com/saturday/

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