YOU can’t have failed to spot the weird and wonderful sights that have been appearing in Bournemouth town centre this week.

It can only mean one thing, which is the third Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival is due to begin.

This weekend sees an exciting free outdoor celebration for all the family with spectacular street events on the seafront, in the parks and streets of central Bournemouth.

Tonight Joe Rush’s Mutoid Waste, who created the futuristic Mad Max style vehicles for the London Paralympic Closing Ceremony last year, will create a huge stir with their giant articulated machines and sculptures parading through the Lower Gardens at 6pm.

This introduces three weeks of original arts events, including music, dance, film, visual arts, theatre and spoken word.

Whatever the weather, the grand opening weekend will be a sight to behold.

Over the following three weeks audiences will be able to experience a host of special events and performances.

Of the glittering range of festival events, director Carol Maund said: “Over the past two years audiences have been brilliantly supportive of Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival. We think this is going to be the best to date with something for everyone to enjoy within our rich and varied programme.”

For just a flavour of what’s on offer, Tuesday will offer Show of Strength Theatre Company, Fanny & Johnnie Cradock Cook The Great American Songbook (see page 15 of 24/7).

At Pavilion Dance also on Tuesday, The Girl & The Shoes from Valise Noire Storytelling Theatre is an enchanting new children’s fairytale. In contrast, next Friday at the Shelley Theatre there’s a part séance, part avant-garde cabaret from Electronic Voice Phenomena.

Or for a more relaxed form of entertainment you can join the Grand Tea Dance taking place at the Pavilion Ballroom on October 9.

You can see more on the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival in our special section here