A POPULAR Dorset festival has seen ‘unprecedented’ demand for tickets after they went on sale early.

Bournemouth 7s Festival saw a rush for tickets with some customers waiting in hour-long virtual queues to buy tickets online.

Dodge Woodall, Bournemouth 7s Founder, said: “We’re blown away by the support of our community and demand for the festival is growing year on year.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Pre-sale tickets were available from Monday, September 4, after organisers brought the release date forward from its traditional date in February.

Next year’s event takes place at Chapel Gate over the late May bank holiday weekend from Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26.

Since its inception in 2008, the event has been celebrated for its fusion of sport, music, and community spirit, and its rise in popularity has seen an expansion in both the sporting and festival elements, earning it the name The Sporting Glastonbury.

Bournemouth 7s is known for its high-energy atmosphere, with hundreds of DJs and live acts performing throughout the weekend. Recent headline performers have included Chase & Status, Katy B, Example, Ella Eyre, and Professor Green.

It combines sport with music, inviting over 450 competing teams across rugby, netball, hockey, fitness games, basketball, cheerleading and dodgeball across a three-day bank holiday weekend.

The festival continues to make significant contributions to the local area, adding to the local economy, supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities. The festival has also supported local charities, including Looseheadz, by donating a portion of its proceeds to these organisations.

To buy tickets, visit bournemouth7s.com/tickets.