You may have noticed the strange structures slowly taking over the Lower Gardens and Pier Approach. It can only be the return of the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea festival.

Bournemouth will be transformed into an artistic arena, with a spectrum of arts, music and performance displays taking place. There will be 17 days of international premieres, new commissions, first time performers and the return of familiar favourites to entertain and inspire the audiences of Bournemouth.

The theme this year is On the Edge, and this is clearly echoed in the opening acts. Tonight sees the return of Compagnie Carabosse, a French street theatre company, who marvel audiences with their fiery installations.

From 5pm this afternoon, they plan light up the Lower Gardens for two evenings with their free Fire Gardens display.

Carabosse Company Co-Director, Gerard Court said: “The Festival is a fantastic event and I hope the transformation of the gardens will speak to everyone.”

To add to this, the spectacular Fuel theatre company will be returning after their success at the festival in 2011, this time with the new commission, Fuel on the Roof. Taking place at Pier Approach from Sept 26-28, this ticketed 3D theatrical experience will blow the senses and unleash pure energy upon Bournemouth to kick-off the festival.

Kate McGrath, Co-Director, Fuel said; “We are so excited that The Roof will be launching the opening weekend of the Festival. We couldn’t turn down the chance to bring Jon Bausor’s dramatic set design to Bournemouth’s picturesque seafront and perform under the stars on the south coast.”

The Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival aims to show just how vital the arts are in society, by joining a place and its community and its return marks a further opportunity for the people of Bournemouth to experience some world class performances and talented individuals doing what they do best.

Today will also see composer Robert Mitchell debut his first large scale work, Invocation, which blends the traditions of jazz, choral, classical and improvised music with over 150 musicians in the beautiful St Peter’s Church.

Robert commented: “It is an honour to perform at this great young festival. A unique experience for myself and a singular blessing for it to be in collaboration with the legendary Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, my fantastic band Panacea and the wonderful students from Avonbourne and Harewood Colleges.”

Throughout the town visitors to the opening weekend can also enjoy performances and experiences for all ages throughout the Lower Gardens, The Bandstand, Pier Approach and on the Saturday, The Square Goes Vintage brimming with stalls and entertainment including the rock’n’rolling Regular Joes.

Carol Maund, Festival Director said; “The Festival creates a fantastic buzz around the town, giving a totally immersive arts experience in our wonderful open spaces and our beautiful theatres and performance venues.

"I am especially thrilled to welcome back Fuel with their incredible new performance, The Roof - absolutely not to be missed. See it now as this will be its final performance on the tour. And for the alternative scene, definitely check out this year’s Festival Fringe - showing off just how creative and inventive Bournemouth arts and cultural scene has become.”

: For more information please see artsbournemouth.org.uk