CROWDS have braved the unsettled weather to turn out for Bournemouth’s inaugural reggae festival this weekend.

The Bournemouth Reggae Weekender, the first of its kind in the town, kicked off on Friday July 30, after three years of delays, and continues through to Sunday August 1.

Hosted at King’s Park, the festival celebrates reggae music and the diversity of Afro-Caribbean culture - all in the spirit of love and togetherness.

The event started on Friday night at 5pm with exclusive access to NHS and frontline workers, to mark the anniversary of the formation of the NHS on July 5, 1948, and to recognise the hard work and dedication of staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Proceeds from Friday will be distributed between Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity and The National Care Association.

However, organisers say that today is expected to be their busiest day.

Visitors have been relaxing and grooving to the sets from DJ Leroy, Car Soul Vibes and DJ Pepper, with headline acts DJ Keith Lawrence and Tippa Irie talking to the stage at 6.15pm and 7pm respectively this evening.

Tomorrow’s line-up features the likes of D’Ska Assassins, Rootstone and Soothsayers, with Peter Hunnigale bringing the curtain down on the three-day festival at 8pm.

Aside from the music, people have also been enjoying the various food stalls from all over the world, and chidlren have been relishing teh theme park rides on offer. 

Tickets start from £10 for adults, with families able to attend for £20.


Entry fees also include a free complimentary shuttle service from Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole serviced by our generous partners Yellow Buses to ensure ease of access to the event.