ARTS by the Sea is back with a bang. 

The popular celebration of all things art, will see more than 150 performances take place across Bournemouth and beyond.

Here's everything you need to know about this year's extravaganza. 

When does Arts by the Sea take place?

The twelfth edition of Arts by the Sea runs from Friday, September 30 to Sunday, October 2.

What’s this year’s theme?

This year’s event will explore the theme of ‘play’ in all its forms. 

Read more: The giant carnival coming to Bournemouth this weekend - all you need to know

How much is entry? 

All events are free to attend and unticketed except performances at Pavilion Dance South West and South Coast Makers Market where an entrance fee applies.

Check the Arts by the Sea website for details at artsbythesea.co.uk. 

Read more: Arts by the Sea reveals music programme for the 2022 festival

Bournemouth Echo: Arts by the Sea Festival 2022. Picture: Sliding Doors PublicityArts by the Sea Festival 2022. Picture: Sliding Doors Publicity (Image: Sliding Doors Publicity)

Where is it happening?

Most events will be held in Bournemouth town centre.

Locations in Bournemouth will include the BCP Civic Centre, Central Gardens, Lower Gardens, The Triangle, Pier Approach, Pavilion Dance, Horseshoe Common, the Bandstand, Street Food Corner and 60 Million Postcards.

What are this year’s highlights?

Bournemouth Echo: A projection mapping event at the Town Hall in 2018A projection mapping event at the Town Hall in 2018

The festival was due to open with a ‘Press Play’ launch tonight at the Town Hall, however, this has now been moved altered due to bad weather. 

House Gospel Choir will perform at The Old Fire Station instead tonight. 

The ‘projection mapping spectacle’ can be seen at Bournemouth Town Hall on Saturday, October 1.

On the Arts by the Sea website, organisers describe the launch as: “A world premiere that invites audiences of all ages to sing, dance, and be united in an extraordinary one-off spectacle.”

The festival will close with ‘Carnival by the Sea’ by Global Grooves in Horseshoe Common on Sunday, October 2 between 5.15pm and 7pm.

It is set to be the biggest parade ever staged at Arts by the Sea featuring more than 250 community performers from across BCP and will make its way towards Bournemouth town centre.

It will feature giant puppets, carnival costumes, drumbeats, colourful flags and high energy dance choreography.

Read more: First wave of programming announced for Arts by the Sea Festival 2022

What else can I see? 

Bournemouth Echo:

Other eye-popping events include the Airship Orchestra which is currently in place in the Triangle where it will remain until Sunday, October 9. 

Artist Stuart Semple led bringing the interactive installation to Bournemouth in what is its European debut

Airship Orchestra is turned on from 10am until around 8pm every day at the Triangle, although only a visit at night-time gives the full immersive experience. 

Meanwhile, don't miss acrobatic piece Timeless by dance company Joli Vyann in the Lower Gardens between 12pm and 12.30pm and 5.45pm and 6.15pm on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2. 

It uses dance, circus and theatre on a 7m high rotating hourglass "to tell the story of civilisation as we know it and its fragile relationship with time and nature." 

Other events include dancing, street performances, a market, skate jam and more. 

What's happening in Christchurch?

For the first time ever, Arts by the Sea will hold an event in Christchurch.

Taking place on Saturday, October 8, Play Christchurch will feature performances, music, installations, workshops for children and more.