WITH 2023 coming to an end, the Daily Echo is looking towards the next 12 months.

Here is a lineup of events taking place across Dorset in 2024.

Bournemouth Air Festival

One of Dorset’s most anticipated events- Bournemouth Air Festival 2024, is due to be the last of its kind.

The annual air show has announced provisional dates for three days from Thursday, August 29.

BCP Council proposes that Sunday be allocated as a ‘fun day’ entirely run and funded by external organisations. 

Bournemouth 7s

Thousands are expected to return to Bournemouth 7s this year for the town's biggest sport and music festival.

The festival draws crowds of 30,000 people and more than 400 sports teams to the south coast annually.

Bournemouth Echo:

Dubbed the sporting Glastonbury, touring teams compete in an array of competitions, including rugby, netball, hockey, cheerleading, and a national fitness game.

The three-day event, which takes place at Chapel Gate in East Parley near Christchurch, is set to take place on the May bank holiday weekend between May 24 and May 26.

Christchurch Food Festival

Taking place annually at the Quay, the Christchurch Food Festival is a popular free event which brings together food enthusiasts, renowned chefs, local producers, and entertainers.

The festival is a chance for people to showcase some of Dorset’s best food and drink.

The 2023 event was a huge success, seeing thousands of people flock to Christchurch Quay.

Organisers have given provisional dates of Saturday, May 25, to Monday, May 27, for the 2024 festival.

Swanage Carnival

Swanage Carnival is set to return from July 27 to Saturday, August 3. 

The event promises eight days of entertainment taking over the town’s streets in one of Dorset’s most popular family-friendly festivals.

Swanage’s streets, hills and parks will come alive for eight days with music, a colourful parade, barn dances, beer tents and a wheelbarrow race around the town.

Running on three nights, a firework display will kick off at around 9.45pm on both Saturdays and on Wednesday.

Ringwood Carnival

Ringwood Carnival will be back in 2024.

The ‘festival of fun’ will be on Saturday, September 21.

The Ringwood Carnival Society is a registered charity established to organise the annual event.

The carnival will consist of two processions and an illuminated parade.

Both parades feature community floats designed and built by local groups, clubs, schools, organisations, family, and friends.

Camp Bestival

The family-friendly festival, held at Lulworth Castle, will return for another year.

Camp Bestival has announced its theme for 2024 will be ‘intergalactic, aliens and space.’

The festival is a six-time winner of the UK Festival Award’s Best Family Festival.

It will feature live acts, DJs, family raves, comedy, food and drinks, and a range of family-friendly activities.

Camp Bestival has been scheduled between July 26 and July 28.

Run Bournemouth

For those looking to work on their fitness in 2024, the Run Bournemouth event will return for another year.

Runners of all abilities are invited to take part in one of the races in Bournemouth on Sunday, October 13.

The event features a 10k, 5k, 2k, 1.5k, 1k and a half marathon.

Other events due to take place in 2024:

Sandfest- The beach festival will return to Sandbanks on July 14.

Pier to Pier Swim - The charity sea swim is due to return on June 29.

Sand Polo- The polo event is due to return to Bournemouth on July 12.

Stompin’ on The Quomps- Christchurch’s popular smooth-jazz festival is set to return between July 10 and July 23.