GIRD your loins for an incredible line-up at the celebratory opening weekend of Bournemouth’s third Arts by the Sea Festival. Friday through to Sunday of September 20-22 sees an eye-popping mix of exciting outdoor performances for all the family.

Audiences won’t fail to spot Joe Rush and his Mutoid Waste Company, whose giant articulated creations will take over the seafront in a spectacular parade and performance of lights, animatronics and special effects.

Other artists adding to the surreal atmosphere of the opening Weekend include artist, composer and performer Ray Lee with his sound sculptures on giant metal tripods towering high above the crowds.

Michael Grubb, whose ‘lighthouse’ light sculptures create a unique world of light and colour and Jem Finer’s Spiegelei-on-Sea, which will reflect and magically invert the world using the beautifully simple technology of the mirror and the lens.

Not to mention a multitude of events and activities to suit all the family abound.

Over the weekend the only vintage mobile cinema in the country will be giving audiences a slice of cinema history with special showings of new animations for all the family.

Valise Noire storytelling theatre will transform the band stand into an alternative shoe shop where you are invited to try shoes on and share shoe stories, the swing and jive band The Regular Joes will be playing their heady brand of dance music from the jumpin’ jiving’ era and there’ll even be a silent disco.

Many unusual street theatre ‘happenings’ will be taking place over the weekend – look out for some eccentric tea-ladies, roving piano recitals, a taste of the 1950’s beach holiday experience through music and dance and even a crinolined lady, capturing the origins of Bournemouth as a spa town. The whole opening experience comes to a glorious finale with a very English interpretation of Venice’s one thousand year old Marriage of the Sea ceremony performed by over 100 local people. There then follows three weeks of film, music, theatre, visual arts, literature and dance follow, taking the festival atmosphere right up to the October 12.

Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival is funded by an Arts Council Grant for the Arts and Bournemouth Borough Council. Headline sponsor is Arts University College Bournemouth.

Phil Gibby, area director for Arts Council England says: “This year’s Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival promises to be another high quality, inspiring three weeks packed full of art and culture for everyone.”

Mr Gibby added: “The Arts Council has supported the Festival for a second year in a row through our National Lottery funded Grants for the arts scheme.

“Festivals mean big business for the local economy, generating economic growth and jobs – as well as being a lot of fun.”

The opening weekend takes place in the town centre, lower gardens and the beach.

  • For the full programme details – including the whole festival from 20 September to 12 October – visit artsbournemouth.org.uk