A TOWERING archway will make its world premiere on Bournemouth beach tomorrow as part of Arts by the Sea festival.

Portal by Lucid Creates opens on the beach from sunrise on Thursday, September 28, with 24-hour access until Wednesday, October 4.

The 15-metre structure is lined with shifting lights that create a “mesmerising and ethereal display”.

Bournemouth Echo:

Each time the portal is viewed, it delivers a different experience, but organisers say those making plans can ensure a magical view of the creation by visiting at sunrise or sunset.

It was originally due to launch today but it had to be pushed back to due incoming bad weather.

Tor Byrne, Arts by the Sea's artistic director, said: "Due to the high winds forecast this Wednesday for Bournemouth Beach and following the advice of our health and safety team, PORTAL will now be open to the public on Thursday 28th September from sunrise.

"The installation is going to look stunning once we can remove all safety fencing and we can't wait to welcome visitors along to it over the coming days." 

It heralds the return of the annual Arts by the Sea festival which will bring Bournemouth town centre to life over the coming days.

The dazzling event takes place between Friday, September 29, and Sunday, October 1.

Around 120,000 visitors of all ages are set to flock for the event featuring more than 100 local and international acts.

It will feature large-scale spectaculars, street theatre, creative workshops, interactive installations, escapist entertainment, and more.

Organisers say Arts by the Sea 2023 promises to be the “most memorable yet” with events taking place across a number of the town’s outdoor spaces including the gardens, Horseshoe Common, Pier Approach and beach.

The theme for this year is ‘moment’ with artists, musicians and performers using the power of creativity to “bring people into the present”.

Bournemouth Echo:

Arts by the Sea will officially kick off at 6pm on Friday with the opening spectacular which will see the Civic Centre transformed with colourful 3D projection mapping displays of images and video created by The Media Workshop and artist Annie Nicholson from Fandangoe Kid STUDIO, with a soundtrack courtesy of The Hush Club.

For music lovers, the bandstand is the place to be all weekend with a full lineup of talented bands, choirs, and performers from the likes of High Shelf Remedy, Love Soul Choir, BLVCK VIOLET, and Gasper Nali.

Music will also roam Lower Gardens with TOAST by Pif Paf (Saturday from 1pm) and Big Gay Disco Bike (Saturday and Sunday from 1pm), bringing the fun

There’s also lots of families to enjoy including King Ramps Skateboard Sessions in the Square between 11am and 9pm Friday to Sunday.

Families can also take part in the Mix & Match Family trail with an interactive guide available at the information point in the Lower Gardens.

To download the Arts by the Sea 2023 brochure, including a full festival schedule with times and locations, visit https://artsbythesea.co.uk