Outdoor art festival to return to Dorset this autumn

Inside Out Dorset, a festival of outdoor art and performance, will return to the county this September.

From Friday 16th until Sunday 25th September, the biennial festival will invite groups to enjoy large scale outdoor theatre, dance, installation and performance set against the backdrop of Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole’s natural landscape.

Hengistbury Headlines

Hengistbury Headlines, a temporary installation and art trail in the nature reserve at Hengistbury Head will run from 22nd to 25th September.

Eight UK artists, selected from a total of 80 applications, have been commissioned to create new artworks that will explore the landscape, heritage, wildlife and environment of Hengistbury Head. There will also be a focus on the global issue of climate change.

Hengistbury Head, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), is a scenic headland south of Christchurch Harbour in Bournemouth.

While they are visiting the art trail, groups can also take the opportunity to explore the rest of the site, which is recognised for its wildlife and archaeology and the views it offers across the New Forest, Isle of Wight and Purbecks.

What else is on?

Also confirmed for the festival is a new art commission by And Now on the South Dorset Ridgeway, part of the south west cost path national trail. It will celebrate the autumn equinox on 21st September.

A fire and elemental performance will also take place at nightfall.

Further performances are yet to be announced.

The festival is produced by Activate Performing Arts, an organisation which works to produce, promote and develop performing arts in Dorset.

For more information visit activateperformingarts.org.uk/inside-out.

Photo credit: Nick Read.