Since its launch in 2008, the Bournemouth 7s Festival has grown into a global phenomenon. Drawing university students, sports clubs, & music lovers from all over the UK to the Dorset coast, it has firmly established itself as the undisputed king of the late May Bank Holiday.
What makes Bournemouth 7s so unique is the daytime atmosphere. Instead of just waiting by a stage for a band to come on, the festival site is completely alive with action. You can sit pitch-side with a pint of cider, cheering on a dodgeball team dressed as superheroes, before wandering over to a massive beer tent to catch an afternoon acoustic set.
Fancy dress is a massive part of the Bournemouth 7s culture. Every year features a specific festival theme, & thousands of attendees go all-out with their outfits on the Saturday. It creates a vibrant, hilarious, & incredibly friendly atmosphere across the entire site.
Alongside the sports & music, the festival village is packed with fairground rides, immersive brand activations, & a huge array of artisan street food vendors to keep you fuelled up for the weekend.
As the sun goes down, Bournemouth 7s transforms into a full-scale music festival. The site boasts 12 unique arenas, each with its own distinct musical flavour. Whether you want to sing along to 90s anthems, jump to heavy drum & bass, or enjoy an exclusive VIP DJ set, the energy is electric.
Because the festival completely sells out of its 30,000 capacity every single year, the atmosphere in the Big Top arenas is comparable to some of the biggest music festivals in Europe!
The British Beach Polo Championships—affectionately known as Sandpolo—is the undisputed highlight of the Dorset summer calendar. Drawing thousands of spectators, celebrities, and VIP guests to the golden shores of Sandbanks every July, it is officially the largest beach polo event in the world.
Combining the thrill of gladiatorial equestrian sports with the laid-back luxury of the South Coast, Sandpolo delivers an intoxicating mix of sun, sea, and serious entertainment.
The gates typically open at 1:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore the vibrant Food and Drink Village, grab a summer spritz, and find your spot by the arena. The afternoon is packed with high-octane entertainment. Alongside the main professional polo matches—where an oversized orange ball is struck at speeds of up to 100mph—spectators are treated to thrilling stunt shows, charity races (such as a polo pony racing a 4×4 car!), and the glitz of the official prize-giving ceremonies.
Whether you are a seasoned polo aficionado or have never watched a match in your life, the relaxed rules and expert commentary make it an incredibly fun, accessible day out for everyone.
As the sun begins to set over Old Harry Rocks, the atmosphere shifts from sporting event to exclusive beach club. The Sandpolo closing parties are the most sought-after tickets of the summer.
With multiple bars serving premium drinks, the grand marquees transform into a spectacular dancefloor. Previous years have seen headline sets from world-renowned acts like Soul II Soul, Gok Wan, and a host of legendary Motown, disco, and house DJs. It is the perfect opportunity to mingle with the players, celebrate the summer, and party right on the beach until 1:00 AM.