Increase the Peace

Increase the Peace Festival – Community Celebration in Boscombe

Increase the Peace Festival returns to Boscombe this summer with a full day of entertainment, live music, free children’s activities and vibrant cultural experiences for all ages. This much‑loved community festival brings together local residents, visitors and international artists for a joyful celebration of creativity, unity and diversity.

Families can enjoy a huge programme of free children’s activities, including arts and crafts with Creative Kids, storytelling, drumming, dance, yoga, face-painting, games and interactive workshops. Young people can get involved with Afro*disiac’s young DJs, creative writing with The Story Works, Getting Poetical open-mic and movement sessions with CYC Yoga, while the ITP Human Library & Wild Cafe Boscombe, invite visitors to connect through powerful personal stories & debate.

The festival’s music line‑up showcases some of the best talent from across Bournemouth and beyond, including Suna Alan, London based Kurdish musician. Headliners include The Undercover Hippy at Chaplin’s Cellar Bar, The Midnight Alliance, Tuto Tribe, Mischa & The Merry Many, Kitty Stewart, and the legendary Freefall Collective, performing their first gig in ten years on The Street Stage. Visitors can also enjoy sets from Hush Club on The Crescent, Eats n Beats, international musicians, and a range of DJs throughout the day.Dance and performance are at the heart of the festival, with dynamic showcases from Bulgarian and Ukrainian dance groups, Dance For All Studios, Rhythm Generation African drumming, Vita Nova’s Celeste Theatre, and a special screening by The Jisike Collective.

Across Boscombe, festival‑goers can explore the Threads Exhibition at TOSH, art installations at The Auger Gallery, charity stalls, a bustling craft market and a delicious selection of local food stalls.Increase the Peace Festival is a warm, inclusive celebration of culture, creativity and community spirit. Whether you’re joining for the music, the workshops, the food or the family fun, it’s a day that brings people together and showcases the very best of Boscombe.