Published on Thursday 21 March 2024
The Arts by the Sea festival and Bournemouth Beach Lodges, which are both run by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, are celebrating a double triumph in the South West Tourism Awards, winning gold and silver respectively in their categories.
These annual awards celebrate outstanding businesses in the tourism sector across the south west of England, with the judging panel comprising of past winners, industry leaders and experts in their field.
Arts by the Sea (ABTS) is one of BCP’s flagship events which celebrates the community by bringing together art, culture, people and place.
Now in its 14th year, the free festival brings the best quality work on the national circuit to Bournemouth and combines it with incredible local talent to provide a cultural extravaganza for everyone.
The event beat off competition from Tankfest and Heligan Night Garden in Cornwall to walk away with Gold in the Tourism Event / Festival of the Year category.
ABTS Festival Director Andrea Francis said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to win this award on behalf of the whole Arts by the Sea festival team, who work incredibly hard to create such a fantastic experience for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“We are so proud of the festival and are looking forward to Arts by the Sea 2024. A very well done to all the other finalists too!”
Bournemouth Beach Lodges were also successful in these awards, winning silver in the Self-Catering Accommodation category for their attractive lodges overlooking Bournemouth Beach.
Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said:
“This is a fantastic accolade for both Arts by the Sea, as well as Bournemouth Beach Lodges.
“A lot of hard work goes into developing a festival of this size, and it’s great to see the team’s efforts recognised in this way.
“My congratulations go to everyone who make this free cultural festival happen every year – as well as to the Bournemouth Beach Lodges team for all their hard work behind the scenes creating a wonderful stay for their guests.”
Arts by the Sea 2024 takes place in Bournemouth Town Centre from 27 – 29 September 2024. More information can be found here.
For more information about Bournemouth Beach Lodges or to book a stay, please visit their website here.