Enjoy Seaside Shenanigans & Fireworks at Christchurch Carnival 2025

Dorset’s best free weekend out is back. Clear your diary, cancel that IKEA trip, and tell your in-laws you’re busy – Christchurch Carnival is rolling back into town from 15th to 17th August 2025.

Set along the gorgeous Christchurch Quay (BH23 1BY), this three-day bash is everything a proper British summer should be: family-friendly, full of food, packed with music, and topped off with a firework display that’ll rattle your ribcage (in the best way).

And the best part? It’s completely free to attend, so your wallet can breathe a sigh of relief – for once.

A Carnival That Actually Cares

Behind the bunting and burgers, Christchurch Carnival has real purpose. Every year, it raises funds for local charities doing genuinely important stuff. This year it will be supporting:

• Julia’s House Children’s Hospice – helping care for Dorset’s most seriously ill children.

• Christchurch Community Partnership – tackling loneliness head-on for adults in the area.

So yes, you’re having a great time. But you’re also doing your bit. Call it guilt-free partying.

Friday 15th August – Tug of War & Pub-Level Glory

The carnival kicks off Friday evening with the annual Tug of War competition, where local teams go head-to-head for £100 cash and, more importantly, eternal bragging rights. Expect grown adults in matching T-shirts pulling rope like their lives depend on it.

Get a team together and register to take part or cheer from the sidelines – either way, it’s worth the trip just to witness the sheer effort-to-spectacle ratio.

Saturday 16th August – Full on Fireworks

Saturday’s the big one. The fun fair’s in full swing, there’s live music all day, and enough food and drink to keep even your grumpy uncle happy. But the real showstopper?

The Christchurch Carnival Firework Spectacular

It’s the only free-to-enter firework display in town, and it’s an absolute banger – no two ways about it.

If you’ve never been, think rockets, crackling bursts, and a whole lot of “oooh”s and “aaah”s from the crowd. It’s the kind of display you’d normally have to fork out for – but here? Just turn up, grab a snack, and enjoy.

Hot tip: get there early, stake out your spot, and maybe bring a chair.

Sunday 17th August – Parade Day Proper

On Sunday, the Carnival Parade hits the streets, and Christchurch turns into one big rolling street party. Expect floats, music, dancers, costumes, and more face paint than a school fair in July.

It’s your last chance to soak up the weekend’s magic, give the kids something to remember.

Honestly, it’s the kind of feel-good, small-town magic that always gives the summer that extra warm glow.

Come for the Fireworks, Stay for the Feels

Christchurch Carnival is a proper community celebration that manages to be both brilliantly fun and genuinely meaningful.

So if you’re after a weekend with music, mayhem and a fantastic free firework display this is 100% where you need to be.

And If You Fancy Putting On Your Own Firework Display…

If Saturday night’s sparkle-fest gives you ideas – we’ve got you covered.

Here at Epic Fireworks, we stock the UK’s biggest and best range of fireworks—everything from mega rockets to garden-friendly fountains. Whether you’re planning a back garden bonanza or a full-blown party with all the pyro, we’ve got you covered.

Want a DIY display without the faff? Our ready-made firework bundles come with a firing guide that takes all the guesswork out of planning. Just light, stand back, and enjoy.

Browse our full range now

Want More Firework Events Like This?

This isn’t the only explosive date in the calendar. From beachside festivals to historic castle displays, there’s a sky full of events happening around the UK this year. You’ll find all the unmissable ones in our handy guide: Your Ultimate Guide to UK Firework Events in 2025.