Southbourne to Host First-Ever “Food Festival with a Difference” Celebrating Community, Wellbeing and Global Impact

A brand-new community festival is set to launch in Southbourne this May — and it promises to be unlike anything the area has seen before.

Southbourne Food & Fun Fest, taking place on Saturday 16th May 2026 at Fisherman’s Walk, is a free, family-friendly event that brings together food, wellbeing, sustainability and community in one vibrant celebration.

Delivered by Stir Events CIC in partnership with Rotary, this is the first event of its kind to showcase Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus — highlighting the organisation’s work locally and globally in areas such as health, education, environmental sustainability and community development.

Visitors can expect a packed programme including:

• Live cooking demonstrations in the Exhibition Kitchen 

• “Grow Your Own” and sustainability workshops 

• Health and wellbeing activities 

• Family-friendly entertainment and children’s activities 

• Meet the Makers sessions with local producers 

The festival will also shine a spotlight on Dorset’s thriving food and drink scene, with producers including Conker Spirit, alongside a range of local artisans and independent businesses.

Top Rotary officials, including the District Governor, will be in attendance, reinforcing the importance of community collaboration and volunteering in creating stronger, more resilient places.

A Festival with Purpose

More than just a day out, Southbourne Food & Fun Fest has been designed to respond to real challenges facing local communities — from food insecurity and health inequality to social isolation and environmental awareness.

By bringing together practical learning, community engagement and local enterprise, the festival aims to inspire positive change while creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Mandy Jane Polkey, Managing Director, Stir Events CIC says; "Southbourne Food & Fun Fest is a food festival with a real purpose. It’s about more than just enjoying great food — it’s about learning how to grow, cook, share and live well. By working with Rotary, we are able to bring their seven areas of focus to life in a way that is accessible, inspiring and community-led. This event celebrates everything that is good about Southbourne — its people, its businesses and its community spirit."

Richard Burnett, Rotary District Governor says;

"Rotary is proud to be part of an event that brings our areas of focus into the heart of the community. Southbourne Food & Fun Fest is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the positive impact of volunteering, partnership and local action. It reflects exactly what Rotary stands for — people coming together to create lasting change, both locally and globally."

Event Details

Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne

Saturday 16th May 2026

11:00am – 6:00pm

Free Entry

For more information, to trade, sponsor or get involved:

 www.eventsbystir.com