Stompin' on the Quomps: Free Jazz Festival in Christchurch

The Stompin' on the Quomps festival is a free, family-friendly jazz and music event held annually on Christchurch Quay. The next edition is scheduled for 1 August 2026. Set outdoors beside the River Stour, the festival takes place on the riverside green locally known as the Quomps. This scenic spot is renowned for its waterside views and open meadows. The event offers a welcome dose of live music and a relaxed atmosphere without the usual ticket price.

If you are considering a visit, expect a day of live jazz and other music genres performed against the natural backdrop of Christchurch’s waterfront. The festival is suitable for all ages. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and picnic gear to enjoy the performances and the food and drink stalls that typically line the quay. This guide outlines what to expect, how to plan your visit, and practical details to make the most of your day at Stompin' on the Quomps, with insights from the local team at Flexiestays.

What to Expect at Stompin' on the Quomps

The festival’s core is live music, primarily jazz, performed by a range of local and regional bands. The setting on Christchurch Quay provides a unique ambience. The River Stour flows nearby and the green meadows offer ample space for families and groups to settle in. The event is deliberately informal, encouraging visitors to relax on the grass or benches while enjoying the sounds.

Food and drink are available from a variety of stalls. These often include local producers and street food vendors, providing options from light snacks to more substantial meals. While the exact line-up and set times are confirmed closer to the date, previous years have seen a mix of traditional jazz, blues, and contemporary acoustic sets. The event typically runs through the afternoon and early evening. This makes it accessible for families and those who prefer an early finish.

The festival’s free admission makes it an accessible cultural outing. However, it also means the event can draw large crowds, especially on a sunny summer weekend. Visitors to Stompin' on the Quomps are advised to arrive early if they want prime spots near the stage or the water’s edge.

A singer performing on stage at Stompin' on the Quomps festival with a view of the crowd and surrounding area. — The Stompin' on the Quomps festival promises a vibrant atmosphere with live music and a scenic backdrop at Christchurch Quay.

Planning Your Visit to Christchurch Quay

Christchurch Quay is located within easy walking distance of Christchurch town centre and the historic Priory, a Norman church dating back to the 11th century. The quay itself is a well-maintained public space with paths, seating, and views over the river and out to the harbour. It lies approximately 10 miles east of Bournemouth town centre, making it accessible for those staying along the Dorset coast.

Parking in Christchurch can be limited during popular events such as Stompin' on the Quomps. The nearest public car parks include the Quay Car Park and the High Street Car Park, both operated by BCP Council. Charges typically range from £1.50 to £3.00 per hour, with a maximum daily rate around £10. For those travelling by public transport, regular bus services connect Christchurch with Bournemouth and Poole. The nearest railway station is Christchurch Station, about a 15-minute walk from the quay.

Given the event’s popularity and the summer timing, it is wise to plan your arrival and departure carefully. The festival organisers recommend checking the official event page on thebournemouthguide.com and the local council website for any updates on timings, access, or weather-related changes.

Getting There: Transport Options for Stompin' on the Quomps

By Car

Driving to Christchurch Quay is straightforward from the A35, which links to the M27 and M3 motorways. However, traffic congestion is common on summer weekends, particularly on the approach roads to Christchurch. Early arrival is advisable to secure parking and avoid delays. Free parking is not available immediately at the quay, so budget for parking fees when attending Stompin' on the Quomps.

By Train

Christchurch Station is served by South Western Railway, with direct services from Bournemouth taking approximately 15 minutes. From the station, it is a 0.7-mile walk to the quay, mostly on flat terrain suitable for all ages and abilities. Train tickets can be booked via National Rail, and advance purchase can save money.

By Bus

Local bus routes, including the X3 and X6, connect Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch, with stops near the town centre and quay. BCP Council provides timetables and route maps online. Buses can be a convenient option to avoid parking issues, but service frequency reduces in the evening.

Accommodation Near Christchurch Quay for Festival Visitors

If you plan to stay overnight or longer to explore the area, Christchurch and nearby Bournemouth offer a range of accommodation options. For those wanting serviced apartments with all-inclusive amenities and flexible stays, Flexiestays provides several properties on Bournemouth’s West Cliff, such as Tower House and Cliff Heights. These locations offer fibre broadband, free parking, and contactless self-check-in. They are ideal for combining leisure with remote work.

Alternatively, Christchurch has boutique hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the quay. Booking well in advance is recommended during summer, especially around event dates like Stompin' on the Quomps. For more options, see the accommodation section on The Bournemouth Guide.

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do

While in Christchurch, visitors can explore the historic Priory Church, stroll along the Quomps riverside park, or take a short drive to Hengistbury Head, a National Trust site offering coastal walks and wildlife spotting. The area is also close to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, with landmarks such as Durdle Door reachable within a 45-minute drive.

For those extending their visit to Bournemouth, the town’s seven miles of Blue Flag beaches, Bournemouth Pier, and the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) provide additional entertainment and dining options. Thebournemouthguide.com offers detailed listings of local attractions and events to help plan your itinerary.

Aspect	Stompin' on the Quomps	Typical Paid Music Festival
Admission	Free	£20–£100+
Location	Christchurch Quay, riverside green	Various, often enclosed venues
Music Style	Jazz and acoustic, family-friendly	Wide genres, often late-night
Parking	Nearby paid car parks (£1.50–£3.00/hr)	Usually onsite or nearby paid
Accessibility	Easy walking distance from town and station	Varies, sometimes limited

For further details or specific enquiries about the festival or accommodation, you can speak with our local team at Flexiestays.

For official information on parking and transport, visit BCP Council. To explore more about Christchurch and the surrounding area, see the Things to Do section.

For background on Christchurch and its heritage, consult Wikipedia: Christchurch.

Dates & times

1 August 2026

Stompin' on the Quomps good to know

When and where is the Stompin' on the Quomps festival held?

The Stompin' on the Quomps festival is held annually on Christchurch Quay, with the next event scheduled for 1 August 2026. It takes place outdoors on the riverside green known locally as the Quomps, beside the River Stour. This scenic location offers waterside views and open meadows, creating a relaxed atmosphere for the festival.

What type of music and activities can visitors expect at the festival?

Visitors can enjoy live jazz and other music genres performed by local and regional bands. The event features a mix of traditional jazz, blues, and contemporary acoustic sets. Alongside the music, there are food and drink stalls offering a variety of options from local producers and street food vendors. The festival encourages a family-friendly, informal setting where attendees can bring blankets and picnic gear to relax on the grass or benches.

Is there an admission fee to attend Stompin' on the Quomps?

No, admission to the Stompin' on the Quomps festival is free. This makes it an accessible cultural outing for families and visitors. However, the event can attract large crowds, especially on sunny summer weekends, so arriving early is recommended to secure good spots near the stage or by the water.

What are the transport options for getting to Christchurch Quay for the festival?

Christchurch Quay is accessible by car, train, and bus. By car, it is reachable via the A35, but parking is paid and can be limited during events. The nearest public car parks are Quay Car Park and High Street Car Park, with charges ranging from £1.50 to £3.00 per hour. By train, Christchurch Station is about a 15-minute walk from the quay, with direct services from Bournemouth. Local bus routes such as the X3 and X6 also serve the area, connecting Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch.

Are there accommodation options nearby for festival visitors?

Yes, there are various accommodation options near Christchurch Quay. Christchurch offers boutique hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the festival site. Bournemouth, about 10 miles away, has serviced apartments such as those provided by Flexiestays on West Cliff, which include amenities like fibre broadband, free parking, and contactless self-check-in. Booking in advance is advisable during the summer and around event dates.

What should visitors know about parking when attending the festival?

Parking near Christchurch Quay is paid and can be limited during popular events like Stompin' on the Quomps. The closest public car parks are the Quay Car Park and High Street Car Park, operated by BCP Council, with typical charges from £1.50 to £3.00 per hour and a maximum daily rate of around £10. There is no free parking immediately at the quay, so visitors should budget accordingly and consider arriving early to find a space.

What nearby attractions can visitors explore while attending the festival?

Visitors to Christchurch can explore the historic Priory Church, a Norman church dating back to the 11th century, located near the quay. The Quomps riverside park offers pleasant riverside walks, and Hengistbury Head, a National Trust site, is a short drive away for coastal walks and wildlife spotting. The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, including landmarks like Durdle Door, is reachable within about 45 minutes by car. Bournemouth’s beaches, pier, and entertainment venues are also nearby for extended visits.