It's coming... Save the Date: Sat 5th & Sun 6th September 2026

Highcliffe’s biggest music celebration is back – and this time, it’s bigger, bolder and bursting with even more soul, sparkle and seaside magic!

Delivered by Stir Events CIC, this hugely popular event has grown year-on-year – and in 2026, it expands into a spectacular two-day festival packed with unmissable music, family fun, and coastal charm.

Part of their official 35th Anniversary Tour, this is your chance to hear soul classics performed live by a true original. Robert Arkins, star of Alan Parker's award winning 1991 film The Commitments, is out on tour with his own 9 piece Commitments band, playing all the hits from the film including Mustang Sally, Midnight Hour, Nowhere To run, Dark End Of the Street, Try A little Tenderness and much more. Robert, who was cast as shrewd manager of the band Jimmy Rabbitte, also sang a number of songs on the official soundtrack which to date has sold over 60 million copies worldwide. Following the release of The Commitments in 1991 Robert toured the world with the band playing to sellout crowds and returned for the reunion gigs in 2011. Still living in Dublin and still playing the sweet Soul music featured in the film, he is now ready to celebrate the 35th anniversary of this now classic film with his own band on a series of UK dates in 2026 including our CliffTop Music Festival.

We’re excited to welcome back The SoulSonics to the line-up at CliffTop Music Festival 2026. Renowned for their infectious energy and powerhouse sound, The SoulSonics deliver a vibrant mix of classic soul, funk, and rhythm & blues that instantly gets audiences moving. With dynamic vocals, tight musicianship and a setlist packed with timeless dancefloor favourites, their performances create an electric atmosphere that’s perfect for a summer festival by the sea. Bringing groove, style and plenty of feel-good vibes, The SoulSonics are guaranteed to have the cliff top crowd singing, dancing and celebrating together.

We’re proud to welcome back the Sound of Soul Choir, our dedicated festival choir and a much-loved part of the CliffTop Music Festival family. Returning year after year, this incredible Bournemouth-based choir brings powerful harmonies, huge energy and an atmosphere that instantly lifts the crowd. Known for their uplifting performances of soul, pop and gospel-inspired classics, Sound of Soul don’t just perform — they get the whole audience involved. Expect big voices, big smiles and a proper feel-good party on the cliff top as they once again help set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of music by the sea.

We’re excited to welcome Skamageddon to the line-up at CliffTop Music Festival 2026. Bringing explosive energy and a full-throttle mix of ska, punk and ska-core classics, Skamageddon are known for turning every stage into a high-energy party. Packed with punchy brass, driving rhythms and infectious sing-along moments, their performances get the crowd bouncing from the first note to the last. With their lively sound and unstoppable stage presence, Skamageddon will bring a blast of ska spirit to the cliff top — guaranteed to have festival-goers dancing, skanking and celebrating by the sea.

With a growing reputation on the UK soul scene, Donovan has been making steady waves with a string of notable achievements. His single *Never Gonna Let You Go* reached the coveted number 1 spot on the UK Soul Chart, showcasing both vocal strength and broad appeal. Recognised for his talent, he was also awarded Best Male Artist at the Bright Star Awards. A seasoned live performer, Donovan has shared the stage as a support act for legendary names including Shalamar, The Real Thing, Jocelyn Brown, and Aswad, bringing his distinctive sound to audiences across the country. Donovan's versatility extends beyond solo work, having provided backing vocals for internationally renowned artists such as Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, and James Morrison. Bringing a smooth blend of soul, experience, and professionalism, Donovan is a fantastic addition to this year’s lineup.

The Fleetwood Mac Experience is Britain’s newest and possibly best tribute to one of the world’s best-selling bands ever. Their ﬁrst review said “not only do the FM Experience look like the originals, they sound remarkably like them. Sometimes I would challenge you to tell the diﬀerence from the originals” and this sentiment was validated by Lenny Castro, from US band Toto (Africa, Rosanna, etc), who is also percussionist for Stevie Nicks, who said “I’ve seen several FM bands and you guys deﬁnitely rock the look and the sound”. The Fleetwood Mac Experience play all the greatest hits including Dreams, Go Your Own Way, Don’t Stop, Everywhere, Say You Love Me, You Make Lovin’ Fun, Rhiannon, Sara, Big Love and The Chain as well as a host of other well-known songs from the band’s best-selling albums. You will have to go a long way to ﬁnd a better standard of musicianship and a better sing-a-long, dance-a-long night out. Experience the best of Fleetwood Mac with The Fleetwood Mac Experience.

We’re delighted to welcome The Mean Beats to the line-up at Cliff Top Music Festival 2026. Bringing a lively mix of classic hits and crowd-favourite anthems, The Mean Beats are known for their high-energy performances and infectious stage presence. With strong vocals, driving rhythms and a setlist packed with songs everyone knows and loves, they create an atmosphere that gets the whole crowd singing, dancing and celebrating together. Their upbeat sound and feel-good vibe make them the perfect addition to a festival by the sea, helping keep the Cliff Top party going all weekend long.

We’re delighted to welcome Blue Tides to the stage at Cliff Top Music Festival 2026. Known for their energetic performances and polished musicianship, Blue Tides bring a fresh, modern sound blended with crowd-pleasing favourites that always get audiences singing and dancing along. With strong vocals, tight rhythms and a feel-good stage presence, the band has built a reputation for delivering uplifting live shows that perfectly capture the spirit of a summer festival. Performing against the stunning backdrop of the Highcliffe coastline, Blue Tides will help set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of music, atmosphere and celebration by the sea.

We’re thrilled to welcome Neon Rhythm to Cliff Top Music Festival 2026 — and they arrive as the people’s choice. When we asked our community on social media which local band they most wanted to see on the cliff top stage, Neon Rhythm came out on top as the most requested act. Known for their vibrant sound, infectious energy and crowd-pleasing performances, the band brings a modern mix of feel-good hits and dancefloor favourites that get audiences singing and moving from the first song to the last. With a strong local following and a reputation for delivering electric live shows, Neon Rhythm are guaranteed to bring the party to the cliff top.

Richie Sampson is lead singer with the UK's No.1 award-winning tribute to The Drifters, ‘SOUL KINDA WONDERFUL’. Richie is a former member of a Drifters' line-up, having performed alongside former longstanding members of The Drifters, such as Ray Lewis; Billy Lewis; Butch Leak and Roy Hemmings. Richie's setlist includes some favourite Motown & party classics from artists such as The Four Tops The Temptations.

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THE OAKS are proud sponsors of the Cliff Top Music Festival, and are delighted to welcome festival visitors for a weekend of music, community, and celebration!

Don't miss the after parties and keep the festival spirit going!
The Oaks 189 Lymington Rd, Highcliffe, Christchurch BH23 5EA

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FAQs

Clicking on any of the tabs above will provide you with further information on the most frequently asked questions, as well as the festival's conditions of entry, which we invite you to read before attending.

Please be aware that these FAQs and our conditions of entry (T&Cs) may be subject to change prior to the 2026 Music Fest as planning is still underway. So for the latest information, please be sure to check back here nearer the event date.

Will you have any food or drinks available?

Yes! hot and cold food vendors will be on site where you can purchase food and beverages as well as bars serving alcohol and soft drinks. Free drinking water will also be available.

We recognise that tastes vary widely, so if you wish to bring your own food, please ensure that all food waste and containers are taken away with you. Glass containers/jars/bottles are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated.

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Can I take photos?

Photographic and other recording equipment is permitted if it is for personal non-commercial use only. We reserve the right to charge a licence fee for any commercial use of photographs / visual / audio recordings taken at the Event.

Drones (including toy drones) or similar is prohibited on or near the Event without Our written permission

If taking photos, be mindful of your surroundings/background, particularly where children are in close proximity to you which could be identified by others.

What Parking will be available?

Please consider travelling by bus Timetables & Maps - morebus; train (nearest station is Hinton Admiral), bicylce; on foot; or by Beryl Bikes or scooters Bike and scooter hire in Dorset - Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. If you do travel by car, please be aware that there is limited off-road parking around the Village, but we would ask that you do not obstruct anyone's driveway.

Information on our local car parks can be found here

Please be aware that Wharncliffe Road, adjacent to the event site, will be coned. Parking will be prohibited to ensure this road is accessible for emergency vehicles.

Terms and Conditions of Entry – Clifftop Music Fest 2026 (“Event”)

GENERAL

These terms and conditions (“T&Cs”) incorporate any vendors’ and/or agents’ terms or rules and attending this Event constitutes your acceptance of these T&Cs.
“Us”, “We”, “Our” means Stir! Events Limited, Registered in England under Company No: 14070243 and/or our respective representatives, employees and sub-contractors.
We reserve the right to implement restrictions/conditions before and during the Event to ensure it is safe. You must comply with any and all instructions given to you by Event staff and stewards and you may be evicted from the site if you fail to comply.
We reserve the right to refuse admission or to remove any person from the site, for reasons of public safety (including for crowd surfing or moshing, or failure to comply with any other measures put in place to combat any unacceptable behaviour likely to cause damage, nuisance or injury, or for any breach of these T&Cs.
Our Alcohol License does not permit alcohol to be brought into the site and will be confiscated. Only alcohol purchased on site can be consumed. Glass containers of any size will not be permitted and will be confiscated.
Plastic bottles may be brought into the site, including plastic sports bottles. Free water will be available on site. Refillable metal bottles are permitted.
Food Vendors will be on site offering a range of hot/cold food & drinks, but if you wish to bring your own food, all food waste and containers should be taken away with you.
No dogs are permitted within the fenced area of the site (other than assistance dogs).
No trading or promotional activity is allowed within the site without Our prior written consent.
By entering the site, you give your express consent to your actual/simulated likeness to be included for no fee within any audio or visual recording to be used in any media for any purpose at any time, including CCTV, filming by the police or security staff and/or for marketing.
These T&Cs are subject to change from time to time in our sole discretion and We will notify you by posting the amended T&Cs to the Event website.
We shall have no liability for any loss, injury, illness or damage to any person or property sustained at the Event howsoever caused (including by Us and Our agents) in any circumstances unless caused as a direct result of Our negligence and that which cannot by law be excluded or limited. Any personal property brought to the Event is at your own risk.
These T&Cs are governed by English Law and any dispute arising out of or in connection with these T&Cs shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

AGE POLICY

All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over who must remain on site throughout the Event as the under 16-year-old’s guardian. No unaccompanied under 16s are allowed on site.
We do not act in any parental or supervisory capacity for under 18s on site. This does not affect our legal duties to any attendee in respect of, or obligation to comply with, any applicable laws including health and safety or licensing laws.
Wristbands will be available for young children and parents/guardians should provide a contact number in case of separation. We will not issue duplicates for lost or stolen wristbands. Wristbands remain Our property until the Event closes.

SECURITY

Bags may be searched as a condition of entry.
Without liability to you, We shall be entitled to confiscate any item(s) which may reasonably be considered to be a weapon (or used as a weapon) or which may cause danger, offence or disruption to any other person.
Any person suspected of carrying illegal items or carrying out illegal activity may be handed over to the Police, refused entry or evicted from the site.
The Event has a zero tolerance policy to drugs. Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs or substances may be refused entry or ejected from site and may be handed over to the police.
We reserve the right to evict festival attendees and/or refuse admission where these conditions are breached.
Any item(s), reasonably considered to be a weapon (or used as a weapon), which may cause danger, offence or disruption to any other person will be confiscated.

BANNED ITEMS

Aerosols, airhorns, alcohol, balloons, barbeques and any kind of cooking apparatus, blowtorches, cans, shooting sticks, drones, drugs, gas canisters, gazebos/parasols/large (golf) umbrellas, glass (including glass makeup or perfume bottles), fires, firewood, fireworks, flags on poles, flares, generators of any kind, illegal substances, inflatable furniture, items which may be regarded as weapons, legal highs (including ‘legal highs’ – this includes nitrous oxide and associated equipment including balloons), laser equipment/pens, megaphones, new psychoactive substances (NPS), petrol burners, pyrotechnics, unauthorised professional recording or transmitting equipment, roller skates, scooters, sky or ‘Chinese’ lanterns, smoke bombs / canisters, sound systems (including personal speakers), spray cans, tabards/high viz jackets, unauthorised vehicles including buses, coaches or trucks, unidentified substances, goods with unauthorised Event or artist logos, motorcycle helmets, personal drones.
Photographic and other recording equipment is permitted if it is for personal non-commercial use only. We reserve the right to charge a licence fee for any commercial use of photographs / visual / audio recordings taken at the Event.
The use of drones (including toy drones) or similar is prohibited on or near the Event without Our written permission.
Under 18s are not permitted to purchase alcohol on site. It is illegal for an over 18 to purchase alcohol on behalf of under 18s.
Items that are surrendered or confiscated will not be returned. Anyone resisting the surrender of banned items will face eviction.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Fires and the burning of any materials is not permitted anywhere on the Event site.
Smoking (including e-cigarettes and/or vaping) is not permitted in enclosed areas on site.
Excessive exposure to loud music may cause damage to your hearing.
Pyrotechnics, lasers, smoke machines, strobe lighting/special effects may take place during some performances.
All those attending the Event do so at their own risk.
No dogs are permitted within the fenced area of the site (other than assistance dogs).

INFORMATION & NOTIFICATION

Disabled WC facilities are available.
The site is a public space in a residential area. You must show our neighbours respect by keeping noise to a minimum on entry and exit and by taking all litter away with you or ensure it is placed in dedicated waste bins.
If any of these T&Cs are unclear, please contact Stir! Events Limited

Will a Park & Ride service be available?

A Park & Ride service will be available for our festival goers this year for just £1 per person, each way (children under 12 travel free).

This will be a non-stop ride for those opting to travel to the festival by car.

The route will run in both directions between Fawcetts Fields, New Milton and Highcliffe's Clifftop car park and a timetable will be available nearer the festival date on the website for you to download and print.

Become a Champion of Community & Creativity!

Our Clifftop Music Festival is more than a weekend of performances—it’s an opportunity for families, neighbours and visitors to connect, enjoy local talent, discover new sounds, and strengthen the spirit that makes our community thrive.

But this festival doesn’t happen on its own. It grows with the support of dedicated partners—whether you’re a local business, a regional organization, or an individual.

Your partnership will help transform this event into an unforgettable tradition where, together, we can elevate and energize our village, and create a festival that resonates long after the final note fades.

To find out how you can elevate your brand by becoming a sponsor of this fantastic event, simply download our Sponsorship package here:

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