Hundreds of people enjoyed a wonderful day of community spirit, entertainment and family fun as West Moors Town Council’s annual Westival returned to Fryer Field on Saturday 11th July.
Celebrating its seventh year, the free community festival once again proved to be a huge success, attracting residents and families from across the local area who braved the 32-degree heat for an afternoon packed with live entertainment and attractions.
Despite the soaring temperatures, The Audio Allstars soon had the audience on their feet with two energetic sets packed full of modern favourites and timeless classics. A special highlight followed as Bournemouth Carnival Band arrived in their now-famous Spiderman costumes, bringing plenty of music, laughter and fun.
Visitors were treated to returning favourites including spectacular mountain bike stunt displays, children’s magic shows, the craft tent and magnificent birds of prey. New attractions for 2026 proved equally popular, with Phoenix Aerial showcasing impressive circus skills – and inviting visitors to have a go themselves – while Blandford Animal Farm delighted families with friendly goats, sheep and other cuddly animals in their interactive petting area. The last-minute addition of a sprinkler proved a hit, offering welcome relief and plenty of laughter for children and adults alike.
The popular Motors & More showcase was bigger than ever, with a record number of clubs and individual exhibitors proudly displaying their cherished vehicles. Across the field, visitors explored dozens of stalls run by local businesses, charities and community groups, alongside a wide variety of food and drink vendors, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The ever-popular cash raffle also proved a great success; three lucky winners collected £500, £300 and £200 after the event, and wine hampers donated by Town Councillors delighted two additional winners.
West Moors Town Council would like to extend its thanks to this year’s sponsors: Phoenix Marble & Granite, Brewer & Brewer, Colten Care, The Elephant & Castle, TecCheck and Flooring Elegance, whose generous support helped make this free community event possible.
The Chair of West Moors Town Council, Councillor Rita Burke, said: “Westival has become one of the highlights of our community calendar, and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying everything the day had to offer. Events like this don’t happen without an enormous team effort, and we’d like to thank every volunteer, sponsor, performer, stallholder and visitor who played a part in making Westival 2026 such a memorable occasion.”
Planning is already underway for next year!
