Take Five: Weston Arts + Health Festival returns in July
The much-loved Weston Arts + Health Festival returns this July for its seventh year, bringing a vibrant programme of free creative activities, performances, workshops and community events to Weston-super-Mare’s beach, promenade and hospital spaces.
Co-produced by Super Culture and the UHBW Arts & Culture Programme, part of Bristol NHS Group, the three-day festival invites people of all ages to “Take Five” and experience the wellbeing benefits of creativity, culture and community connection.
Inspired by the internationally recognised Five Ways to Wellbeing – Be Active, Take Notice, Give, Keep Learning and this year’s focus, Connect – the 2026 festival explores how meaningful connections can reduce stress, boost mood and support healthier communities.
Topping off a week of activities at the Hospital, is a packed programme of drop-in activities at the beachside Festival Hub, located next to Revo Kitchen on Weston seafront: there is something for all ages and tastes including performances, walks, workshops and large-scale participatory experiences designed to encourage people to come together in playful and uplifting ways.
Festival highlights include:
● Festival Week at Weston General will be full of music and creative activities for the Hospital Community to enjoy. From live music in waiting areas and tea parties on the wards and in the gardens, to activity pop-ups across the Hospital.
● A spectacular community Flag Carnival featuring hand-stitched flags created by hospital staff and community groups, accompanied by the irresistible rhythms of North Somerset Samba.
● “Portraits of Weston”, a community photography project celebrating the people and stories that make Weston-super-Mare home, with portraits and stories gathered by South West Heritage Trust during the festival later exhibited at Weston General Hospital.
● The Disco Ceilidh Festival Launch Party on Friday evening, blending ceilidh dancing, party games and classic dancefloor anthems.
● “Community Chest”, an immersive collaborative escape-room installation by artist Matthew Harrison on the beach.
● Bird Rave from live artist Miss High Leg Kick – performance and participatory workshops uniquely celebrating extraordinary birds and the freedom to dance.
● Walk of the Dandelion – a beautifully-crafted 8 foot puppet bringing gentle interaction to the busy Summer Promenade
● Beach yoga, sea swimming, kite flying, sound baths and movement sessions designed to support wellbeing by the sea.
● Creative workshops spanning weaving, poetry, food-making, photography, storytelling and nature-based activities. The festival continues its strong partnership with healthcare staff and communities across North Somerset, with activities taking place both in public spaces and within hospital wards and gardens in the lead-up to the event.
Join the giant community Flag Parade on Saturday, then wander among the flags on the beach throughout the weekend as they celebrate the many communities, cultures and connections that make North Somerset so special. Throughout the weekend, visitors can relax in the Festival Hub, take part in creative workshops, enjoy live performances and discover gentle opportunities to connect with others at their own pace.
You can explore the full programme here