A national artwork by Kinetika, the Beach of Dreams Silks is a dynamic, traveling installation composed of hundreds of naturally dyed pennants, each representing a personal story that reflects our deep connection to the coast and sea. This evolving tapestry weaves together a rich narrative of hope and inspiration for our shared future.

As visitors experience the installation along its journey up and down the coastline, they will witness a celebration of the diverse voices of those who have contributed. To date, over 600 pennants have been created, each showcasing the profound bonds people have with their coastal environments and inviting audiences to engage with the stories that shape our collective identity.

This exciting commission revitalises and stitches together the original 500 Beach of Dreams Silks that were damaged in a coastal storm. Renowned designer and textile artist Rahemur Rahman is collaborating with eight local sewing groups to create stunning silk panels using diverse embroidery techniques from around the world. These beautifully crafted panels will adorn processional boat structures and a vibrant carnival costume, becoming the new centrepiece of the Beach of Dreams Silks.

Join us for an extraordinary auditory experience as sound artist, beatboxer, and DJ Jason Singh partners with TAPE and local community groups to craft a bespoke soundscape for Beach of Dreams. Drawing inspiration from the beauty of seascapes and nature, this immersive project will offer visitors a unique journey through sound. Experience a live multi-channel soundscape, enhanced by Augmented Reality plaques placed throughout the Bay. These interactive elements will provide listeners with captivating binaural recordings and intimate voice notes collected during the project, inviting everyone to connect with the sounds of our environment like never before.

Discover the beauty and significance of our coastal ecosystems through the lens of renowned photographer Tessa Bunney and writer and walking artist Saira Niazi, as they team up with Stronger Shores, a DEFRA-funded initiative led by South Tyneside Council. This exciting collaboration will spotlight the hidden habitats beneath the waves—such as seagrass meadows, kelp forests, and oyster reefs—revealing their vital role in reducing erosion, stabilizing shorelines, and supporting local wildlife.

The project will culminate in an inspiring outdoor photography exhibition, showcasing stunning imagery that captures the essence of these underwater worlds. Additionally, a beautifully crafted booklet featuring original writing, poetry, and photography will be co-produced, inviting readers to engage with the coastal narratives that connect us all.

Join actor, writer, theatre director, and producer Stephen Beggs as he collaborates with Beat Carnival to create an unforgettable experience along the Ards Peninsula. This dynamic partnership will engage a diverse array of participants, including arts and community regeneration groups, commercial fishermen, and environmental campaigners. Together, they’ll embark on a vibrant journey filled with coastal walks, oral history sharing, willow and fabric puppet making, natural dyeing, carnival arts, and song workshops.

This creative adventure will weave through the picturesque coastal villages of the Ards Peninsula, culminating in a spectacular parade that celebrates local culture and creativity. Don’t miss the debut performance of the newly crafted Siren Song, an enchanting piece that will resonate with the heart and spirit of the community.

Experience the beauty of the Fife coastline like never before with artist Julie Brook, who will craft a stunning tidal sculpture using locally sourced materials. Drawing inspiration from her walks along the coast and engaging conversations with residents and fellow artists, Julie’s work will reflect the unique character of this breathtaking landscape.

As part of this initiative, she will lead hands-on workshops with local schools and community groups, fostering creativity and connection among participants. In May 2025, join the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and project partners for an unforgettable 12-day journey along the picturesque 117-mile Fife Coastal Path.

A collaborative story-gathering project that brings together local communities from three key locations along the East Coast: Great Yarmouth, Harwich, and Orford Ness. Through a rich exploration of heritage sites, creativity, and walking, the project delves into both the shared and distinct coastal histories of these areas. With a special emphasis on coastal heritage, the initiative centres on inclusivity, working closely with diverse local communities and groups with access needs.

Experience the modern-day Canterbury Tales with Anders Lustgarten in MSL Projects’ immersive three-day programme. This innovative project brings the voices of contemporary ‘pilgrims’ from British society in the South East to the forefront, sharing their stories along a captivating journey through Hythe, Rye, Hastings, and Bulverhythe. Audiences will not only witness these tales but will also help shape them, making each performance a unique and collaborative experience.

Join us for a spectacular Beach of Dreams finale with a celebration on Weymouth beach, in partnership with Activate Dorset. Sonnet of Samsara is created by choreographer Jayachandran Palazhy, Attakkalari Centre of Movement Arts and UK Dance artist Charlene Low.