From September 11 to 14, the rugged island of Portland in Dorset becomes the stage for b-side’s Big Weekend, four days of site-specific installations, performances, films, and interventions created especially for the island’s distinctive landscape and communities. Part of the Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025 celebrations, the festival invites visitors to see Portland differently, uncovering hidden corners and unheard voices through contemporary art that connects people, place, and ideas.
Since its inception, b-side has been known for placing art in unexpected places — from works hidden in quarries to projections on cliffs. This year, the programme weaves memories of the armed forces, moments of LGBTQ+ joy and resilience, and testimonies from those seeking asylum into the fabric of the island.
Highlights include:
Pub Grub – Poet Luke Wright’s sharp, funny, and unfiltered take on small-town life, fresh from sold-out shows across the UK.
Excess Baggage – A video and sound installation in the dark chambers of High Angle Battery, exploring the overlooked lives of military families.
MAS(S) – An immersive sound project transforming refugee testimonies into a “voice siren” that calls out along the British coastline.
Parade 2025 – A free, accessible street parade led by artists, musicians, and the community, with a live New Orleans groove soundtrack.
The Portland Dress – A community-embroidered textile collecting the stories of Portland, inspired by The Red Dress project.
Almost Synchro – A colourful open-water synchronised swimming performance and workshop in Portland Harbour.
Section 28 and Me – Theatre-maker Tom Marshman’s warm, witty, and deeply personal reflection on the legacy of Section 28.
Alongside the main programme, the Fringe returns, a parallel line-up of independently organised exhibitions, performances, and pop-up happenings showcasing Portland’s vibrant creative community. Workshops and participatory events remain central, with all events free or low-cost.
Rocca Holly-Nambi, Director of b-side, says: “The Big Weekend is about bringing people together to see Portland afresh – to listen, to look, and to take part. This year’s programme invites visitors and locals to discover new spaces, meet artists, and experience the stories that make Portland so distinctive.”