Every year, the rugged, intriguing island of Portland in Dorset becomes the stage for b-side’s Big Weekend – a series of events that transform the Island with surprising and thought-provoking contemporary art.
From 11th to 14th September 2025, audiences are invited to explore installations, performances, films, and interventions created especially for Portland’s distinctive landscape and communities. The Big Weekend invites everyone to see this place differently, uncovering hidden corners and unheard voices through art that connects people, place, and ideas.
Past editions have seen works hidden in quarries, projected onto cliffs, or popping up in unexpected places, with international artists and local collaborators weaving stories into the stone and landscape of the Island. This year, b-side’s Big Weekend honours the spirit of Portland and Weymouth as Towns of Culture 2025, revealing untold stories from our island.
With inspirational artists and communities as your guide, discover memories from the armed forces, moments of joy and resilience in LGBTQ+ lives, and heartfelt testimonies from those seeking asylum.
Whether you’re joining a mass stitching workshop to complete the Portland Dress, or dancing in a boxing ring, come celebrate the extraordinary people, captivating stories, and creative spirit that make Portland truly unique.
This year’s Big Weekend also forms a key part of the Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025, an ambitious programme celebrating the creativity, heritage, and communities of both towns. The Big Weekend embodies the spirit of the Towns of Culture initiative, showcasing local talent alongside international artists and bringing residents and visitors together to experience the area’s rich cultural life in unexpected and inspiring ways.
Rocca Holly-Nambi, Director of b-side, said: “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. The addition of the Fringe and the spectacular Parade show just how much creative energy there is here.”
An Arts Council England spokesperson said: “We’re thrilled to see b-side – one of our National Portfolio organisations – continue to celebrate and showcase creativity on the Isle. The Big Weekend is one of many exciting activations across Weymouth and Portland this year and emphasises the power of place-inspired programming. Thanks to public investment, we can support projects like this up and down the country, ensuring everyone everywhere can access high-quality cultural experiences where they live.”
For visitors, b-side’s Big Weekend is an opportunity to explore Portland’s wild beauty, local folklore and history, and the very essence of the land and stone that has crafted some of the world’s most iconic buildings – all through the lens of contemporary art.
Download full press release below
