A PACKED line-up of performances, exhibitions and workshops will come to Boscombe later this month.

The BEAF 2023 Arts Festival returns between June 16 and 25, featuring some of the UK’s “most exceptional” outsider artists.

This year’s theme is ‘Unheard Voicers’ and will feature local, national and international artists.

Nell Leyshon, artistic director at The Outsiders Project, said: "All this work is supported by The Outsiders Project.

"Our own work has all come from our workshops. Our artists are supported right through the writing and performing process. Their work is fresh and authentic, and brand new voices that have never been heard before."

On Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, Si Mack will present his one-man show, Kid, between 7pm and 8.30pm at Boscombe Arts Depot (B.A.D.).

The show has been described as a “rare exploration of what it really means to be a father” and will be performed on Father's Day weekend.

Also on June 17, BBC 6 music regular Scott Lavene presents A Night of Music and Stories.

International best-selling writer John Healy will screen a documentary about his life, Barbaric Genius, on June 19 at the B.A.D. 

On the same day, The Lock In, will feature new writing, spoken word and music from emerging artists.

Other highlights will include poet and performer Lady Unchained, who has worked in the prison system and aims to inspire others who want to change their lives, who will speak at the B.A.D on June 22.

The Outsiders Project works with the unheard and marginalised members of the community of Boscombe. The work is shown locally and then shared with a wider world.

The project runs workshops and monthly forums, making their own work and in partnership with other organisations.

Jo Billingham, creative associate at The Outsiders Project, said: “These stories are real. Downfalls, redemption and everything in between.”

Gary, an Outsider artist, said: “The Outsiders Project has given me an outlet to express some deep, dark writing and performing. It has skilled me to do this in a nurturing environment, giving me the confidence and a voice I didn’t know I had.”