International project, River of Hope, comes to Dorset. The finale of this major artwork, Christchurch, is your chance to see over 60 inspirational flags created by young people in response to the climate crisis.
River of Hope is a national project that gives young people the amazing opportunity to visit their local rivers and start a dialogue about their climate concerns. These visits are then used as inspiration to create stunning artworks under the guidance of professional artists. In Dorset, artist Heidi Steller and poet Matt West have worked with pupils from Gillingham School, Queen Elizabeth School Wimborne, The Burgate School Fordingbridge, Ringwood School, Twynham School and The Grange School Christchurch.
A two year programme that started in 2023, this installation is the finale of the national project. You’ll get to see flags from Dorset and Hampshire schools displayed alongside contributions from young people in Tees Valley, Devon, Newham, Norfolk & Ethiopia. Accompanied by a soundtrack from Dorset-based rapper, producer and songwriter Isaiah Dreads.
From 2023 to 2025, River of Hope is happening in 7 UK regions: Leeds, Newham (London), Tees Valley, Norfolk, Norwich, Dorset and Plymouth, and also in France (Rouen) and Ethiopia (Addis Ababa and Arba Minch).
Heidi Steller & Matt West | River of Hope
Performance(s):
12 September 2025
Christchurch Quay – Christchurch
5 pm-7:30 pm
13-14 September 2025
10 am-7 pm
15 September 2025
10 am-2 pm
Price: Free
Suitability: Suitable for all ages
Funders
Sponsors Christchurch BID.
Funding from The Britford Bridge Trust and Culture in Common, part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme (National Lottery).
Support from Arts University Bournemouth.
River of Hope is delivered in partnership with Thames Festival Trust. Supported by Arts Council England and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Core funded by Arts Council England, Dorset Council and BCP Council.
How your business can get involved:
Restaurants & Cafés
Add a River of Hope-inspired dish to your menu for the festival weekend! Think local, seasonal, riverside—anything that links to the theme of nature, water or hope. It could be a special starter, main or dessert—or for cafés, a picnic-friendly sandwich, slice of cake or takeaway treat. Audiences will be looking for places to eat in town before and after visiting the event, or food they can bring along to picnic at The Quomps.
Retailers & Non-Food Businesses
Join in with a river-themed window display to bring the spirit of the festival into the town centre. Think flowing water, fish, reeds, messages of hope or anything inspired by Christchurch’s beautiful rivers. It’s a simple and eye-catching way to take part.
Participating businesses will be promoted to festival audiences through our event channels—so it’s a great chance to get involved, get noticed, and celebrate all that’s special about Christchurch.
