What is Stompin’ on the Quomps?

Stompin’ on the Quomps is an al-fresco (out-door) Smooth Jazz Festival hosted in the picturesque surroundings of Christchurch Quay.

Started in 1994, it is now one of Christchurch's best loved events, attracting some 5,000 people each year.

What does it cost?

There is no charge to come to Stompin' on the Quomps.  We fund the event solely on dontations from the audience so its YOUR contribution that keeps the event alive.

In 2009 it will cost us over £10,000 to host the event and there will be an opporutnity to donate money in the afternoon AND in the evening.

Thank you for your support.

Time

The event starts at midday and the Taverners Big Band aim to bring the event to a close at 10pm . . . . . . unless that is you want the band to play an encore.

Food & Drink

We have a wide range of delicious hot and cold food available throughout the day.

The Thomas Tripp bar sells Ringwood beer, wine and a range of soft drinks. 

A favorite is the Pimms tent, available in glasses or jugs.

If your taste is Smoothies, Blend will serve you one that will tantilise your taste buds.

DRINK WILL ONLY BE SERVED IN GLASSES THAT HAVE HAD A DEPOSIT PAID - available from the Glass Deposit Tent

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Of course. We are very grateful to the people disposing of their litter properly.

Is it suitable for my 8-year old child?

Yes. Absolutely. 100%. Many families come year after year . . . . we are very child-friendly

Children wearing FREE security wristbands with a contact mobile number can be reunited with their parents very quickly, a drama, but not a crisis.  

Is it suitable for Granny and Granddad?

Granny and Granddad will love it. They’ll love the Big Band of course but they’ll also enjoy all of the other bands as well.

How do I get there?

Stompin' on the Quomps is on Christchurch Quay, Quay Road, Dorset.

There are fequent buses to Christchurch High Street, a few minutes walk from Christchurch Quay

Christchurch Railway station is a leisurely 20 minute walk or approx £5 taxi fare

The last trains heading towards Waterloo leave at 22:19 and 23:19 and heading towards Bournemouth & Poole, 23:10. Check for changes to the timetable.

How about going by Ferry ?   Park near Tuckton Tea Gardens and take a leisurely cruise to Christchurch Quay.  Last Ferry is 10:30pm

If you have a boat, there are limited spaces to moor alongside Christchurch Quay or by arrangement, alongside the pontoon.

Driving - Christchurch Quay is approximately 40mins from Southampton and 90mins from the M3/M25 Junction.   The centre of Poole is 20mins and Dorchester is a little under 60mins.

Parking

Priory Car Park is adjacent to the Quomps.

When full, an alternative is Mayors Mead at the other end of Quomps - follow road-signs for Captains Club.

How about parking at the carpark at the junction of St Margaret’s Avenue and Sopers Lane ?   It is very rarely full, and is a very pleasant 5min walk along the river bank in front of the Captains Club and Rowing Club.

Wick Lane car park, behind the Regent Centre, is 5mins walk away, accessible from Wick Lane.

10mins walk away is Pitts Site Car park, at the junction of the A35 and High Street.

TopTip 1:   Christchurch Quay has 5 car spaces and 5,000 people trying to find a space - only slightly better odds than winning the lottery, but probably more frustrating.  Unless you are dropping off someone who is less able-bodied, top tip is not to even try driving onto the Quay.

TopTip2:    Don't leave it till the last minute to arrive!

Can I bring a BBQ ?

No. The event licence does not allow us to have naked flames or smoke.

Is there any public seating ?

There are only half a dozen bench seats at the periphery to Quomps . . . and 5,000 people looking to sit down. Our advice is to bring your own low backed picnic chairs and/or a blanket or groundsheet.

Can I bring a dog ?

Dogs don't like Jazz, so please don't bring them. With the exception of well-behaved guide-dogs, who have been trained to listen.

Toilets

There are Public conveniences at the perimeter of Quomps open until 10pm.

Disabled Access

Quomps is public open space and therefore easily accessible. All of the car-parks above have a small number of disabled spaces. The public conveniences does have a facility for disabled

Accommodation

There are many B&B’s within 10mins walk of Quomps and several hotels within 20mins walk. Christchurch Tourist Information can provide up-to-date information For Further Information: enquiries@christchurchtourism.info 01202 471780

TopTip1:  Harrow Wood Farm is a New Forest hidden gem with caravan pitches set in 80 acres of woodland in Bransgore, a 15 minute drive from Christchurch.

TopTip2: The Captains Club has been making waves since its arrival a few years ago.  About 30 steps from Quomps, you couldn't be nearer.

Why not take advantage of their luxurious Spar ?

TopTip3: The Lord Bute Hotel is a 15 minute drive from Christchurch, featuring a fabulous restaurant.

The Captains Club or Lord Bute is the treat you've been promising yourself.  Go on, you're worth it. . . .