A new events initiative called ‘Festive Streets’ is to bring free family entertainment and activities to Bournemouth town centre in the run-up to Christmas.
It includes walkabout acts, such as fire shows, an ice dragon and Father Christmas, as well as free arts and crafts workshops, live music and choir and band performances.
‘Festive Streets is funded and organised by Bournemouth Town Centre BID in partnership with BCP Council and the Town Centre Improvement Fund.
The events begin on November 21st and will take place every Thursday evening from 4pm until 7pm until Christmas in locations around the town centre.
In addition, Christmas projections from November 21st to January 1st will project Christmas scenes designed by students at AUB (Arts University Bournemouth) on buildings on Commercial Road and Old Christchurch Road.
The Town Centre BID is also once again laying on Christmas street lights throughout the town centre, having stepped in last year after BCP Council announced it would no longer be funding them.
From November 15th to January 1st, there will be traditional Christmas lights in Commercial Road, Poole Hill, Westover Road, the Lansdowne and Old Christchurch Road, including Beale Place.
Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of The Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “This is such an important time of year, not only for traders and businesses, but for local families excited to get into the Christmas spirit, so we want to ensure Bournemouth is a vibrant, festive and fun place to be across this season.
“We’re thrilled to offer even more for everyone to enjoy in 2024 – traditional lights and Christmas projections, and a host of activities and entertainment, from Father Christmas spreading cheer to the awe-inspiring animatronic polar bear, live music to spectacular fire shows.
“There’s something for everyone in Bournemouth – and it’s all for free!”
The timetable for the Festive Streets events is:
- Thursday November 21st at Horseshoe Common, from 4pm until 7pm: Meet Father Christmas and his elf giving out goodies, free eco arts & crafts with Outside-In, fire shows, a neon juggler and a festive ski lift selfie station.
- Thursday November 28th in Beale Place, 4pm until 7pm: Meet Father Christmas and his elves giving out goodies, free eco arts & crafts with Outside-In, and take photos with the spectacular Ice Dragon, or in the festive ski lift selfie station. Enjoy live music from Relight My Choir at 4pm, Bournemouth Concert Brass at 5pm, and Sing People Sing at 6pm.
- Thursday December 5th on Westover Road, 4pm until 7pm: Meet Father Christmas and his elves giving out goodies, free eco arts & crafts with Outside-In, and take photos with our animatronic Polar Bear or in the festive ski lift selfie station. Live music from Sound of Soul at 4pm, Bournemouth Concert Brass at 5pm, and Sing People Sing at 6pm.
- Thursday December 12th on Commercial Road, 4pm until 7pm: Meet Father Christmas and his elves giving out goodies, free eco arts & crafts with Outside-In, and take photos with our spectacular Ice Dragon or in the festive ski lift selfie station. Live music from Relight My Choir at 4pm, Bournemouth Concert Brass at 5pm, and Sing People Sing at 6pm.
- Thursday December 19th at The Triangle, 4pm until 7pm: Meet Father Christmas and his elves giving out goodies, free eco arts & crafts with Outside-In and take photos with our animatronic Polar Bear or in the festive ski lift selfie station. Enjoy live music from Funky Little Choir at 4pm, Bournemouth Concert Brass at 5pm, and Sing People Sing at 6pm.
Other seasonal fun includes the Christmas Tree Wonderland from November 15th to December 31st when Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens will be filled with a display of twinkling trees and festive illuminations from Pier Approach to The Square.
The Skate Bournemouth ice rink will be back on Bournemouth’s Lower Garden from November 14th to January 5th, and the Alpine Market & Lodge will be offering an array of festive food and local crafts from November 14th to January 1st.
Shoppers can take advantage of The Bournemouth Town Centre Gift Card, newly available as an e-gift card for the first time this year.
Launched by the Town Centre BID five years ago, the gift card can now be spent in more than 90 businesses across all sectors, from food and drink to leisure and retail.
Food and drink will be available from local businesses for the Festive Streets events, and easy transport links are available including bus, train and ample parking.