Cultural events at venues operated by BH Live including the BIC hit half a million attendances

Half a million people attended performances, shows and entertainment events at the BIC, Bournemouth Pavilion and Fairfield Halls in Croydon in the year to March.

BH Live operates the venues in partnership with their respective local authorities including BCP Council.

Sold-out shows included performances from artists such as Michael Mcintyre, Bill Bailey, Leona Lewis, Billy Ocean, Olly Murs, Shalamar and Jimmy Carr.

This year marked the 40th anniversary of the BIC and the 95th anniversary of Bournemouth Pavilion.

Musical events such as rock, pop and classical performances made up more than a third of the venues’ entire cultural programme.

Bournemouth Pavilion and Fairfield Halls’ annual festive pantomimes continued to be a firm favourite, last year attracting more than 44,000 people of all ages.

A free-to-attend community open day at Bournemouth Pavilion attracted more than 500 visitors and more than 168,000 people enjoyed performances at the theatre over the year.

As well as free open days, Bournemouth Pavilion hosts heritage and community events throughout the year to encourage more visitors to learn about the venues.

These include Bournemouth Pavilion’s tea dances, family open days and Compton Organ concerts.

The BIC welcomes more than 300,000 visitors a year and has four main halls including a 6,200-capacity standing arena.

Steve Turner, BH Live’s Director of Venues, said: “The impact of delivering cultural events, performances and activities is felt far beyond the venues themselves.

“It resonates deep into the local communities we serve.

“There’s no doubt that coming to see a live performance, whether it is classical, rock, pop or panto, creates positive lasting memories.

“We are delighted to mark more than half a million attendances this year and it is a privilege to be part of the rich cultural offering in Bournemouth and Croydon.

“Because these venues are run by BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, what’s even better is that any surplus we make through ticket sales, venue hire, food and drink, is invested back into the venues and programmes – providing future investment opportunities and enabling even more people to enjoy the feel-good feeling of live performance through subsidised and supported schemes.”


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