Culture and heritage across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are being celebrated for Dorset Day.
The annual celebration, held on Monday 1 June, recognises Dorset’s history, landscape and communities, with BCP Council highlighting the role of museums, theatres, galleries and cultural events across the area.
At East Cliff in Bournemouth, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is being promoted as one of the local heritage sites helping to mark the day, with its mix of art, architecture and Victorian history.
Its current exhibition, Flower Fairies™: Enchantment by the Sea, features original artwork and sketches from the books by artist Cicely Mary Barker, including pieces linked to her visits to Swanage, Highcliffe and Hengistbury Head.
Many of the works are being shown in public for the first time, giving residents and visitors a chance to see a collection with direct links to Dorset’s coastline and landscapes.
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said Dorset Day showed that “heritage and culture contribute so much” to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as parts of the county.
Councillor Andy Martin, Cabinet Member for Culture, said the day was an opportunity to “shine a light” on local culture and heritage.
He said places and organisations including Highcliffe Castle, BEAF and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s home at Lighthouse, Poole, help connect communities across the 3 towns.
