Poole Town Centre and Quay are set to be lit up in style for six weeks this Christmas as part of the brand-new Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival.
From 19 November – 2 January 2023, residents and visitors to Poole can walk through an enchanting light trail that includes sparkling Christmas Trees with maritime-themed decorations, a 120-metre under-the-sea light curtain, a giant anchor and a 5-metre-high tall ship.
Poole Harbour will also be lit up with Gobo projectors positioned on four City Cruises festive boats, creating illuminating light illusions on the water as a feature of this new maritime light festival.
Over on dry land there is plenty of entertainment on offer throughout the six weeks, with music filling the air on the streets of Poole as local choirs perform each weekend, organised by the events’ main sponsors Poole BID. Choirs at Christmas will be performing at different locations in Poole throughout the festive period, starting in Falklands Square at 2pm on Saturday 19 November.
Councillor Beverley Dunlop, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Places, BCP Council commented: “Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival will be a spectacular event on land and in the harbour, across the High Street and Quay bringing joy to thousands of residents and visitors every week, at the same time supporting local business and hospitality.
“I’m immensely proud that we have created this new and unique event for Poole of dazzling light installations to bring festive cheer to the town during these challenging times.”
Cllr Steve Baron, Lead Member for Poole Rejuvenation, BCP Council commented: “We are committed to revitalising Poole and celebrating its wonderful history. Poole’s maritime heritage is the centre piece of this fantastic new festival with an impressive array of lights and attractions from the Lighthouse to the Quay, and I hope everyone will venture outside and join us in making the most of this free event.”
More Christmas excitement can be found throughout the town, including a canon of light from the top of Lighthouse, Poole, where you can watch the family favourite pantomime Cinderella.
Jacqui Rock, Chief Executive, Poole BID commented: “With the opportunity to visit our fabulous retail offering, why not also extend your stay by making a day of it and eat, drink and be merry at one of the many restaurants and bars throughout Poole high street and Quay and also try out the pop-up Christmas bar in Falkland Square where you can enjoy delicious Pretzels as well as a must-have seasonal mulled wine or hot chocolate!
“We are pleased to confirm South Western Railway as the official Getting Here Train Provider who are also sponsoring the Seashell tree along with MoreBus as our Transport Partner.”
Richard Barker, Partnerships and Events Manager for South Western Railway, said: “We are extremely excited to be working with BCP Council and very much look forward to seeing you all at the new Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival as well as Bournemouth’s popular Christmas Tree Wonderland.”
Nikki Honer, Head of Communications from MoreBus commented: “This free to attend event is a fantastic opportunity for Poole. As the main bus operator within the conurbation, we would like to encourage as many local people to travel sustainably and help keep congestion to a minimum, as we know Poole will be expecting many visitors from further afield.
“This event will be popular with families and groups of friends. Under 7’s travel for free and group tickets are available for up to any five people.”
Visit poole-christmas-maritime-light-festival.co.uk for more info.
