Christmas lights will return to Charminster, Kinson, Winton and Moordown after Bournemouth town council approved nearly £60,000 for new festive displays.
The decision follows last year’s cancellation of lights due to budget pressures, with the new scheme described as a pilot project that could be expanded in future years depending on feedback and funding.
Reform Councillor Mark Anderson, who proposed the plan, said the lights would restore a valued feature, support local high streets and test the case for a wider scheme.
He added that Christmas lights are not just decorative but help strengthen community identity and encourage footfall.
The approved funding will provide 80 columns of blue and white twinkling lights, with 20 columns in each area.
Nearly £40,000 will be spent on purchasing and installing the new lights, as existing stock was deemed unsafe and at the end of its working life by BCP Council.
Some councillors raised concerns about the limited coverage, questioning why only these four areas were included and calling for a more comprehensive approach. The council hopes the lights can remain up year-round for other festivals, subject to BCP Council permission.
