A bathtub race, the UK’s largest free air festival and festive light trails are just some of the highlights of this year’s events programme across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
A bathtub race, the UK’s largest free air festival and festive light trails are just some of the highlights of this year’s events programme across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
From cultural festivals to sporting spectacles, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is planning something for everyone to enjoy across these three vibrant coastal towns over the coming months.
Events to look forward to include the impressive aerial feats of Bournemouth Air Festival, the award-winning Arts by the Sea Festival, and the dazzling display of fireworks on Poole Quay in August.
The year ends with an assortment of festive fun with free light trails and a bathtub race.
Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture said:
“Despite the financial pressures on our council budget, we have ensured that there are many fun and free events taking place across our three towns in 2024.
“These events offer residents the opportunity to enjoy our area, go out and meet friends, and support our local economy – as well as attracting visitors down to our shores.
“Events take a lot of planning and hard work, and our thanks go out to all the stakeholders and partners involved in delivering this great programme of events across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.”
Events being funded by the council in 2024 include Bournemouth Air Festival, Arts by the Sea (in conjunction with Arts Council England), Bournemouth’s Christmas tree Wonderland, Poole’s Christmas Maritime Light Trail, Poole Quay Fireworks in August and on 5 November, and New Year’s Bath Race.
BCP Council also contributes to Christchurch’s Christmas lights in association with Christchurch Town Council who fund the festive events.
The council is also working with businesses and external event organisers to enable several other events to go ahead including Dream Machines (Bike Night), Quay for my Car, Mini Steam on the Quay, Beating of the bounds, D-Day 90th Anniversary, visit of El Galeon, and many other externally delivered events which support the overall offer for the area.
For the 2025 events calendar, the council is looking to create stronger ties with local businesses and empower residents to shape their own cultural landscape, tapping into the wealth of talent and resources within the local business community to fund and run many of these events.
Councillor Martin continued:
“As with the Bournemouth Air Festival, we need to move to a new way of working and become an organisation that enables others to take on some of the great work that has made these events popular.
“We hope to harness a more inclusive and vibrant cultural scene that truly reflects the spirit of all our communities, and one that works to strengthen partnerships across our region, continuing to make the BCP area a great place to live, work and play, and we are excited to see what the future will bring.”
Organisers of local community events are being encouraged to submit their events online for enhanced community engagement:
For more information on the events taking place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for 2024 and to plan your visit, please visit:
- Bournemouth – Your Official Bournemouth Guide
- Christchurch – The Official Christchurch Guide (bournemouth.co.uk)
- Poole Tourism – Official Poole Tourist Information
Businesses and organisation interested in supporting or organising events in 2025 should contact [email protected]
If you like our content, join us in helping to bring reality and decency back by SUBSCRIBING to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1Ll1ylCg8U19AhNl-NoTg AND SUPPORTING US where you can: Award Winning Independent Citizen Media Needs Your Help. PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH https://dorseteye.com/donate/
