Christmas 2020 Plans Unveiled

9th December 2020

SEASONAL illuminations and popular entertainment take centre stage in Bournemouth this Christmas as the town adapts to Covid-19 restrictions.

In line with the latest Government announcement following the nationwide lockdown, the town will provide a festive backdrop for those venturing into the town centre for some Christmas shopping.

Traditional carnival rides will be based at the Square alongside the illuminated Bethlehem Tree and Nativity scene and Reindeer. The long-standing Bratwurst Christmas Tree stand will return as will a decorated food corner selling delectable churros and crepes.

Existing lampposts will be transformed with conical lighting resembling elevated Christmas trees and further lighting installations in the form of a sparkling igloo and polar bear will appear. The Square will also feature a 5m Christmas tree in the shape of a stack of illuminated presents. The seasonal lighting continues through the gardens and at Lansdowne.

Christchurch High Street has been adorned with festive illuminations and a large tree to bring a Christmas scene to the main shopping precinct for local residents.

Falkland Square in Poole now houses a large Christmas tree and glittering lights cascade down the entrance of the Dolphin Centre where a trail of illuminations begins, leading shoppers down the High Street to the old quarter providing the boutique coffee shops, pubs and cafes a distinctly Dickensian feel.

Coastal villages across the conurbation have been lit up in readiness for the festivities. Westbourne, Southbourne, Boscombe and Highcliffe high streets have been adorned with miniature dressed trees and dazzling lights. 

Cllr Philip Broadhead, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “It is with great pleasure that we can now move forward and offer this Christmas experience for local residents to be able to rediscover their local high streets safely. 

“None of these offerings would have been possible were it not for the support from the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Coastal BID, Poole BID, Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce and CityFibre. It is essential that we do all we can to boost revenue – where safe and appropriate to do so – for local businesses and we hope this sprinkling of Christmas cheer will help to do just that.”