See Santa (Bookings required), Street animation & entertainment, 147 Choir

6 December 2016c0sk8dBid

Westbourne Christmas Lights Fiesta – Saturday 3rd December 2016


Saturday 3rd December saw crowds drawn to Westbourne for its first ever Christmas Fiesta of Lights. The light fiesta included LED balloons, UV lights, glow paint, fire shows, live music, performers and dancers, the entertainers wowed the crowds of shoppers and visitors with a unique and magical approach to the annual switch on. There was a buzz in the air as visitors joined shops and businesses as they kick started Christmas together alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth, several businesses stayed open until late for visitors.

During the day children and families gathered to meet Santa and whilst waiting they were entertained by stilt walkers and face painters, as well as choirs and singers such as Rossano Sal and the Bournemouth University Big Band performing in the streets, getting shoppers in the Christmas spirit! Santa will be based in the Westbourne Arcade every Saturday from 10-4pm in association with Westbourne Rotary.

Peter Treble Butchers on Poole Road hosted its annual 12 inch sausage eating competition which raised smiles and lots of laughter, as Miss Galaxy and the President of the Westbourne Business Association and Coastal BID Director, and Director of A-One Insurance Group Lia Martin also joined in the fun of the competition alongside other contenders!

Conor Burns MP and Cllr John Beesley welcomed Santa as he cut a dash and arrived in style with his elf driving an open topped Bentley, to cheers from the crowd despite the cold winters morning, the dignitaries visited an array of shops  and businesses including Richard Carpenter and his team at the Libertine, Attico, Fab Frocks, House of Lights, Peter Treble, and a special visit to the newly refurbished Beach and Body store on Seamoor Road as well as to Scape, By Arrangement and the recently opened Mediterranean restaurant Le Beyti, based in the arcade and Terrace Café.

Said Conor Burns MP Member of Parliament for Bournemouth West, “It is a pleasure to be able to attend this event each year. So much hard work is put into the Christmas festivities by local businesses and residents alike, and it is a joy to be able to start the festive season with the people of Westbourne.”

Said John Beesley, “Since the unveil of the Christmas campaign there has been a great deal of hard work and activity. Chair of the WBA and Coastal BID, Lia Martin and her team are working tirelessly to deliver a memorable Christmas, with events and promotions throughout December and the atmosphere is exceptionally enthusiastic. It is a joy to see them all joining forces to deliver a superb Christmas experience and putting Westbourne on the map for Christmas and for 2017.”

Lia Martin Chair of Westbourne Business Association said, “Christmas is vitally important to Westbourne and we are keen to draw as many regulars and visitors into our Coastal Village, with so many unique shops and eateries there is something for  everyone, so come along join in the fun, enjoy a great experience and take advantage of our amazing offers this Christmas. Westbourne has something for everyone. We are rightly very proud of our unique shopping village with its wide range of independent shops and we are grateful to the Coastal BID for their support as well as to the whole team involved with these activities.

Every Saturday throughout December visitors will discover a festive atmosphere in Westbourne and a packed event programme with acts performing at a variety of locations around the town as well as in shops and businesses, performances take place from 10.00am until 4.00pm with FREE festive fun and goodies for all thanks for the Westbourne Business Association and the Coastal BID.”

Said Chairman of the Coastal BID Paul Clarke “This December Westbourne has generated a warm, friendly, welcoming and fun atmosphere which appeals to residents and visitors alike, it is great to see all of the businesses coming together to celebrate the festive season this year. Westbourne is vibrant and we want to see continued success and collaboration so we can entice more visitors to our award winning location.”