Following confirmation from BCP Council of the removal of the budget for Christmas lights this year, Bournemouth Coastal BID have announced that it will be “Business as usual” for Christmas 2023.
Fiona McArthur, Head of Bournemouth Coastal BID said:
“Bournemouth Coastal BID have organised and funded all of Christmas lights and events in Southbourne and Boscombe for in excess of 10 years and we will continue to do so in 2023.
In Westbourne we have funded and organised all of the lights apart from the festoon crossing the road, which will not be in place this year due to the financial pressures being felt by BCP Council. However, the rest of the lights will be in place, ready to welcome shoppers to the area. We are also looking at boosting our offering.
Feedback last year was that our illuminations were particularly spectacular and preparations are in hand to ensure that we will build on that success. Our bespoke lights reflect the personality of each area and provide lasting memories for those residents and visitors who come and to shop and socialise in the lead up to Christmas.”
Bournemouth Coastal BID have also confirmed their commitment to the hotels on the East and the West Cliff by continuing to fund Christmas Tree Wonderland in 2023. Fiona said;
“We have co-funded Christmas Tree Wonderland since its inception. Bringing over a million visitors to the lower gardens and generating thousands over additional overnight stays in our hotels it cannot be denied that this is a key event for Bournemouth. Due to various factors we are now the headline sponsor and we will continue to provide that support for as long as we can, given the Council’s current finding position. We are also looking into new and alternative funding models.
We need to foster the correct environment in which businesses can grow and continue to provide employment, attraction and to generate income to the benefit of everyone who lives and works in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas.
Supporting those businesses is especially crucial during this trading period.
Whilst we acknowledge the financial situation being faced by BCP Council at the present time it is important not to forget the multitude of benefits that thriving, creative businesses bring to its residents and the conurbation as a whole.”.
In addition to the Christmas lights Bournemouth Coastal BID will be hosting various Christmas events in the lead up to the big Day, including Santa’s grotto in Boscombe, Donkeys in Southbourne and various festive entertainment in Westbourne. Details will be announced shortly.
Christmas Tree Wonderland 2022
Coastal BID Christmas Lights in Southbourne, Bournemouth
Bournemouth Coastal BID Christmas Lights in Boscombe
For more information please contact fiona@coastalbid.co.uk or mobile 07712708005