Event Details
Date: Saturday 6th December 2025
Times: 10:30am – 2:00pm
Location: Westbourne Arcade & Green
This weekend, Coastal BID Bournemouth was proud to support the Rotary Westbourne with another successful festive event as we flew Santa in for our Christmas Comes to Westbourne celebration. Working closely with our partners and local traders, we delivered a vibrant community experience that brought families together, and thanks to our combined efforts, we welcomed a record number of shoppers to enjoy the festivities.
The BID supported The Rotary with a cohesive marketing campaign, including leaflet design and distribution, social media, newsletters, website activations B2B engagement and more to make this event successful.
A Magical Atmosphere for All Ages
Santa made a memorable entrance aboard a fire engine, delighting children and giving them the perfect moment to share their Christmas wishes. The arcade buzzed with festive music, featuring live performances from the Sound of Soul Choir and Rossano Sal, creating a warm and welcoming seasonal atmosphere.
Adding to the charm, friendly donkeys, thanks to West Hill Donkeys, visited Westbourne, offering families a unique and heart-warming experience that proved hugely popular.
Beyond the fun, we were also proud to support the Rotary Club, whose fundraising efforts for Hope for Food raised over £800, a reminder of how important community support is at this time of year.
Why This Matters: Supporting Coastal BID’s Vision
What we achieved this weekend isn’t just about a one-off celebration, it demonstrates how partnership-led investment and thoughtful programming can deliver real, measurable benefits. In particular, the event ticked the boxes for several of Coastal BID’s core pillars.
Distinctive Destination
Our Christmas event brought to life everything that makes Westbourne special: its community spirit, coastal charm, and festive personality. Through seasonal illuminations, live entertainment, and special attractions, like Santa on a fire engine and the donkey visit, we reinforced Westbourne’s identity as a lively, must-visit destination, especially during the festive season.
Better Business
By drawing in record footfall, we supported our local traders and businesses, helping attract new customers and encouraging spending in the area. The success of this event demonstrates the power of unity and collaboration among businesses, partners, and community organisations in delivering the kind of memorable experiences that boost local commerce.
Enhanced Environment & Community Spirit
Events like these, which emphasise seasonal décor, live performances, and family-friendly attractions, help foster a sense of pride and welcome. While this weekend’s focus was on festive cheer, the ripple effects feed into a stronger, more engaged community, and help reinforce the appeal of Westbourne for both residents and visitors.
