Event Details
Date: Saturday 29th Novmber 2025
Times: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Huge community turnout as Westbourne Christmas Tree Lights switched on by Harry Redknapp
Westbourne welcomed the festive season in spectacular style this weekend with a huge community turnout for the annual Christmas Tree Light Switch On, hosted by Bournemouth Coastal BID. Families, residents and visitors filled the high street to enjoy an evening of live music, festive entertainment and seasonal spirit as the area’s Christmas lights were officially illuminated.
Football legend Harry Redknapp joined the celebrations to switch on the lights alongside civic representatives, delighting crowds and taking time to meet local people and families.
Harry Redknapp said:
“It’s been absolutely brilliant to be here in Westbourne and see so many people out supporting their local community. The atmosphere has been fantastic, and it’s great to be part of something that brings everyone together like this. Christmas is about community, helping each other and being kind and Westbourne has shown just how strong that spirit really is.”
Sonia Shaw, Operations and Marketing Manager for Bournemouth Coastal BID, said:
“Seeing the high street filled with families and familiar faces is really rewarding. Events like this only happen because traders and the community believe in their town and Bournemouth Coastal BID create these events to showcase that. The energy this evening has been incredible, and it shows how much Westbourne cares about coming together to celebrate Christmas properly.”
Kenny Woodhead, Chairman of the Westbourne Business Association, added:
“Tonight has shown just how proud Westbourne is of its high street. Local businesses have invested their own money to improve the area for everyone, and seeing the streets packed with people enjoying themselves proves just how much that effort matters.”
This year’s festive display included additional Christmas lighting which was funded by local traders and Bournemouth Coastal BID. The event was further supported by Bournemouth Council through permission for the use of the festoon lighting, allowing the town centre to shine throughout the festive season.
Fiona McArthur, Head of Bournemouth Coastal BID, said:
“We are really pleased the Council worked collaboratively with us to allow the use of the festoon lights. Dan Moorley helped pushed this through across the line. So thank you to their team. These lights were funded by traders and the BID to enhance Westbourne for the whole community, and the council’s cooperation has enabled the area to truly shine this Christmas. It is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when businesses and local authorities work together with a shared ambition for the town.”
The evening also featured live performances by the Funky Little Choir, a community singalong and a special appearance from Santa, creating a welcoming festive atmosphere for all ages.
Special thanks were extended to Ete Westbourne for flying in Santa, The Hutch for donating the Christmas tree, and Baks Menswear for helping to secure a local legend.
The event forms part of Bournemouth Coastal BID’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses, increasing footfall and strengthening community pride across the coastal towns.
For further information, please contact:
Sonia Shaw, Operations and Marketing Manager
[email protected]
or
Fiona McArthur, Head of Bournemouth Coastal BID
[email protected]
Don’t forget our Next event on 6th December brought to you by The Westbourne Rotary club to help raise money for Hope for food. Santa will arrive at 10:30am on a fire truck at the Arcade and there will be singing all day and Donkeys on the Westbourne M&S Green.
The Bournemouth Goats will also be making an appearance on Saturday 20th December so come and say hello to our favourite one.
See you soon!
