Published: October 6, 2023 | Updated: 5th October 2023
BCP Council has announced that it will not be funding Bournemouth’s Christmas lights this year – but the town centre’s Business Improvement District are planning to make sure residents and retailers do not go without.
Bournemouth Town Centre BID has agreed to pay for street lights across the whole town centre, as well as a couple of new attractions to boost footfall.
Chairman Martin Davis expressed his disappointment in the council on behalf of the BID’s levy payers.
He said: “While we’re more than aware of the significant financial problems many local authorities including BCP are facing, investment in our town centre is vital – especially during the most important trading period of the year.
“The new BCP administration said right at the outset in May that the revitalisation of Bournemouth Town Centre was one of its top priorities. This would have been a good way of showing it.
“Our traders need all the help they can get.”
He also noted the lack of Christmas parking concessions from the council, which could also have a negative impact on footfall.
Luckily, the BID has its own plans for drawing visitors with a couple of new initiatives this festive season – their ‘stunning and environmentally sustainable’ projection mapping on buildings and trees, and the Shape of Things to Come trail.
The trail is set to feature window vinyls at various locations across the town centre, allowing visitors to access an augmented reality experience and learn about Bournemouth’s historic past.
Each participant will also be entered into a free competition to win a Town Centre Gift Card, made possible by a grant from BCP Council.
Paul Kinvig, CEO of the BID, added: “We’re ready, willing and able to step in on behalf of our levy-payers and our town centre.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to bring a vibrant and colourful festive presence.
“We are also delighted to be able to bring the Shape of Things to Come trail to town. It’s a great way of linking Bournemouth’s past with the latest technology.
“For us, this is all about giving as many young people and families as possible a reason to visit different parts of the town centre.”
The full BID Christmas programme will begin on November 17, with further details on the lights, projection mapping and trail to come.
