Bournemouth Beaches Retain Blue Flag Status
Nine beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) have been awarded Blue Flag status for another year – cementing our position as the UK’s leading coastal destination.
Wine, Heritage, and coastal charm collide at South Coast Wine Festival
One of the UK’s most distinctive wine events is set to make a bold return this summer, as the South Coast Wine Festival reclaims its place at the spectacular Highcliffe Castle from 8th to 10th August 2025.
With sweeping sea views, centuries-old walls, and a celebration of over 300 wines from around the world, the festival promises a rich and immersive experience that transcends the traditional tasting event. This isn’t just another wine festival. It’s a cultural showcase framed by a Gothic revival castle, perched dramatically on the cliffs of Dorset’s southern coastline.
Upton House Food & Music Festival 2025
Summer’s here and for family party goers who like their eats as big as their beats, there’s only one place to be – Upton House Food and Music Festival, a three-day feast of top tastes and toe-tapping tunes in the beautiful surroundings of Upton Country Park.
AFC Bournemouth Acquire Vitality Stadium
AFC Bournemouth, in partnership with Black Knight Football Club, has completed the acquisition of Vitality Stadium, the club’s historic home since 1910. The purchase represents a significant step forward for the club, both on and off the pitch, as it continues to build toward a future of long-term stability and ambitious growth. The transaction was completed through Black Knight Stadium Limited, a newly formed entity that will now officially own the stadium.
Poole Pride Set to Return this Summer
Now in its second year, Poole Pride was started in order to make a real and lasting impact on the town and the fact that it is back for a second year means if even just one LGBTQ+ person feels more seen, more valid, more welcomed, and more supported, it will be a success. You are invited to come as you are and embrace a full day and night of inclusive entertainment.
New ‘Action Zone’ Soft Play at Kings Park
Bournemouth’s brand-new soft play facility has officially opened in Boscombe’s Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre – with hundreds of children on hand to put it through its paces.
Calling Local People to Record Town’s Part in History
Internationally Recognised Stained-Glass Exhibition at Highcliffe Castle
You can now book a visit to Highcliffe Castle for 2025 and enjoy an entirely new visitor experience which includes a stained-glass display of international importance.
Four BCP Paddling Pools to Reopen this Summer
Four public paddling pools will reopen this summer, thanks to continued collaboration with community partners.
The Amy Winehouse Band Performing Live with Orchestra
Lighthouse Poole is delighted to announce the return of The Amy Winehouse Band to play the Concert Hall on Saturday 15 November 2025.
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Registrations for Vitality Bay Run are Now Open
Registrations for Vitality Bay Run are now open – sign up today and join the Spring challenge which promises fun, fitness and community spirit.
Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake Headline The Isle Of Wight Festival
The Isle of Wight Festival returns from 19-22 June 2025 with Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake headlining. Whole Weekend Tickets
Fall in Love with the Russell-Cotes this Valentine's
Enjoy Valentine’s Night at the Museum!
Tree-mendous Growth After Bumper Festive Period
Millions of people enjoyed all that Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole had to offer this Christmas - with all three town centres reporting a year-on-year increase in visitors.
Scissor Sisters invite you to Have A Kiki in Bournemouth
Scissor Sisters return to celebrate 20th anniversary of No.1 album Scissor Sisters with huge 2025 arena tour with one night in Bournemouth.
Celebrating 150 years of Bournemouth's Highcliff Marriott Hotel
This year marked a momentous milestone for the Highcliff Marriott Hotel in Bournemouth as it celebrated its 150th anniversary. Opened in 1874, this iconic establishment stands proudly on the West Cliff, offering breath-taking views of Bournemouth Pier and beyond. As a long-time admirer of its history and grandeur, I was thrilled to attend this landmark occasion.
Upton Country Park Celebrates Completion of Major Transformation Project
Upton Country Park has seen the successful completion of the first phase of the Discovery Project.
Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime
Martin Dodd for UK Productions Ltd in association with Bournemouth Pavilion presents Jack and The Beanstalk, sponsored by United Taxis.
Christmas 2024 in Bournemouth
Experience the magic of Christmas in Bournemouth with festive attractions, markets, and entertainment for the whole family. From carols and ice skating to unique gifts and delicious food, there's something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
Melaina Ready to Cast Her Spell
In her first pantomime, young actor Melaina Pecorini is ready to cast a spell over Lighthouse audiences this Christmas as the Fairy Sunbeam in Sleeping Beauty by drawing on her previous experience – in Harry Potter.
Bold New Maritime Structure to Make Waves in Poole
Poole’s rich maritime heritage will be celebrated through a striking new art installation set to span three floors of Poole Museum when it reopens in summer 2025.
Bournemouth Fireworks Promises 'Champagne Supernova' with Oasis Tribute
Bournemouth's biggest and best-loved fireworks party is set to go supersonic as Oasiss, one of the UK’s top Oasis tribute bands, headline the live entertainment at Bournemouth Fireworks on Saturday 2 November 2024.
Local Law Firm Casts a Spell on Sleeping Beauty
Lighthouse is delighted to welcome back Trethowans as an official sponsor of this year’s dream of a pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.
Paultons Park Shines at the UK Theme Park Awards 2024 with Six Prestigious Wins
For the fifth year, the British public were able to vote for their favourite theme parks in these prestigious national awards.
Paultons Park, just 30 minutes drive Bournemouth, was a standout winner at the 2024 UK Theme Park Awards, taking home an impressive six awards. Known for its family-friendly attractions, Paultons Park excelled in categories that highlight its commitment to offering memorable experiences for guests of all ages.
Sanctuary Residency Supports New Theatre Project
Half a Million Visitors Attend Air Festival 2024
Bournemouth Air Festival organisers at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, have thanked partners after months of collaboration resulted in a safe and enjoyable event for the half a million visitors who attended over three days.
Jets, Jumps and Easy Parking at Bournemouth Air Festival
Swedish fighter jets, daredevil parachute jumps, spectacular firework displays, hassle-free parking and top-class entertainment located on award-winning beaches are just some of the reasons to visit the 2024 Bournemouth Air Festival, Thursday 29 – Saturday 31 August.
Boscombe Carnival and Parade
Get ready for a weekend of excitement and celebration as the Boscombe Carnival and Parade is just around the corner on the 24th and 25th of August! This vibrant event, held in the heart of Boscombe High Street, promises two days of unforgettable fun, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you're a local or visiting for the weekend, this free event is the perfect opportunity for families and individuals to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of Boscombe and make lasting memories.
Local Theme Park up for National Awards
One of Bournemouth's top attractions has received multiple nominations in various categories in the prestigious UK Theme Park Awards 2024.
Bourne Free Pride Festival 2024
Bournemouth's annual LGBT+ celebration and pride festival, Bourne Free, is back for 2024 - making a weekend of it on the 5th and 6th July.
Charities receive £100,000 in Bournemouth
Local charities and good causes received cheques totalling almost £100,000 by Freemasons who meet in Bournemouth.
Three is Magic Number for Grooves Community Festival
Dorset’s best loved community festival is counting down to its first ever three-dayer!
Indulge Your Senses: Arts by the Sea Festival 2024 Celebrates 'Taste'
Arts by the Sea, the South West’s biggest free celebration of arts, culture, people and place, is returning for its 14th edition and this year’s theme will be TASTE.
Russell-Cotes Receives £36,000 for Recreation of Historic Children’s Garden Pavilion
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous £36,303 donation from the Bournemouth Civic Society.
Sustainable Swimming at Two Riversmeet
Swimmers at Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex in Christchurch will benefit from the power of the sun this year with the installation of solar PV panels to heat the water.
New 3G pitch officially opens at Rossmore Leisure Centre in Poole
Footballers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) are enjoying perfect playing facilities at Rossmore Leisure Centre, thanks to a £726,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
Poole Harbour Festival - Bigger Than Ever for Summer 2024
With thousands of local live music fans expected to attend, Poole and Bournemouth's biggest and best family live music weekend is ready to return this summer.
An Evening with The Fast Show
Fans of the iconic TV programme The Fast Show are in for a real treat as the original cast members, Simon Day, Charlie Higson, John Thomson, Paul Whitehouse, Mark Williams and Arabella Weir, bring their comedic genius to theatres across the country this spring - with one night in Bournemouth this March.
Screams By The Sea Film Festival in Bournemouth
Screams By The Sea is a one day film festival packed with thrills, chills, & amazing opportunities. It's coming to Bournemouth on the 10th February 2024. The main stage will show 5 feature films, a short film selection, & an award ceremony in which the audience get the chance to cast their vote for the best film of the event.
Big Christmas Appeal to Make Life-changing Experiences
Lighthouse has launched this year’s Big Christmas Appeal to raise money that enables it to give away thousands of free and discounted tickets to children, families and other groups who experience disadvantage.
