BOURNEMOUTH has seen a 42 per cent rise in footfall since the launch of the town’s first ever Christmas Tree Wonderland attraction.

Tourism bosses have also said the town is on course to record 500,000 visitors during the six week period the trail is running.

Christmas Tree Wonderland, which runs until January 2, features 100 dazzling trees and illuminations and is already proving a hit with visitors. Around 18,000 people turned out for the launch of the free offering on November 16.

Thursday saw the start of the next phase of free family entertainment with the arrival of animated characters who will be performing for visitors in the Lower Gardens every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the New Year.

Aphrodites will be singing a whole host of familiar Christmas tunes while other highlights include a polar bear, snow lion and a snow globe.

Jon Weaver, head of resort marketing and events, said: “The footfall counters are showing numbers in the heart of the resort in line with those recorded in summer weeks at height of the season.”

Last week also saw the first in a series of light and pyrotechnic shows at The Big Wheel at Pier Approach which will run every Friday and Saturday evening until December 28.

A 60ft tree in the centre of the trail will be doing light shows every half hour from 5.30pm to 8.30pm except Christmas Day.