A FREE two-day street party will be held in Bournemouth to celebrate the completion of the £600,000 re-development of the Beale Place area.

It will include music, children’s entertainment and demonstrations and will be held between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday July 20 and 21.

The area is now pedestrianised in the vicinity of stores including Beales, Superdry and Clintons.

Work started in January and led to considerable disruption in the area.

But BCP Council hopes its investment will transform the area into a vibrant space for shoppers, businesses, visitors and workers to enjoy.

New landscaping and paving, combined with contemporary seating, has created a pedestrianised area that opens the space, enabling people to reclaim what had previously been used as a thoroughfare for motor traffic.

Councillor Mark Howell, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Culture, BCP Council said: “Beale Place construction costs were funded mainly through central government grants. The scheme was approved by Bournemouth Council, prior to the new BCP Council, but I hope it will help to attract visitors and increase footfall and retail demand.”

Saturday, July 20, will see performances from five acts including soul, jazz and funk outfit, The Kristy & Karl Duo, plus local community choir The 6 o’Clock Choir.

Award-winning children’s entertainer, Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the Dragon will also be on hand to keep the little ones amused with shows at 1.15pm – 2 pm on both days.

Westcountry songwriter, Jinder, whose 2019 top 40 single Keep Me In Your Heart featured in the recent hit film Fisherman’s Friends, will be playing on Sunday too, along with Larissa Eddie, a judge on the popular BBC singalong contest All Together Now.

Rounding off the weekend, top ABBA tribute act, All About ABBA, will be performing the Swedish pop group’s iconic hits such as Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia.

Local traders will provide demonstrations and samples for visitors over the weekend.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “We hope the grand opening and future events will tempt more people to make the most of Bournemouth town centre and its offerings.”