MORE than 5.5 million people flocked to Bournemouth this Christmas – representing a 12.5 per cent increase year-on-year.
This year’s events saw the return of Christmas Tree Wonderland, the markets and SKATE ice rink.
And now a new partnership between SKATE Bournemouth and Seventa Events, which runs the market, has been signed.
Both companies will join forces for the next five years to privately fund their respective events with the promise of delivering a bigger and better experience.
Now teamed up as the Bournemouth Christmas Company, the highly experienced companies have outlined their ‘ambitious vision’ for Bournemouth’s Christmas package.
Among the investments will be a new interactive light trail in the Lower Gardens, an improved family-friendly ice rink layout and an expanded market offering with a wider range of stalls and activities.
Rich Herrett, cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations at BCP Council, said: “I am really pleased with the latest footfall figures which demonstrate the continued appeal of our town centres at Christmas - amid challenging national circumstances.
“More than 12 million people, both residents and visitors, went into our three town centres across the festive period: supporting businesses on our high streets and the visitor economy.
“SKATE and Seventa have already helped us deliver unforgettable Christmas memories for millions of visitors over the last seven years and I am looking forward to seeing how they build on this success going forwards.”
Simon Smith, from SKATE Bournemouth, and Simon Brooks, from Seventa Events, have both been working in Christmas events in Bournemouth since 2018 and have a proven track record of delivering festive cheer.
“We’re excited to take Christmas in Bournemouth to the next level. This partnership allows us to create something truly cohesive across the Lower Gardens and town centre,” said Simon Smith, director of SKATE Bournemouth.
Paul Kinvig, chief operations officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “I welcome the announcement of this new operator, removing any uncertainty about the future of this important event in the life of the town centre.
“We look forward to working with them to ensure the benefit to businesses is felt throughout the town centre.”
Simon Brooks, from Seventa Events, said: “It is an honour for us to build on the impressive foundations and to take the lead on this part of the project, as well as the town’s Christmas market and ice rink.
“The public can expect to see an entirely new design to the lighting features, including interactive light trails, a Santa workshop, a Christmas tree maze, an improved ice rink layout and more.”
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