Published on Friday 17 January 2025
Bournemouth’s reputation as a must-visit destination at Christmas is set to continue for years to come with new operators taking the reins of the town-centre’s festive offering.
More than 5.5million people flocked to Bournemouth over the festive period - representing a 12.5% increase year on year - and now a new partnership is set to build on those foundations with a unified Christmas offering from 2025 onwards.
SKATE Bournemouth and Seventa Events have been awarded a five-year contract after a competitive open tender.
The two companies previously ran the ice rink, in the Lower Gardens, and the town centre market separately but have now joined forces to privately fund the event with the promise of delivering a bigger and better experience than ever before.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder 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.
“This new partnership will ensure the area remains a must-visit destination long into the future whilst providing value-for-money to residents and I welcome the ambitious plans they have outlined.”
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.
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, COO of Bournemouth Business Improvement District, 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 Towns 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.”