Locals rally to keep Christmas lights shining

Coastal BID are part funding the high street's Christmas lights this year.

A seaside town will be lit up this festive season despite the council pulling funding for Christmas decorations.

A number of local businesses in Bournemouth have begun a fundraising campaign to have lights on their high streets.

In 2023, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said it will stop the funding because it was facing a budget shortfall of £44m.

The Coastal Business Improvement District (BID) said it would "step in" and provide lights in the town centre.

BCP Council said they would stop funding the Christmas lights in 2023.

This year Coastal BID, along with the Westbourne Business Association (WBA), are part-funding the decorations to "sprinkle the streets with festive cheer".

Chairman of the WBA, Kenny Woodhead, said that they have met their fundraising target for this year.

"We have raised £4,000 and (Coastal) BID has paid for the rest but we are still taking donations because we need to pay for the lights and decorations next year," he said.

Mr Woodhead is hoping it brings more than just footfall: "The kids, they want to see the lights and when people drive around I want them to think 'oh let's stop here'."

Karl Payne grew up in Bournemouth and said he wanted to give something back to the community of Winton.

"After running my business here for 20 plus years I wanted to fundraise for the Christmas lights on the High Street," he said.

"This year it will cost £1,600 because we are adding a christmas tree in the library's restored garden."

'Christmas lights make people proud to live here'

The Coastal BID provides lights and decorations for Halloween, Mother's Day and Christmas in Boscombe and Southbourne.

This year, it is funding the Christmas in Bournemouth project in the centre of town which is replacing Christmas Tree Wonderland.

"What you put into an area is what you get out of it," said Executive Director Fiona McArthur.

"It's my job to make sure the communities, residents and visitors all love their areas so the Christmas lights bring warmth and it makes people proud to live there."