New Christmas light attraction for Poole

After enjoying glorious sunshine for the past few weeks and with temperatures still hovering around 23 degrees, you probably don’t want to think about Christmas.

However, the BCP Council have just announced the date for a new festive event – Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival, which will run from Saturday 19th November to Monday 2nd January.

Celebrating Poole’s rich nautical heritage, it will feature a spectacular maritime-themed trail of lights which will see Poole’s gates, including Hunger Hill and the lighthouse, illuminated and welcoming people into the town centre.

An enchanting trail of light will continue through Falkland Square, the High Street and Poole Quay.

Featuring thousands and thousands of twinkling lights, these bespoke installations have been made from recycled materials, ensuring that less waste is sent to landfill.

Highlights include a number of Christmas trees with maritime decorations, a bespoke tall ship, a giant anchor, an underwater light curtain and a flotilla of lights on Poole Quay.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Places, BCP Council said: “I am delighted that this personal ambition, for Poole to have its own Christmas festival, is coming to fruition. Poole’s character has been shaped by the sea as a town of merchants and sailors, so we have intentionally designed a festival to celebrate its important heritage.

“This exciting new Christmas event builds on the attractions of Festival Coast Live! with Poole already entertained with live music and performances on the quayside, and the big screen in Poole Park. Completing a busy summer schedule, it promises to go even further and bring a new Christmas shine with lots of festive cheer to our residents and visitors.

In addition to light installations, fairground rides, a Christmas-themed market and food and beverage offerings are planned throughout the city and at the quayside.

Jacqui Rock, Managing Director of Poole Town Center BID, which is the main sponsor of this festival, said: “I think this year will be the first year that Christmas is really celebrated across the Poole BID area. The festival creates individual attractions along the length of the Poole BID area forming a continuous flow from the lighthouse to Poole Quay.

“Poole has never organized such a major Christmas event which spans the whole of the city center and spans six weeks. I am particularly proud that it has been achieved without any increase in budget compared to part of my role at Poole BID is to secure grants to support royalty payer funds and this year I matched BID’s contribution with a grant which invests almost 100 £000 in the festival.

“As the main funder of the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival, we are regularly involved in its progress with the BCP Council team to drive the event forward and ensure all parties are engaged.”

For more information or if you would like to become a sponsor, go to www.pcmlf.co.uk