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Be entertained in Bournemouth

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Entertainment

Bournemouth is a vibrant, bustling resort with plenty to see and do whether you’re staying overnight or visiting for the day. From international concert venues and theatres to live music nights and clubs, there are hundreds of places where you can be wowed with all types of entertainment.

Concert Venues

At the heart of the resort is the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). It’s one of the South’s largest venues and attracts pop acts, conferences and exhibitions as well as huge audiences. Nearby Boscombe is also home to live entertainment venue, the O2 Academy. Based in a charming grade II listed building, formerly the Grand Theatre, it hosts some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Theatre & Dance

Bournemouth’s Art Deco Pavilion Theatre captures the elegance and splendour of the 1920s. You can catch West End shows, opera, ballet and pantomime throughout the year.

It’s also home to Pavilion Dance South West, presenting performances, live screenings, exhibitions and more than 40 classes every week. Another of Bournemouth’s historic buildings, Shelley Manor, is home to the Shelley Theatre – a delightful place to enjoy film and theatre.

Cinemas

Our brand new 10-screen cinema sits at the centre of the resort surrounded by restaurants, making it perfect for a family treat or date night.

We’ve also got the UK’s first 6D cinema! You can experience film like never before – seeing, hearing and feeling everything as if you’re really there.

Comedy & Live Music

It’s a laugh a minute in Bournemouth! We get some of the biggest names in British comedy at our international venues and there’s a great local scene. There are stand-up and open mic nights at many of our pubs and clubs. It doesn’t stop with jokers – Bournemouth is a hot bed for new and young talent. Many venues, especially the local pubs in our coastal villages, showcase emerging bands and musicians.

Casinos & Nightclubs

Bournemouth comes alive at night with modern bars and clubs in the heart of the resort. You can sip on cocktails as the sun goes down, dance into the early hours of the morning or even try your luck in one of our casinos. These venues are surrounded by restaurants and takeaways so you can make a night of it with a group of friends. You’re also never far from a sea view, which will make your visit even more memorable.

For full information on events and festivals, visit What's On

Looking for accommodation in Bournemouth… a perfect place to stay by the sea…

Bournemouth is well known for its great variety of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self catering options situated along our stunning coastline. You’ll find luxury international hotel groups, national chains, beautiful boutique hotels, independent and family friendly hotels and guest houses, budget friendly hotels, a great choice of self catering options and caravan and camping parks along our neighbouring coastline and countryside.

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Poole Stadium Greyhound Racing

Poole

Let's Go Racing... A great night out for all the family, enjoy your evening & cheer your winners past the post.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
247 reviews
Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair!
Pier Amusements

Bournemouth

A wide range of entertainment machines and all of the most up-to-date videos and prizes.
Tower Park

Poole

At Tower Park, Poole, a galaxy of entertainment unfolds. With the Splashdown water park and Empire Cinema, Tenpin bowling, kids soft play, bingo and a range of restaurants, there's enough to keep you busy whatever the weather.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
173 reviews
Pavilion Dance South West

Bournemouth

Pavilion Dance South West presents a year-round programme of innovative and inspiring dance performances, live ballet screenings and arts exhibitions in an intimate, state-of-the-art, 200-seat theatre and gallery space.
Bh2 Leisure Complex

Bournemouth

Restaurants, Cinema and entertainment for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Bournemouth's buzzing Town Centre.
Camel Bar

Bournemouth

Camel Bar is the Best place to go to party, have fun with your friends, or just relax. We are open until 6:00 A.M every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and on Bank Holiday Sundays.
Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

Poole

Experience, explore, discover and join in with the arts at Lighthouse, Poole, the largest regional arts centre in the UK.
Bournemouth International Centre

Bournemouth

Whether you want to see a show, be educated at a conference, attend an exhibition or enjoy some art, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is a premier conference, events and entertainment venue, centrally situated in the town with panoramic…
Camp Bestival

East Lulworth

Welcome to the wonderful world of Camp Bestival a multi-award winning festival that combines an all-encompassing family festival experience with an action packed camping holiday; something that we like to call a Festi-Holiday!
British Beach Polo Championship Sandbanks

Poole

The British Beach Polo Championships returns to Dorset on 12-13 July 2019. With up to 10,000 people in attendance, it is the biggest beach polo event in the world
SandFest

Poole

For the 3rd year running 5000 sun soaked, music and fun loving Sandfesters will gather on the spectacular blue flag Sandbanks beach to enjoy world class DJs and acts
London Repertory Players

Bournemouth

The London Repertory Players (LRP) return for an extended season of 5 weeks in Summer 2019!
The Regent Centre

Christchurch

A well established Art Deco arts centre, dating back to 1931.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
129 reviews
British Beach Polo Championship Sandbanks

Poole

The British Beach Polo Championships returns to Dorset on 12-13 July 2019. With up to 10,000 people in attendance, it is the biggest beach polo event in the world
SandFest

Poole

For the 3rd year running 5000 sun soaked, music and fun loving Sandfesters will gather on the spectacular blue flag Sandbanks beach to enjoy world class DJs and acts
Pavilion Theatre

Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Pavilion and Ballroom is Bournemouth’s stunning Art Deco theatre providing year-round entertainment. Built in the 1920s, this vintage theatre retains its original and elegant styling. Bournemouth's regular home for West End stage…
Poole Hill Brewery - Southbourne Ales

Bournemouth

This Victorian themed brewery and taproom was voted Dorset's best brewer in 2018. The taproom and visitors centre are open daily with brewery tours, live music and multi award winning ales.

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