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Be entertained in Bournemouth

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Theatre & Performing Arts in Bournemouth

With theatres and venues of different size and specialisms dotted around the resort, there’s always somewhere in Bournemouth where you can enjoy a star studded or spellbinding performance.

Bournemouth proudly celebrates its charming Victorian heritage alongside a bustling, cosmopolitan lifestyle and this is reflected in its performance venues. They range from Bournemouth’s oldest – the Shelley Theatre, built by Sir Percy Bysshe Shelley and opened in 1870 – to Pavilion Dance South West – the National Dance Development Organisation for the region.

Work to continue improving these venues is supported by volunteers, community partnerships and funding projects. They lead the charge in promoting art and culture in the destination and you’ll find that they have packed programmes presenting cutting edge performances, live screenings and exhibitions throughout the year.

Bournemouth’s entertainment offer is underpinned by a large, international venue and historic theatre that continue to sell out some of the country’s most popular artists and shows.

Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is an impressive and spacious concert venue with generous parking and plenty of places to eat and drink. It’s situated close to the beach and town centre.

Each year, the BIC welcomes some of the biggest names in rock, pop and comedy, as well as hosting dance competitions, conferences and exhibitions.

The Pavilion Theatre is a stunning Art Deco venue that evokes the elegance and splendour of the 1920s. With over 1000 seats in raked stalls and more in the circle, the Pavilion Theatre is a regular home to West End stage shows, opera, ballet, pantomime and comedy.

Naturally, in a town that’s overflowing with energy and talent, it’s common to find additional performances in smaller venues and even in our many, spacious churches or the larger restaurants and bars.

You’ll find busy programmes at performance venues in our neighbouring towns. It’s a short car, bus or train ride to explore Lighthouse – Poole's Centre for the Arts, the Regent Centre in Christchurch or the Tivoli theatre in Wimborne.

So, whether you want a riotous laugh, thought provoking experimental journey or rip-roaring musical spectacle, you’ll find something to inspire you in Bournemouth.

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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.
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
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
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.
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.

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