New Christmas event coming to Poole this festive season

A FESTIVE event using the maritime heritage of Poole is aiming to bring the town to life over the Christmas season.

BCP Council is attempting to step up the celebrations in the town after criticism that the festive focus had been on Bournemouth town centre in previous years.

Initial details about plans for the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival were revealed at the full council meeting on Tuesday, April 26.

Don Nutt of Poole Bay Rotary asked the council for more information about the event as he said work his club were doing on a heritage fund project could assist.

Councillor Mohan Iyengar, reading a statement on behalf of Cllr Beverley Dunlop who was not at the meeting, said the BCP Events Team had worked on concepts for a Poole Christmas event to give the town its own “distinct offering” over a six-week festive period.

“The Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival will plan to use the maritime history of Poole and bring it to life in a themed Christmas event,” said Cllr Iyengar.

“Lighting up the gateways into Poole and creating a trail to unveil the hidden gems that lie in the streets; providing the link from the Quay and Old Town through to the Dolphin Shopping Centre and Lighthouse; and using eye-catching installations and immersive attractions.

Cllr Mohan Iyengar

“As the trail reaches the key, Poole’s unique asset will come to life in the harbour. Lit to showcase the boats on the water and creating business opportunities both on shore and on the water, it will bring a festive feel to the harbour and central gateway to Poole.

“We will be working with businesses to help light up the town and showcase their goods through shop windows linked to the maritime theme.

“There will be Christmas trees on Poole Quay and in the High Street to complement the Dolphin Shopping Centre scheme.”

The council plans to work with partners and Poole BID, as well as sponsorship opportunities, to deliver the Christmas event.

“It will celebrate Poole’s heritage and maritime history and create a memorable Christmas festival for the people of Poole,” added Cllr Iyengar.

Mr Nutt, a stalwart of Poole Bay Rotary, earlier told councillors: “We are just about to pitch for a heritage fund project linked with an event at Poole Lighthouse on September 3.

“This is all about Poole’s maritime story and we may be able to build in more support for the proposed Christmas maritime festival in our heritage fund application.”

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