New Look Beale Place – Grand Opening

Completion of Beale Place to be celebrated with a two-day street party

• The completion of developments to Beale Place in the centre of Bournemouth will be marked with a two-day celebration on the 20^th and 21^st July organised by the Bournemouth Town Centre BID.

A free two-day event including music, children’s entertainment, demos and product samples will take place in Beale Place on Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July, from 10 am to 4 pm. The special street celebration is taking place to mark the ‘grand opening’ of the area which has been under development since Monday 28 January 2019.

BCP Council’s investment into Beale Place has seen the transformation of an area that once accommodated both vehicular and pedestrian traffic into a modern, vibrant space for shoppers, businesses, visitors and workers to enjoy in a bustling part of Bournemouth town centre.

New landscaping and paving, combined with contemporary seating has created a pedestrianised area that opens the space, enabling people to reclaim what had previously been used as a thoroughfare for motor traffic.

Councillor Mark Howell, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Culture commented:

“BCP Council’s investment into Beale Place highlights our commitment to the regeneration and enhancement of public spaces. Creating a vibrant, welcoming space in a key part of Bournemouth town centre that has previously been used as a thoroughfare opens up a new area for people to enjoy. The space will be further enhanced with a series of events to attract even more people to visit and enjoy the new features in Beale Place.”

The opening event, from Bournemouth Town Centre BID and curated by Love and Light Productions Ltd, will treat visitors to a variety of acts and artists performing over the two days.

Saturday 20 July will see performances from no less than five acts including soul, jazz and funk outfit, The Kristy & Karl Duo, plus local community choir The 6 o’ Clock Choir.

Award-winning children’s entertainer, Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the Dragon will also be on hand to keep the little ones amused with shows at 1.15pm – 2 pm on both Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July.

Westcountry songwriter, Jinder, whose 2019 top 40 single ‘Keep Me In Your Heart’ featured in the recent hit film ‘Fisherman’s Friends’, will be playing on Sunday too, along with Larissa Eddie, a judge on the popular BBC singalong contest All Together Now.

Rounding off the weekend, top ABBA tribute act, ‘All About ABBA’, will be performing the Swedish pop group’s iconic hits such as ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Mamma Mia’.

Local traders, such as Creams Ice Cream, Real Eating Company, Patisserie Valerie, and Lansdowne Florist, will also provide enticing demonstrations and samples for visitors over the weekend.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said:

“The new Beale Place is a great place for shoppers and visitors as well as for workers and businesses located nearby. BCP Council’s improvements provide exciting opportunities for an increased events calendar in the area. We hope the Grand Opening and future events will tempt more people to make the most of Bournemouth town centre and its offerings.”

Free to attend, the Beale Place Grand Opening will take place on Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st July from 10 am to 4 pm.