Bournemouth Town Centre is set to sizzle this season with the arrival of Summer Streets – a brand-new programme of free activities every Saturday afternoon from May half-term to 21 June.
Five Summer Streets events in total will be hosted across different parts of Bournemouth Town Centre, each taking a different theme, from fashion and dance to art, music and sport. The first in the Summer Streets series is ‘Street Fashion’ at Beale Place and Bournemouth Arcade, from 12.00 until 15.00 on Saturday 24 May.
A team from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) will be showcasing looks on a series of mannequins in Beale Place for Street Fashion on 24 May. The looks come from BA (Hons) Fashion’s third-year students including Arisa Ebe, Alisa Khebang Limbu, Ida Myrdal Sigurdardottir, Sadia Samsuddoha, Amelie Bury, Natasha Sinclair, Devyani Gupta, and Cara-Sophie Mark.
As well as AUB’s Fashion students’ looks, there will also be a chance to gather tips and advice from fashion industry professionals and watch street artists in action, including a caricaturist. Visitors and shoppers can get creative themselves with free eco-friendly arts and crafts, and on top of all that, there will be free goodie bags for first 100 visitors at four Summer Streets Saturday events.
Funded and organised by the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, in partnership with BCP Council and the Town Centre Improvement Fund, Summer Streets is packed with workshops, live entertainment, expert advice and giveaways. Among the highlights will be interactive dance and art workshops, sports demonstrations and a musical garden party featuring ABBA and Blues Brothers tribute acts.
Martin Davies, Chair of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, says, “Following the success of Festive Streets, we’re thrilled to bring something fresh and vibrant to the town centre this summer.
“Summer Streets is all about celebrating Bournemouth’s creativity, culture and community – with themed events that give everyone a reason to explore different areas of town, get involved, and enjoy something new.
“Whether you're into fashion, dancing, art, music or sport, there’s something for everyone — and it’s all free!”
Here’s what’s coming up each Saturday, 12.00–15.00 (with extended times for music on 14 June):
- Saturday 24 May – Street Fashion at Beale Place and Bournemouth Arcade: enjoy free advice from stylists, colour analysts, fashion photographers, modelling agencies, industry professionals and store owners. Meet emerging designers and get careers advice from AUB Fashion courses. Dance along to a DJ set from The Hush Club, take part in free eco arts and crafts, and much more. Arrive early to be one of the first 100 visitors to claim a goodie bag.
- Saturday 31 May – Street Dance at The Triangle: A celebration of all styles of dance in association with PDSW (Pavilion Dance South West). Enjoy free dance workshops, performances, careers and course advice, themed free eco arts and crafts, and goodie bags for the first 100 visitors.
- Saturday 7 June – Street Art on Westover Road: Watch more than 10 artists at work and join in with the interactive art workshop. Enjoy music, meet a live caricaturist, visit nearby galleries, and take part in free eco arts and crafts. Goodie bags available for the first 100 visitors.
- Saturday 14 June – Street Music at the Bandstand, Lower Gardens, from 12.00 until 16.30: Party in the gardens with an afternoon of live music! Enjoy All About ABBA at 12.00 and The Blueprint Blues Brothers Show from 14.30, as you kick up your heels for an afternoon of free family fun.
- Saturday 21 June – Street Sport at Horseshoe Common: Get active and inspired with Street Sport. Meet your local sports clubs, watch demonstrations, hear live interviews, and take part in activities and themed eco arts and crafts. Goodie bags available for the first 100 visitors.
More information about Summer Streets is available on the Bournemouth Town Centre BID website.
