Bournemouth Pavilion is delighted to announce the return of its much-loved free-to-attend Christmas Cracker Carol Concert on Thursday 18 December 2025 at 2:30pm.
This cherished community tradition and festive singalong invites residents and visitors alike to come together for joyful music, festive cheer, and seasonal carols – all with free entry.
The concert features Bournemouth Pavilion’s magnificent Compton Organ, played by renowned musicians Michael Wooldridge and Ian Carter, who are returning by popular demand.
They will be joined by the talented voices of the Bournemouth & Boscombe Light Opera Company Choir, creating a heart‑warming atmosphere that captures the true spirit of the festive season.
Valued for its cultural, architectural, and historic importance, Bournemouth Pavilion is approaching its centenary year. It’s stage and ballroom provides year-round cultural entertainment and events, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The venue’s diverse cultural programme includes musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, dances and more. Gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, corporate presentations, product launches, conferences and exhibitions also feature as well as tea dances and community performances.
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;
“Bournemouth Pavilion’s Christmas Cracker Carol Concert has been a seasonal highlight in the venue’s busy festive calendar for more than 20 years. We’re delighted to host this wonderful community event once more supported by regular performers, colleagues and community groups. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just visiting for the holidays, Bournemouth Pavilion’s Christmas Cracker Concert is a wonderful way to celebrate community, music, and the festive season.”
Councillor Rich Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Events at BCP Council, said:
“The Christmas Cracker Carol Concert is a wonderful example of how Bournemouth Pavilion brings people together to celebrate shared traditions and enjoy live music in a truly iconic setting. As we approach the Pavilion’s centenary, events like this remind us of its cultural and historic importance to our community. We’re proud to support BH Live in keeping these cherished experiences accessible to all.”
The theatre’s Compton Organ is one of the few remaining instruments of the 550 initially installed in churches, cinemas, theatres & concert halls between 1926 and 1939.
Compton Organ shows are held throughout the year in partnership with the Pavilion Organ Fund to continue to raise funds for the organ’s maintenance and restoration. Donations (optional) will be accepted during the Christmas Cracker Carol Concert and are encouraged on the day.
For more information on the event visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
This Grade II listed venue opened in March 1929. It has a 1,500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom. The venue hosts a year-round diverse programme of events and entertainment such as musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, dances and more. Gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, corporate presentations, product launches, conferences and exhibitions also feature.
Bournemouth Pavilion is home to Pavilion Dance South West and the Pavilion at AUB rehearsal and teaching space for the Arts University Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Pavilion’s South Terrace operates throughout the spring and summer season, serving a delicious range of hot and cold drinks, grab-and-go items, and hot food from pop-up stalls and container bars. The Terrace Bistro serves a seasonal menu, offering an indoor and alfresco dining experience.
- Buy tickets online at co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box office – see website for opening times.
For call charges, opening times and more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthPavilion