Sleigh bells are ringing and the theatre is calling! This year, audiences are invited to get into the festive spirit at Bournemouth Pavilion with a spectacular line-up of seasonal entertainment that’s sure to dazzle and delight.
Kicking off the season is the Imperial Classical Ballet’s® dazzling production of The Nutcracker (Thursday 6 November). This timeless Christmas tradition comes to life in a lavish production featuring a large live orchestra. With snow flurries, sparkling sweets, magical princes and the warmth of holiday romance, The Nutcracker captures the true spirit of the season.
The UK’s no.1 vocal harmony group, The Overtones, comes together to present The Overtones Christmas Party (Tuesday 11 November). Bringing their trademark charm, smooth vocals, and infectious energy, expect Christmas classics mixed with soul, Motown, disco, doo-wop and pop for the ultimate festive party.
Teacher-turned-Glastonbury-sensation, James B Partridge, brings nostalgia and festive joy in a feel-good evening of singalong favourites with The Big Christmas Assembly 2025 (Tuesday 18 November). Step back into the magic of school assemblies of Christmas past in a unique seasonal celebration.
His Majesty’s Royal Marines return for a powerful festive concert, Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular (Thursday 27 November). With military marches, big band favourites and seasonal showstoppers, this event promises something for everyone.
Bournemouth Pavilion’s Christmas Cracker Carol Concert, the venue’s annual, free-to-attend community event, returns on Thursday 18 December. Michael Wooldridge and Ian Carter will perform on the theatre’s historic Compton Organ accompanied by members of the Bournemouth & Boscombe Light Opera Company Choir. Visitors will be invited to sing along to carols for a fantastic afternoon of entertainment.
Last but not least, step into panto land with Bournemouth Pavilion’s festive extravaganza, Cinderella (Saturday 6 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026). Set to be Bournemouth’s biggest and most enchanting panto yet, this glittering production stars Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, BBC), Olivia Birchenough (Milkshake!, Channel 5), Bournemouth’s favourite comedian, Noel Brodie, West End star Jack Wilcox, and The Fabulous Sisters – Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph.
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, said:
“Festive magic awaits at Bournemouth Pavilion this year. With such a diverse calendar of entertainment, from ballet to big bands and pantomime to pop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to celebrate this year’s festive line up.”
The celebrations continue at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) with magical performances such as A Fairytale for Christmas (Saturday 13 December), Elf the Musical (Friday 19 – Saturday 20 December) and That’ll Be Christmas (Sunday 21 December).
Cool Coast Ice Rink, the South Coast’s largest, seasonal, indoor ice rink opens on Saturday 13 December 2025 through to Sunday 22 February 2026. With family tickets, concessions, and group discounts available, whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned skater, everyone can glide into the festive season!
From ballet to big bands, pantomime to pop and ice skating to incredible West End performances, Bournemouth Pavilion and BIC are where festive memories are made. Book early, gather your family, friends, and colleagues, and let the celebrations begin!
Find out more about what’s on and book online;
- Bournemouth Pavilion – bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
- Bournemouth International Centre – bic.co.uk
- Cool Coast Ice Rink – coolcoasticerink.co.uk
Contact groupsales@bhlive.org.uk for more information on tickets, booking, and group rates.
-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 fashion shows. 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
About Bournemouth International Centre
Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Opened in 1984 the venue is set in the heart of Bournemouth, with panoramic views across the bay. It is the south coast’s premier conference, exhibition, entertainment, and hospitality venue, with licensed capacity for up to 10,000 visitors. Four main halls and a variety of smaller meeting and hospitality areas can be scaled to host events such as multi-hall conferences, exhibitions, meetings, music concerts, dance and comedy performances.
- Buy tickets online at bic.co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box offices at Bournemouth International Centre
For call charges, opening times and more visit bic.co.uk.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthInternationalCentre