Local charity spotlights link between arts and mental wellbeing in Bournemouth and Croydon

Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May 2026), registered charity and social enterprise BH Live is celebrating the positive impact attending a live performance can have on mental health and wellbeing.

As awareness continues to grow around the importance of looking after mental health, BH Live, the charity that operates Bournemouth Pavilion, Bournemouth International Centre, and Fairfield Halls, is shining a light on the value of cultural event experiences as a simple yet effective way for people to relax, reconnect and improve their emotional wellbeing.

From live music and theatre to comedy, dance and performance, live performance offers escapism, shared enjoyment and experiences that can contribute positively to everyday mental health.

The benefits of cultural engagement are supported by extensive research. A report prepared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2019 found that activities such as making and listening to music, dancing, engaging with art and visiting cultural venues are associated with stress management and prevention. The report concluded that these activities are linked to lower levels of biological stress in daily life and reduced daily anxiety*.

The same report also highlights the wider, longer‑term benefits of taking part in arts and cultural activities, noting that regular engagement can help reduce the risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression during adolescence and later in life. These findings reinforce the importance of access to cultural experiences as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

BH Live, which operates a range of venues and cultural spaces in Bournemouth and Croydon, is driven to make arts and entertainment more accessible to the local community and visitors alike. By offering a diverse programme of shows and events, the charity aims to create welcoming spaces where people can come together, switch off from daily pressures and enjoy shared moments of creativity and connection.

Bournemouth Pavilion and Bournemouth International Centre is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council. Fairfield Halls is operated by BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council.

On behalf of BH Live, Nicola Coney, Entertainments and Events Manager, shared;

“Mental Health Awareness Week provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on simple actions support our wellbeing. Attending a show, enjoying live music or sharing a performance with friends or family can help combat isolation, lift mood and encourage people to be present in the moment. These are benefits that are often overlooked but are increasingly important in today’s fast‑paced world.

“We hope to encourage more people to view cultural experiences and live performance as a valuable tool to benefit mental health. By stepping into a theatre, concert hall or performance space, audiences can take time for themselves, feel inspired and connected, and enjoy experiences that contribute positively to their overall wellbeing.”

For more information about Bournemouth Pavilion and Bournemouth International Centre, including what’s on, visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk and bic.co.uk.

For more information about Fairfield Halls, including what’s on, visit fairfield.co.uk.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

*What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review, World Health Organisation, Health Evidence Network synthesis report; 67, published 5 November 2019, accessed on 27 April 2026

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.

BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.

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, Croydon Council, and Southampton City 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

Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET

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 registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, BH Live. It has been established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.

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, and dance. Gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, corporate presentations, product launches, conferences and exhibitions also feature.

A dedicated archive team made up of volunteers work year-round to preserve the venue’s heritage and cultural history. For more information, including how to donate, get in touch with the team at pavilion.archive@bhlive.org.uk.

Bournemouth Pavilion is also home to Pavilion Dance South West, and the Pavilion at AUB, a 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.

See what’s on and 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

Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU, DORSET

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 BIC 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 series of smaller meeting and hospitality areas can be scaled to host events such as multi-hall conferences, exhibitions, meetings, music concerts, dance and comedy.

See what’s on and 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

Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET

About Fairfield Halls, Croydon

Fairfield Halls is managed by BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, in partnership with Croydon Council.

With a long and distinguished history, Fairfield Halls sits in the heart of Croydon.

Spaces inside the venue include its 809-seat Ashcroft Theatre, the world-class 1,802-seat Concert Hall, and The Recreational a 750-capacity standing live music venue. Additional space is available in the adjoining Cube Studio.

As well as the main auditoriums, there are additional spaces and rooms that regularly accommodate local business events, conferences, exhibitions, meetings, consumer-led events, and attractions such as family gatherings and celebrations.

Companies in residence at Fairfield Halls include Talawa, and London Mozart Players.

Following a major refurbishment in 2019, the venue’s opening seasons included an eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy, performance, dance and family entertainment including an annual festive pantomime.

The Terrace Bistro offers pre-show dining with drinks and light-bites.

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother opened Fairfield Halls on Friday 2 November 1962. The inaugural concert in the Concert Hall was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent, with renowned soloist Yehudi Menuhin also performing.

The Ashcroft Theatre was opened on 5 November by Croydon-born Dame Peggy Ashcroft, with the opening ceremony including a monologue by Sir John Betjeman called ‘Local Girl Made Good’. The first play performed was Royal Gambit, starring Dulcie Gray.

The Arnhem Foyer is named after Croydon’s twin-town of Arnhem in the Netherlands.

Buy tickets

See what’s on and buy tickets online at fairfield.co.uk
Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
In person from box office at Fairfield Halls – see website for opening times.

For call charges, opening times and more visit fairfield.co.uk

Facebook – @fairfieldcroydon

Instagram – @croydonfairfield

Address: Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG, LONDON