BOURNEMOUTH is having a very wet and grey Christmas eve today, but that hasn’t dampened the spirits of those braving the town centre. 

Despite the new coronavirus variant playing havoc with people’s plans up and down the country, one thing remains steadfast - last minute shoppers still need to dash out on Christmas eve.

Although Bournemouth’s town centre was much quieter than previous years, people still donned their rain jackets for a mooch around the shops, market and gardens. 

Alan and Julie Bradshaw from Manchester have travelled to Bournemouth for Christmas. Julie said: “We’re just visiting on holiday, we’re having a look around the shops today but we don’t have anything we need to get. 

“I’ve never known Christmas eve so quiet, no matter where you go.”

Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth Christmas MarketBournemouth Christmas Market

Friends Peter Levers and Laura Barker are staying with family in Bournemouth over the Christmas period. All stocked-up with nothing to buy, the pair were simply enjoying the festive delights our town has to offer. 

They said: “We’re down here for the Christmas break from Nottingham, my friend’s daughter owns Valentino’s in Poole, she used to have Imelda’s in Gervis Place. 

“We’ve done all of our Christmas shopping so we’ve just come to see if there’s anything different going on, if there’s anything we fancy and having a coffee.”

Visitors have come from all over to spend Christmas by the seaside.

Bournemouth Echo: Friends from Rochester, Gwen Parker on the right,Friends from Rochester, Gwen Parker on the right,

Embracing the Christmas spirit, despite the rain, Gwen Parker from Rochester said: “We’re visiting on holiday for five days over Christmas. 

“We’ve been to Bournemouth before a few years ago and we’d forgotten what it looked like but it’s not changed much - except it’s very wet! 

“We’re just having a look around, hoping to find some shops.

"Tomorrow we’ll be in the hotel having a meal and hoping Father Christmas is coming!”

Looking forward to enjoying a family-filled Christmas with his son, daughter-in-law and mum and dad, Damien Hill said: “We’ve just come into town to grab some last little bits, we’re hoping to grab a bargain. 

Bournemouth Echo: Damien Hill and his son in BournemouthDamien Hill and his son in Bournemouth

“We’re done, we’re just looking for any little extras.”

Full of festive cheer Angela and Pedro Formighieri were also in town grabbing some last minute gifts and making the most of the quiet shops. Angela said: “I’ve got to get little bits for my nieces like chocolates and toys but nothing massive really. 

“It’s quite quiet in town compared to previous years definitely but it’s okay!” 

Bournemouth Echo: Pedro and Angela FormighieriPedro and Angela Formighieri

Most people seemed surprisingly well-organised, just shopping for a few last minute bits. Except Rich Heaney and Nick Baker who had left all of their Christmas shopping until the last minute. 

Rich, a filmographer from London, said: “We’re doing some disorganised shopping last minute - I’ve still got everyone to buy for but we’re doing okay.”

READ MORE: Reviewed: Bournemouth at Christmas

READ MORE: In pictures: Christmas Tree Wonderland in Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s Christmas Market and SKATE ice rink are open until the New Year.

Have you got any presents still left to buy? Let us know what you still need to get in the comments below.