MORE than half a million people flocked to Bournemouth's Christmas Tree Wonderland this year, raising footfall in the town during a difficult time for traders and businesses.

BCP Council have hailed the festive attraction a huge success, saying nearly 600,000 people visited the stunning lights and installations in the Lower Gardens.

Footfall was up threefold from the beginning of November, officials say, and over the busiest weekends, Christmas Tree Wonderland welcomed more than 32,000 people to the Lower Gardens.

Other attractions this winter, also included the Christmas Market, Alpine Bar and SKATE ice-rink.

The council says this popular event, which is now in its third year, has helped to raise the profile of the area and attract visitors to the town centre.

The 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Councillor Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for culture and vibrant places, said: “We are immensely proud of how well Christmas Tree Wonderland 2021 has been received despite the challenges that Covid-19 has once again bought to the forefront.

"Bournemouth has established itself firmly as an exciting Christmas destination and this shows in the number of visitors flocking to our area over the Christmas period to immerse themselves in all the festivities.

“An incredible amount of work goes into creating the Christmas displays and all the associated festive offerings, so my thanks go out to everyone who has played a part in bringing Christmas back to Bournemouth and making it such a success this year.”

The attraction was so popular at the beginning of December, officials from Yellow Buses and Morebus reported long traffic delays caused by the number of people trying to get to town and park.

Christmas Tree Wonderland 2021 was organised through a partnership between BCP Council alongside Bournemouth’s Town Centre and Coastal BIDS, with continued support from Yellow Buses, South Western Railway, PayByPhone and CHASE the digital bank.