THIS year’s Christmas lights in Bournemouth will bring a “positive” contribution to the town centre. 

Thousands of additional people are expected to come to Bournemouth town centre over the next five weeks in the run-up to Christmas. 

The markets have been set up, the ice rink is in place and over the weekend residents got their first glimpse of the Christmas Tree Wonderland. 

Featuring a brand new tunnel of lights as you enter the Lower Gardens as well as Santa Claus Express and a rejig of attractions, this year’s display is anticipated to bring strong numbers to the town.

Bournemouth Echo: Jessie Hansford and nephew Luca enjoying the lights. Picture by Richard CreaseJessie Hansford and nephew Luca enjoying the lights. Picture by Richard Crease

Jon Weaver, head of events at BCP Council's tourism department, described the offering as having a “warm and cosy and family-orientated” feel to it. 

He said: “It’s going to be positive [for the town centre and businesses] in the fact that it's drawing people down and it's helping the hospitality sector. 

“Keeping that visibility is important and it’s about how you can in different ways get people to come down here. 

“The challenge is still the retail area and how you try and redevelop it and get it refreshed – but that’s what the town centre summit is for. 

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by Richard CreasePicture by Richard Crease

“Animating the town centre, whether it's with this event or any other event or activity, is a key part to maintaining that vitality and atmosphere that you want in any town centre.” 

A lot of work has gone into getting the town centre ready for the festive period – but, according to Jon, it’s a lot easier to plan than the air festival, which he has done for many years. 

He added: “We've had to relook at everything and rethink and try to refresh this year where we could. 

“The big new things this year is the nice introductory arch that you can see as you come down and we've revamped the feature tree this year.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by Richard CreasePicture by Richard Crease

“As you walk through, there’s the little Santa Claus Express, which is good for the kiddies, and polar bears which are new too. 

“There are also two what I call ‘selfie opportunities’ as well, with the bauble and the Christmas present. 

“So it's a little bit different and it's a little refreshed, we've just repositioned some things and brightened up the bit by the bandstand.”