BOURNEMOUTH’S first ever outdoor roller rink is to go ahead and will help transform the Lower Gardens into a “summer paradise”, organisers have said. 

Residents are being urged to lace up their skates and glide into the summer as Summer Skate comes to the town centre. 

Running from July 19 to August 26, Summer Skate will transform a patch of the iconic gardens into an area packed full of events. 

Morning yoga and fitness classes led by expert instructors of RISE Bournemouth are expected to go ahead as well as special event nights such as Motown, 80s nights and quiz nights.

Workers in the Lower GardensWorkers in the Lower Gardens

Meanwhile, there will be a street food truck parked up with an outdoor seating area, an ‘Airstream Bar’ serving ice-cold drinks and cocktails, barista coffee from Bobby’s Parlour and film nights on a big screen. 

Seventa Events and Summer Skate director Simon Brooks said: "We're thrilled to bring Summer Skate to Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, transforming the space with some summer fun and excitement. 

"Whether you're a seasoned skater or a curious newcomer, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Summer Skate.” 

A website has also been set up for Summer Skate to sign up for exclusive booking access to ensure a spot on the rink is yours first. 

Summer Skate is one of a number of new events and improvements in Bournemouth town centre taking place this summer. 

Palm trees, a fudge bus and a decorated bar are all part of the new Live at the Square in The Square, expected to start in mid-July subject to council agreements around planning. 

Two stages will host workshops and live performances within the proposed opening hours of 10am until 11pm throughout the week. 

Sir Conor Burns, chair of the Bournemouth Action Partnership Group, hailed the progress being made in the town centre.  

He told the Echo: “I’m under no illusions as to the scale of the challenges faced to change perception and reality in the town centre.  

“Hopefully things like this combined with increasing cleaning, new bins, hanging baskets will start to show the small positive changes being made.   

"If we can complement this with a police focus on anti-social behaviour in all its forms we could start to see real positive change in the months ahead.”