MORE than 5,500 people will come to Bournemouth this weekend for a Jehovah’s Witness convention.

The convention will run between Friday, August 4 and Sunday, August 6 at the Bournemouth International Centre.

It is a part of the ‘Exercise Patience’ convention series happening across the world this weekend.

A programme of songs and discussions will be universal for all 6,000 conventions taking place worldwide.

Visitors can expect a combination of local speakers and video content, making it accessible to both Jehovah’s Witness community and other visitors, who are welcome to attend the free convention.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been coming to Bournemouth for their annual convention since 1995, first at AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Court and more recently at the BIC.

After a three-year pause due to the pandemic, the convention is returning to the BIC, as this summer marks the first time conventions have returned for Witnesses across the globe.

Matt Furneaux, local spokesperson for the regional convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Bournemouth 2023, said: “While it was a safe and practical decision to take our conventions online during the pandemic, nothing beats being back together again here in Bournemouth for three days to experience that togetherness and fellowship.

“It’s a fresh opportunity to welcome visitors from the community to join us for all or part of the three-day programme.”

Across the UK, 21 conventions will be held at 13 host cities this weekend. The event at the BIC will bring the Dorset Witness community to the town, along with many people from parts of Hampshire and Wiltshire.

The programme will explore ‘the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance through Scriptual examples’.

Matt added: “Patience is often in short supply, and this programme will explore lessons from the bible that can help us to develop patience in all aspects of our modern lives.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centres and theatres across the world for more than 100 years.

The convention at the BIC is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information on the convention programme, visit the Jehovah’s Witness website.