CHRISTMAS lights will shine as brightly as ever across Bournemouth this year, the town’s coastal BID has said.

Bournemouth Coastal BID has confirmed its commitment to making Christmas sparkle saying it will be “business as usual”.

It said it has organised and funded all Christmas lights and events in Southbourne and Boscombe for more than 10 years and will “continue to do so”.

Fiona McArthur, head of Bournemouth Coastal BID, said: “In Westbourne we have funded and organised all of the lights apart from the festoon crossing the road, which will not be in place this year due to the financial pressures being felt by BCP Council.

"However, the rest of the lights will be in place, ready to welcome shoppers to the area. We are also looking at boosting our offering.

“Feedback last year was that our illuminations were particularly spectacular and preparations are in hand to ensure that we will build on that success. Our bespoke lights reflect the personality of each area and provide lasting memories for those residents and visitors who come and to shop and socialise in the lead up to Christmas.”

It comes after BCP Council said it would axe Christmas lights in Bournemouth town centre and Christchurch in a bid to save money.

Bournemouth Town Centre BID stepped in to save the lights in Bournemouth town centre.

Bournemouth Coastal BID has also confirmed its commitment to the hotels on East Cliff and West Cliff by continuing to fund Christmas Tree Wonderland in 2023 which it described as a "key event" for Bournemouth. 

It is now headline sponsor and said it will continie to provide support for as long as it can. 

Ms McArthur said there is a need to “foster the correct environment” in which businesses can grow and continue to provide employment, attraction, and generate income for the benefit of Bournemouth residents.

She added: “Supporting those businesses is especially crucial during this trading period.

“Whilst we acknowledge the financial situation being faced by BCP Council at the present time it is important not to forget the multitude of benefits that thriving, creative businesses bring to its residents and the conurbation as a whole.”