Preparations for the 2026 Bournemouth Christmas market are well underway with new organisers Seventa at the heart of the preparations.
Hayley Taylor, who helped set up the Christmas market and works for Seventa, said: “There are bigger and better ideas with more investment and more stalls then there ever have been.
“BCP Council is no longer involved in the organisation of the market. It is now run by Seventa who have invested a lot of money to make it a more festive experience for the people of Bournemouth.”
BCP Council has withdrawn all direct funding towards the Christmas market to save money after facing a budget shortfall of £44 million in 2023.
The light show alone within Bournemouth gardens cost the council more than £100,000 a year.
SKATE Bournemouth and Seventa will privately invest into the Christmas market within the town centre until January 2030.
PC Jamie Thornton said: “It’s a busy period for us as police. The anti-social behaviour and drunkenness do increase as expected. But we have targeted patrols and the police presence in the area will be increased.
“We have a power called Section 35 so we can ask people to leave the area at any point. This means everyone can enjoy the market without trouble.”
BCP Council has been putting on the Christmas market for locals within the town centre since 2017, with thousands of visitors during the festive season. This is the first year BCP Council will not be involved in the market.
Julie Adshead, a Bournemouth resident and past visitor to the market, said: “The market is great for the community as it brings people within Bournemouth together.
“I’m disappointed the council aren’t involved but it’s good there are other companies to do it and the market will still be going.”
The market will run for a total of seven weeks until 31st December, with the ice rink and Bournemouth gardens trail continuing until 3rd January.
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