Visitors and residents across the BCP region are invited to discover Bournemouth Pavilion’s rich heritage and cultural programme thanks to a new trail launched by BCP Council.

The Explore BCP Council project is funded by the UK Government through its Shared Prosperity Fund.

Bournemouth Cultural Trail leads participants across Bournemouth’s beautiful coastline, inviting them to explore the history of many monumental buildings and landscapes, including Bournemouth Pavilion, The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, and Bournemouth Pier.

The trail was created with local historian, Hattie Miles, with illustrations by Anna Andrews, and is available to collect at Bournemouth Pavilion’s reception, Bournemouth Tourist Information Centre, and to follow online.

Last year, Bournemouth Pavilion celebrated 95 years of delivering entertainment and culture to the local community.

Valued for its cultural, architectural, and historic importance, Bournemouth Pavilion welcomes thousands of visitors every week, bringing more footfall to businesses such as hotels, bars, and restaurants to boost the local economy and provide year-round culture.

Events such as tea dances, free-to-attend open days, and community performances are held regularly to invite visitors to learn more about the venue’s importance to the BCP region.

The theatre is also home to the Compton Organ, one of the few remaining instruments of the 550 initially installed in churches, cinemas, theatres & concert halls between 1926 and 1939. Compton Organ shows are held throughout the year in partnership with the Pavilion Organ Fund to continue to raise funds for the organ’s maintenance and restoration.

A fantastic line-up of diverse music, musical, cultural, and comedic events is still to come throughout 2025. Highlights include BBLOC’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Wednesday 28 – Saturday 31 May 2025), Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly (Friday 9 May 2025); stand-up from Rhod Gilbert (Friday 27 June 2025); Derren Brown (Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 August 2025); and Fawlty Towers (Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 October 2025).

Bournemouth Pavilion’s annual panto will take centre stage at the venue from Saturday 6 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026; this year’s production is Cinderella. Promising a spectacular show packed with great talent and incredible production values, tickets are already on sale. This year’s production will feature dedicated relaxed and captioned shows and additional group shows, and school performances*.

Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council. On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;

“We are delighted that Bournemouth Pavilion has been featured on BCP Council’s new Bournemouth Cultural Trail, allowing both visitors and residents across the BCP region to discover the venue’s rich history and cultural significance.

“Thanks to the support of our partners and the continued patronage of our audiences, we can continue to deliver a diverse programme of cultural events and entertainment, improving wellbeing in the local community and preserving the iconic venue facilities for future generations to come.”