One of the UK’s leading leisure and event operators, BH Live, is celebrating half a million attendances to cultural performances, shows and entertainment events between April 2023 and March 2024, at venues across Bournemouth and Croydon.

The registered charity and social enterprise operates Bournemouth Pavilion, Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), and Fairfield Halls in Croydon in partnership with their respective local authorities.

BH Live has been focusing on expanding each venue’s cultural event programme to increase audiences and deliver a diverse mix of events and entertainment. One of the organisation’s key charitable aims includes inspiring more people to visit and support their local cultural venues, enriching their lives through live performances.

Sold-out shows during the period included performances from artists such as Bring Me The Horizon, Michael Mcintyre, and James Arthur, comedians such as Mickey Flanagan and Bill Bailey, as well as in-conversation events with public figures such as Professor Brian Cox. Other notable stars include Leona Lewis, Billy Ocean, Olly Murs, Shalamar, Coleen Nolan, Jimmy Carr, Frankie Boyle, and many more.

Musical events such as rock, pop and classical performances made up more than a third of the venues’ entire cultural programme. Bournemouth Pavilion and Fairfield Halls’ annual festive pantomimes continued to be a firm favourite, last year attracting more than 44,000 people of all ages.

Furthermore, in Croydon, Fairfield Halls hosted more than 120 dance performances and theatrical events. The team at the venue regularly collaborates with community groups and local arts organisations to provide space for young people and professional artists to rehearse and perform. Fairfield Halls is also home to resident companies including Talawa and London Mozart Players who develop and perform within the venue.

A hub for classical events and activities, Fairfield also hosted international orchestral performances, recordings, and rehearsals in its world-class Concert Hall, renowned for its high-quality acoustics. Visiting orchestras include the Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra of India, China Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, and many more.

This year BH Live also marked two major venue milestones – the 40th anniversary of Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and the 95th anniversary of Bournemouth Pavilion. A free-to-attend community open day at Bournemouth Pavilion attracted more than 500 visitors, and more than 168,000 people enjoyed performances at the theatre over the year.

As well as free open days, Bournemouth Pavilion and Fairfield Halls additionally host heritage and community events throughout the year to encourage more visitors to learn about the venues. These include Bournemouth Pavilion’s tea dances, family open days and Compton Organ concerts.

Welcoming more than 300,000 visitors a year, Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) presents a versatile range of music, musical, and comedy events year-round in partnership with its in-house event teams and industry promoters.

With four main halls including a 6,200-capacity standing arena, international superstars who have played there include Gary Barlow, One Direction, Tom Jones, Dolly Parton, Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan. Other headliners over the past 40 years include performances from Diana Ross, Oasis, Girls Aloud, and Sir Elton John.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;

“The impact of delivering cultural events, performances and activities is felt far beyond the venues themselves. It resonates deep into the local communities we serve. There’s no doubt that coming to see a live performance, whether it is classical, rock, pop or panto, creates positive lasting memories. These shared moments and experiences make our communities more vibrant and enjoyable places to live, work and learn. We are delighted to mark more than half a million attendances this year and it is a privilege to be part of the rich cultural offering in Bournemouth and Croydon.

Steve added;

“Because these venues are run by BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, what’s even better is that any surplus we make through ticket sales, venue hire, food and drink, is invested back into the venues and programmes – providing future investment opportunities and enabling even more people to enjoy the feel-good feeling of live performance through subsidised and supported schemes.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said:

“With the festive season lighting up our borough, it’s great to reflect on the many performances and theatrical events enjoyed at Fairfield Halls this year. We look forward to hosting more cultural and musical events for all in 2025, welcoming local as well as international talent to perform at the heart of our community.”