Christmas Maritime Light Festival illuminates Poole

Poole kicked Christmas off in style yesterday as the beautiful Maritime Light Festival got underway and the town centre, High Street and quay were lit up in a trail of nautical-themed Christmas lights.

Crowds gathered, along with Poole Mayor Tony Trent and his wife, to enjoy the festivities, which began in Falkland Square with lively performances by the Citrus Singers and Rock Choir.

As darkness fell, the lights appeared and children squealed with delight at the stunning Christmas trees – including the Bobble Hat tree, the Deep Sea tree and the Christmas present tree – as they followed the trail from the Dolphin Centre to the quay.

The walk-through bauble, lantern and snowflake all provided perfect photo opportunities and even the Twin Sails Bridge got a Christmas makeover with striking column lighting.

“Poole’s character has been shaped by the sea as a town of merchants and mariners,” explained Councillor Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Places at BCP Council, “we’ve intentionally crafted a festival to celebrate its important heritage.”

There is a nod to infamous pirate, Harry Paye, with a five-foot-high tall ship, and a curtain of twinkling lights provides an ‘under the sea’ experience. The giant anchor on the quay is surrounded by moving projections and a flotilla of lights in the harbour sets the scene. 

The festival is the first of its kind in Poole and the result of Poole Business Improvement District’s (BID) hard work and commitment to improving Poole Town Centre and supporting local businesses. Jacqui Rock, chief executive of BID, said, “I think this year will be the first year that Christmas will truly be celebrated throughout the Poole BID area.

“Poole has never had such an extensive Christmas event that reaches across the whole of the town centre and spans six weeks. I’m particularly proud that it has been achieved without any increase in the budget from last year.”

BCP Council awarded Blachere Illumination the contract to design, build and install the lights and from what we could see they’ve done a fantastic job. The town came to life and there was a buzz in the air which will no doubt have a positive knock-on effect on local businesses.

And sustainability was at the fore, with 'Wish' the Recycling Whale and 'Tinsel' the Recycling Turtle (both constructed from recycled plastic) encouraging people to pop their recycling into them; this plastic will then be used to make next year’s lights.

The free festival will run for six weeks, until 2nd January. With funfair rides, festive food and drink and even a floating bar, courtesy of Dorset Cruises, why not head down to enjoy the fun and get in the Christmas spirit?

By Emily McGregor, Local News and Lifestyle Reporter