BSO Festive Orchestral Favourites at Lighthouse Poole

BSO: Orchestral Favourites from Seasonal Classics is a concert by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra held at Lighthouse in Poole. This BSO festive concert features a programme of Christmas movie scores alongside traditional seasonal classics, performed by a full symphony orchestra. This event takes place annually in early December, marking the festive season with music that suits the run-up to Christmas.

This page covers what the concert entails, what music is typically included, how to plan your visit to Lighthouse, where to watch from, and what other activities to combine with the event in Poole and Bournemouth.

What the BSO festive concert programme includes

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performs a selection of orchestral pieces drawn from well-known Christmas films and seasonal music. The programme usually combines scores from classic festive movies with traditional carols and orchestral arrangements of winter favourites. This blend creates a rich, immersive experience that fills the concert hall with familiar melodies, enhanced by the depth and warmth of a full orchestra.

While the exact pieces vary each year, typical film scores might include themes from "Home Alone," "The Polar Express," or "Elf," alongside seasonal classics such as Tchaikovsky’s "The Nutcracker Suite," Leroy Anderson’s "Sleigh Ride," and arrangements of "Carol of the Bells" or "Winter Wonderland." The orchestra’s performance brings these pieces to life, often featuring guest soloists or choirs to add vocal elements to the music.

The BSO festive concert usually lasts around two hours, including an interval. The programme and running order are confirmed closer to the date and published on the Lighthouse venue’s official website.

A large orchestra with musicians playing string instruments in formal attire, set against a simple backdrop. — The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will perform festive favourites, showcasing a talented ensemble at Lighthouse Poole.

Planning your visit to Lighthouse, Poole for the BSO festive concert

Lighthouse is Poole’s main arts centre, located on the Lower High Street, approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Poole railway station and the town centre. The venue has a concert hall seating around 600 people, designed for excellent acoustics and comfortable viewing. It is fully accessible, with facilities for wheelchair users and hearing assistance.

Poole offers a variety of dining options within a short walk of Lighthouse. These range from casual cafes and pubs to restaurants serving British and international cuisine. Booking a table before the BSO festive concert is advisable, especially on event evenings when demand increases.

Tickets for the BSO festive concert are available through Lighthouse’s official box office, with prices typically ranging from £25 to £50 depending on seating location. Early booking is recommended as the event is popular and often sells out. The venue’s website provides the latest ticket availability, prices, and performance times.

Getting to Lighthouse

By train: Poole station is on the South Western Railway line, with direct services from London Waterloo taking around 2 hours. The station is a 10-minute walk from Lighthouse. National Rail
By car: There are several public car parks nearby, including the Poole Quay car park and the Dolphin Shopping Centre car park, both within a 5 to 10-minute walk.
By bus: Local buses connect Poole town centre with surrounding areas; stops near Lighthouse include High Street and Poole Bus Station. See BCP Council for local transport info.

Where to watch the BSO festive concert and the concert experience

The concert hall at Lighthouse offers tiered seating, ensuring clear sightlines to the stage from all areas. The auditorium’s design supports the rich sound of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, making it an ideal venue for orchestral performances. Audience members can expect a traditional concert setting with a formal atmosphere, suitable for all ages.

For those seeking a more informal experience, the venue’s foyer and bar areas provide space to relax before and after the BSO festive concert. These areas serve refreshments including wine, soft drinks and light snacks. Arriving early allows time to settle in and enjoy the venue’s surroundings.

Accessibility and facilities

Lighthouse provides wheelchair-accessible seating and accessible toilets. Assistance dogs are welcome, and the venue staff can support visitors with mobility or sensory needs. Hearing loops are available in the concert hall for those with hearing impairments.

Combining the BSO festive concert with other activities in Poole and Bournemouth

Poole and Bournemouth offer a range of attractions and dining options to complement your visit to the BSO festive concert. Poole Quay, a 15-minute walk from Lighthouse, features waterside restaurants, pubs and bars ideal for pre- or post-concert meals. The historic Old Town of Poole, with its independent shops and cafes, is also nearby.

Bournemouth, just 10 minutes by train from Poole, provides additional entertainment and dining choices. Visitors can explore Bournemouth’s seven miles of sandy beaches or visit attractions such as the Bournemouth Pier and Oceanarium. The town centre has a wide selection of restaurants, from casual to fine dining, and lively bars. Visit Dorset offers more on local attractions.

For those staying overnight, Bournemouth offers a range of accommodation including hotels and serviced apartments. Flexiestays operates several aparthotels on the West Cliff, providing self-catering options within walking distance of the seafront and town centre.

Tickets, costs and timing for the BSO festive concert

Tickets for the BSO Orchestral Favourites from Seasonal Classics concert are priced between £25 and £50. Prices depend on seat location, with premium seats closer to the stage costing more. Concessions may be available for seniors, students and children, subject to the venue’s policy.

The BSO festive concert typically starts in the early evening, around 7.30pm, and lasts approximately two hours including an interval. Doors open about 45 minutes before the start, allowing time for seating and refreshments. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid queues and to find your seat comfortably.

Booking tickets in advance is essential, as the BSO festive concert is a popular seasonal event. Tickets are sold through Lighthouse’s official box office online and by phone.

Who the BSO festive concert suits

This concert appeals to classical music lovers and those who enjoy festive music performed live. It is suitable for adults and families with older children who can sit through a concert. The programme’s mix of film scores and seasonal pieces offers something familiar and accessible, even for those new to orchestral music.

The BSO festive concert suits visitors looking for a cultural experience during the Christmas season and those wanting to add a musical highlight to their festive plans. It also works well as part of a day or evening out in Poole or Bournemouth, combining music with dining and local sightseeing.

For more ideas on things to do in the area, see our Things to Do section and for other concerts and events, visit What’s On.

Dates & times

4 December 2026

BSO festive concert at Lighthouse Poole with seasonal orchestral favourites good to know

What kind of music is performed at the BSO Orchestral Favourites from Seasonal Classics concert?

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performs a selection of orchestral pieces drawn from well-known Christmas films and traditional seasonal classics. The programme typically includes scores from festive movies such as Home Alone, The Polar Express, and Elf, alongside classics like Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, and arrangements of Carol of the Bells or Winter Wonderland. The concert often features guest soloists or choirs to add vocal elements, creating a rich and immersive festive music experience.

Where and when does the BSO festive concert take place?

The concert is held annually in early December at Lighthouse, Poole’s main arts centre located on the Lower High Street. Lighthouse is about a 10-minute walk from Poole railway station and the town centre. The concert usually starts in the early evening around 7.30pm and lasts approximately two hours including an interval.

How can I get to Lighthouse in Poole for the concert?

Lighthouse is easily accessible by train, car, and bus. Poole railway station is on the South Western Railway line with direct services from London Waterloo, and it is a 10-minute walk from the venue. For those driving, several public car parks such as Poole Quay and the Dolphin Shopping Centre are within a 5 to 10-minute walk. Local bus services connect Poole town centre with surrounding areas, with stops near Lighthouse including High Street and Poole Bus Station.

What are the ticket prices and how do I book for the BSO concert?

Tickets for the concert typically range from £25 to £50 depending on the seating location, with premium seats closer to the stage costing more. Concessions may be available for seniors, students, and children, subject to the venue’s policy. Tickets are sold through Lighthouse’s official box office online and by phone. Early booking is recommended as the event is popular and often sells out.

What facilities and accessibility options does Lighthouse offer for concertgoers?

Lighthouse has a concert hall seating around 600 people with excellent acoustics and tiered seating for clear sightlines. The venue is fully accessible, providing wheelchair-accessible seating and toilets, hearing loops for those with hearing impairments, and welcomes assistance dogs. Staff are available to support visitors with mobility or sensory needs, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.

What can I do before or after the concert in Poole or Bournemouth?

Poole offers a variety of dining options within walking distance of Lighthouse, including waterside restaurants, pubs, and bars around Poole Quay and the historic Old Town. Bournemouth, just 10 minutes by train from Poole, provides additional entertainment and dining choices, sandy beaches, Bournemouth Pier, and the Oceanarium. Visitors can combine the concert with meals, sightseeing, or an overnight stay in local hotels or serviced apartments.

Who is the BSO festive concert suitable for?

The concert appeals to classical music lovers and those who enjoy festive music performed live. It is suitable for adults and families with older children who can sit through a concert. The mix of film scores and seasonal pieces offers something familiar and accessible even for those new to orchestral music, making it a great cultural experience during the Christmas season.