A students’ guide to all the free firework displays near Bournemouth Uni this summer

As the weather gets warmer, Bournemouth is sure heating up. For local residents we all know what this means – the annual summer fireworks are back baby! Lighting up the beach with the hues of pinks, yellows and whatever else, BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) council just love to show off to tourists. So, here’s your guide to all of the firework events this summer, the perfect FREE events for students.

Bournemouth beach fireworks

After a long day at the beach, sand in between your toes and salt soaking up every last inch of moisture in your hair, you deserve to sit back and watch pretty lights in the sky. This event is literally on the doorstep of many student accommodations, with the beach being only a 15 minute drive away from the Talbot Campus.

There will be firework displays on Bournemouth Beach Pier on Friday 26th July, Friday 2nd August and Friday 23rd August.

Here’s how to get there for Bournemouth University students:

• Distance from Talbot Campus: Eight minute drive, 15-20 minute bus ride or 47 minute walk
• Distance from Winton: Six minute drive, 11 minute bus ride (6, 17, 13) or 37 minute walk
• Distance from Bournemouth Town centre: Five minute walk

Heads up, the last bus home is usually around 10:48pm so definitely check the schedule ahead of time.

Poole Quay fireworks

Ah, Poole Quay fireworks – a favourite of mine. This event is full of life, with the hustle and bustle of people filling up the Quay. There will be live music and entertainment before the display kicks off.

There will be firework displays on Thursday 25th July, Thursday 1st August and Thursday 29th August – all at 10pm.

If you love this idea so much, that you want to be even more immersed in the experience, you can view the fireworks from the quay, with City Cruises available to book during the display! According to Visit Dorset, this offers you the best seat in the house, as you’ll have a first class view.

Here’s how to get there for Bournemouth University students:

• Distance from Talbot Campus: 21 minute drive and 48 minute bus ride with changes
• Distance from Winton: 22 minute drive, 50 minute bus ride with changes (6, 6A, 17)
• Distance from Bournemouth Town centre: 23 minute drive, 50 minute direct bus (M1, M2)

Bournemouth Air show

If you like the sound of the Bournemouth Beach fireworks, you will love the airshow, complete with a firework display to finish. According to the official website, this is the UK’s largest air festival, attracting thousands of visitors annually. You can expect a funfair, stalls, planes, hospitality (food and drinks) and of course, the Red Arrows. This is not one to miss.

This even takes place on Friday 30th August and Saturday 31st August, with night time firework displays at 10pm.

Refer to the segment on Bournemouth Beach fireworks for travel information.

Swanage

A little bit further afield from the campus is Swanage! This is another one for people who fancy all day events. The week-long event Carnival and Regatta Week involves family fun games, a carnival, races and more – including a number of firework displays.

The displays themselves are held on Saturday 27th July, Wednesday 31st July and Saturday 3rd August, near Banjo pier at 9:45pm. It is advised to watch from either Sandpit field, Shore Road or the grass regions by The Downs.

A top tip from myself as a local: Make sure to get there early and head to the arcade by the beach. It is an inexpensive, fun way to soak up the day.

Here’s how to get there for Bournemouth University students:

• Distance from Talbot Campus: 48 minute drive, one hour 34 minute bus ride with one change
• Distance from Winton: 48 minute drive, one hour and 20 minute bus ride with one change
• Distance from Bournemouth Town centre: 50 minute drive, one hour bus ride (50 purbeck breezer)

Here’s to all Bournemouth students having the best time soaking in the summer this year with these free events. Keep your eyes on our posts for more guides on how to enjoy summertime in Bournemouth as a student.

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