From Pumpkins to Colour Friday: Celebrating Southbourne’s Community Spirit
Hello Southbourne,
We still can’t get over this year’s Southbourne Pumpkin Fest! This year we decided to go bigger and better and wow, did it pay off. We closed three roads and transformed our high street into a hub of pumpkin trails, entertainment, and children’s activities. Despite the horrible weather, you still showed up.
A massive thank you to Bournemouth Coastal BID for bringing this day to life. Along with the support of Aspire Life Sports, Boscombe & Southbourne Rotary Club, Immense Events, Louis, Heather, Nigel and the Bournemouth Goats. We couldn’t have done it without them!
“A great day and everyone smashed it. We were really happy to host indoors and we were rammed with a great atmosphere all day”
- Louis (The Wight Bear)
"Southbourne Pumpkin Fest 2025 was hands down the best one yet! Otto and Syd were in their element, and the road closure meant that they could run around safely and try every activity without us worrying. Even with the half-term rain, seeing the street packed with families and our neighbours made it completely worth it. The build-up was as fun as the event itself, and Hettie Fry’s poster was amazing. It’s great having something so creative and community driven right on our doorstep."
- Katy and Paul (Southbourne residents)
"We loved how different the pumpkin fest was this year. Local groups and businesses were invited to work together on the event, which created a lovely sense of community. Watching families brave the rain to take part and seeing the smiles on children’s faces told us everything we needed to know—Southbourne Pumpkin Fest is something everyone should go to! It’s now become a highlight of the year for us, both to support and enjoy. We are looking forward to see what future years bring"
- Maddy and Lewis (Managing Directors at Inspire Life & Sports)
Bye Black Friday. Hello Colour Monday! - Friday 28th November
After the fun and community magic of Southbourne Pumpkin Fest 2025, it is worth remembering that one of the main reasons our area feels so full of life is because our brilliant local traders are always bringing something to the high street.
They are not only running their businesses, but they are also hosting events, dressing their windows, creating a welcoming atmosphere and greeting us with their lovely smiles every day.
As the Black Friday noise begins, instead of scrolling through endless deals that make billionaires even richer, why not choose something that genuinely makes a difference? Let’s flood Southbourne High Street, show our support and share some love with the independent traders who make this community so special.
Shopping local keeps Southbourne vibrant. Your support keeps our high street alive. Take a snap of your favourite shop and tag @visitsouthbourne so we can join in #ColourFriday.
Cranksgiving Returns at Velo Domestique.
Velo Domestique is hosting Cranksgiving again this year. It is the perfect mix of a bike ride, food shopping and a scavenger hunt all whilst doing something good for the community. All you need to take part is a bike, bag and some money to buy food off your shopping list. All food collected will be donated to Hope for Food.
Family Ride:
Sunday 16th November
Meet at Velo Domestique at 12pm
Ride begins at 12:30pm
Route: Under 7 miles
Entry: Free (you purchase the shopping on your list)
Prize Categories:
Fastest cycling • Fastest cargo • Fastest e-cargo • Youngest rider
Alleycat Ride:
Wednesday 26th November
Meet at Velo at 6:30pm
Race begins at 7pm
Plan your own route
Route: Under 16 miles
Entry: Free (you purchase the shopping on your list)
Prizes Categories:
1st, 2nd, 3rd fastest rider • Fastest female & runner-up • Fastest fixed • Heaviest bag • DFL
Say hello to some new faces to Southbourne
Samoa – a Venezuelan family run restaurant serving up delicious burgers and cocktails.
Skinny Malinkys – well known in Southbourne for their hot sauces and pop ups in Southbourne to now having a permanent location.
