Bournemouth Bicentenary

2010 sees Bournemouth celebrate its 200th birthday.

To mark the occasion, events and activities are being held across the borough over the next twelve months, from theatre productions to a Mary Shelley weekend and food festivals.

The celebrations started on New Year’s Day with the ‘Bicentenary Launch’ in the Lower Gardens.

Anne Filer is Chairman of the Bicentenary Committee. She told Heart "Bournemouth is much younger than its neighbours but it has achieved so much since those early days when we had an army officer patrolling to catch smugglers through the gardens, and now it's the most successful seaside resort in Britain.

"There are events happening all year round to mark this occasion and to show how the town has developed.

"In the summer there will be a big event where Bournemouth gives the freedon of the Borough to the Rifles Brigade which is currently serving in Afghanistan."

Organisers want to hear from anyone who wants to plan an event this year.