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British Association of Barbershop Singers raising the roof

BH Live, the leisure and cultural trust which manages and operates the Bournemouth International Centre is delighted to confirm that The British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS) will be bringing their 39th Annual Convention to Bournemouth in 2013.

Attracting over 2,500 visitors over a five day period, this uplifting and inspiring annual event, which takes place in major convention centres across the UK, is returning to the South Coast after an eleven year absence. This event attracts over 60 barbershop singing groups and quartets who come together to celebrate the joy and harmony of barbershop and compete in the biggest Barbershop event outside North America.

Contributing an estimated £3 million into the local economy through business tourism, The British Association of Barbershop Singers Convention will take place over the May Day Bank holiday weekend and Barbershop members are already looking forward to returning to Bournemouth to enjoy the wide range of attractive accommodation, stunning beaches and award winning gardens.

Also, as part of the annual event, BH Live Hospitality, the new catering division for BH Live at the Bournemouth International Centre will be providing delicious meals throughout the event using locally sourced ingredients and taking on the exciting challenge of providing members with a sumptuous carvery lunch on the Sunday, making the event one of the largest carverys on the South Coast.

The British Association of Barbershop Singers Chairman, Derek Parmenter said; “Our annual Convention brings together groups of barbershop singers from all over the UK, along with their partners and family, plus international guests and singers, and provides an incredibly enjoyable weekend of singing, entertainment and fun for all involved. There are also three shows over the weekend that feature the very best barbershop talent. We are delighted to be returning to the Bournemouth International Centre who have worked closely with our event organisers to provide a 2013 event which will meet our exacting requirements, budget, and make the whole event achievable and attractive to our members.”

Steve Piper, Head of Venues for BH Live the leisure and cultural trust which manages and operates the Bournemouth International Centre added; “We are very pleased to be welcoming The British Association of Barbershop Singers back to the Bournemouth International Centre who have been working closely with the BH Live team to bring their annual event back to Bournemouth and raise the Bournemouth International Centre roof with song. It’s also a great event for the town as visitors will often take up the opportunity to stay on in the town after the Convention, turning their visit into a longer leisure break.”

For more information about The British Association of Barbershop Singers, visit www.singbarbershop.com or for more information about the Bournemouth International Centre visit www.bic.co.uk or telephone the Conference and Exhibitions team on 01202 456550.