Countdown to the BIC’s Christmas Gift Show 2008

With Christmas approaching, it’s countdown to the Bournemouth International Centre’s annual Christmas Gift Show; the perfect family event. Re-branded this year, the event was previously called the Bournemouth Art, Craft and Gift Show. Open on Saturday 22nd November 2008 until Sunday 23rd November 2008, 10.00am to 5.00pm daily, you can expect a festive and fun packed two day event with gifts galore!

The show is in the BIC’s Solent Hall and this year there will be even more gifts, live demonstrations, competitions and workshops for adults and children. Nearly 100 exhibitors will be displaying gift ideas ranging from clothes, jewellery, candles, cards, and Christmas decorations to paintings, photography, puzzles and toys and even festive treats like chutneys and cheese!

There will be a Free Children’s Party Zone with Magician’s Krazy Kev on Saturday and Mr Merlin and Oakey Dokey the Dragon on Sunday, as well as disco and party games running throughout the day. There will also be a free demonstration zone, including peg leg looming, working with clay and watercolour and acrylic painting.

Children can also create a letter to Santa, make a pouch of reindeer food, create a Christmas collage and have fun and games with Playdoh at the free Children’s Activity Zone. Activities start at 10.30am and sessions range from half an hour to an hour, on both days. The last session starts at 3.30pm until 4.30pm.

Louise Burridge, Exhibitions Project Manager at the BIC and Pavilion said: “Christmas will soon be here so what better than to pop down to our Christmas Gift Show and pick up some great gifts! Get your family in the festive spirit at an event packed with gifts and activities all under one roof!”

Visitors will also have the chance to win family tickets to see this year’s Pantomime at the Pavilion, Peter Pan, starring Barney Harwood from CBBC as Peter Pan, Garry Turner from Emmerdale as Captain Hook, Gemma Hunt from CBBC as Tinkerbell and Richard Ellis from Eastenders as Smee. Tickets for the BIC’s Ice Rink in the Purbeck Hall, which opens on Saturday 6th December until Sunday 22nd February 2009, are also up for grabs!

Tickets cost £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for seniors and accompanied children 16 and under. Look out for ticket offers on leaflets and in the local press. Tickets can be booked in advance online (www.bic.co.uk), through our ticket number 0844 576 3000, at the BIC and Pavilion ticket offices and will be available on the door of the show.

For more information, please contact the show organisers, BIC Exhibitions on 01202 456400 or exhibitions.bic@bournemouth.gov.uk.